I’ve noticed a trend in retail lately, that of the subscription/curated model. Food is the first thing that comes to mind, with the Blue Aprons and Hello Freshes of the world delivering pre-portioned meal components to thousands of doorsteps each week, but it goes far past food and appears to be a growing trend. Just thinking about how often we buy in this manner surprised me, even though I chose to do it.

On Wednesdays, we receive a box of stuff from Blue Apron, three meals for two people. It’s convenient, the ingredients are high quality and always fresh and the recipes are reasonably imaginative. There are some downsides, of course. Mostly, it feels very bougie. What, are we going to get a cleaning service next? Beyond this, I subscribe to Third Man Records’ “Vault” program. They assemble a nice package of music from various artists which goes out every three months. Some of it is more interesting than others, but even if you don’t like a certain installment, they are easy to re-sell, because they are limited editions. You know record heads can’t stand the thought of missing out on a limited edition from a band they like. Also on a quarterly basis, I receive notebooks from Field Notes. I have a weakness for notebooks, and even though I probably already have more than I will be able to use in my lifetime, still they come. Dr. Evil used to get subscription boxes of girlie things from Birch Box. I can’t speak to their quality, but the boxes were pretty cool.

Add to this the odd must have “One Time Tools” from Woodpeckers, various premiums offered by Kickstarter and the like, signed first editions from Powell’s, Record Store Day special pressings, and on and on, and pretty soon we’re talking real money. If I were a good capitalist, I’d be looking for a way to exploit this trend. On the other hand, since I’m just beginning to detect the trend, it’s safe to say that it is probably about to bust. I’m just lucky that way.

But why? A manufactured sense of scarcity? A need for something seemingly unique, but without too much effort, thankyouverymuch? Are we all bored with the million ways that already existed to spend our limited lucre? I dunno, but I welcome your thoughts.