The (im)possible Whopper Phenomenon: How Fringe Products Move to the Mainstream
(A2020-63851)

AUTHORS

Ivana Beveridge, University of Houston; Betsy Gelb, University of Houston

KEYWORDS

product mainstreaming; nonconforming; counter-normative

ABSTRACT

We explore how products move from the fringes to the mainstream of consumption, analyzing yoga and plant-based burgers. We explore their commonalities and differences, including results from qualitative interviews with consumers of each. Preliminary findings suggest that products can evolve from counter-normative to widely acceptable when consumers enjoy the products more than the idea of nonconformity. Nonetheless, at that point, previous nonconformity may still matter: Consumers may consider a product as mainstream, but may like the fact that others do not, or they may associate the product with nonconforming, even though it no longer is.