The power of internet influencers over the economy is still a very new realm, especially with the relatively new prominence of TikTok. Last year, we saw how an effort among passionate fans culminated in WarnerMedia, the parent company of Detective Comics, releasing the “Snyder Cut” of 2017’s “Justice League.”
This example of fans working together to generate enough buzz to get companies to listen seemed to inspire other passionate enthusiasts to take to social media as well.
The push for the return of this beloved and nostalgia-filled product began on Twitter. When the movement hit TikTok, the social media platform most popular among today’s youth, it was only a matter of time before GE Appliances would cave to the kids and their viral dances and memes. That’s right — internet-goers begged and pleaded with Haier, the parent company of GE Appliances, and let’s just say you better hold onto your hat because this news is Christmas in February.
This week, GE Appliances announced they’re bringing back the 1964 GE Americana refrigerator. One of the most innovative refrigerators of all time, the 1964 Americana features a built-in countertop. How do they do this? Well, genius engineers designed the fridge portion to look like cabinets above the countertop and the freezer to be a drawer under the countertop. It’s a beautiful fridge — and I don’t say that lightly.
We haven’t even covered what shenanigans the teens have been up to on TikTok since the announcement. Quite frankly, I don’t understand most of it. Nonetheless, this is a big move. I can’t wait to hear more from GE Appliances in the coming months about how they are not only bringing back the 1964 GE Americana but updating it for a new generation of fridge users.
Jeffrey Brown is a former Arts Editor for the Daily Cardinal. He writes for The Beet occasionally and does some drawing and photography too. He is a senior majoring in Sociology. Do not feed him after midnight.
