During the Christmas season of 1975, I worked at Crowley's department store in Detroit, Michigan. I worked in the stationary/gift section of the store. We sold date planners, umbrellas, key chains, books, radios, etc. We also sold "Pet Rocks". We sold a lot of them! They cost $3.95 and we could not keep them in stock!
The rocks were nestled in packing straw inside a small cardboard box, similar to a pet carrier. A "Pet Rock Training Manual", with instructions on how to properly raise and care for one's new pet was included.
Wives bought them for husbands, employees bought them for their bosses, parents bought them for their children, boys bought them for their girlfriends. It was crazy! I did not get it at all!
"Pet Rocks" originated with a man named Gary Dahl. They were a fad for about six months and they made him a millionaire.
I never owned a pet rock ~ I thought they were VERY silly! Silly or not ~ I sure wish I had thought of them first!!
5 comments:
Some guys have all the luck! I remember the pet rocks but never had one. Heck, we could go out to the driveway or down to the creek and 'rescue' our own! *lol*
Take Care,
Debbie
My mom had this pet rock choir when I was little. There were two rows of them, and they all had faces that made them look like they were all singing. I thought they were cute. My dad thought they were silly.
Actually, he thought the same as you: "I wish I had thought of that first." Then he said, next thing you know people will be bottling water and canning air. He wasn't far off!
I thought the same thing when these came out! Pet Rocks-why would anyone spend their money on them. Then my kids bought me a Chia Pet...YIKES! There's something for everyone!
What a funny Christmas it must have been! My boys have had pet rocks in the past but all too soon they are neglected and "die". I wonder how many of the ones you sold are still "pets"!!!
Hi Marie,I remember the pet rocks. I am like you,I never really understood what all the fuss over them were. I recently received a rock from a friend. She had painted a lovely verse on it with a little flower,now I get that compleately.
Blessings,Shelley
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