Teaneck/Paramus—Silly Bandz and Rainbow Looms have met the next big thing. Moms shopping in the Michael’s store in Paramus have been doing a double- and even triple-take as they pass the checkout aisle. Flash Charms necklaces line the racks as customers head to check out. While many people may think these are just a new fad to hit stores, Generation Xers, and even some early Millennials, will recognize these charm necklaces as a throwback to growing up in the ‘80s. These necklaces boasted charms to capture any intфerest imaginable, and like a Girl Scout badge, were worn with pride. Now back, in a variety of bright, fun colors and updated charm shapes, kids can once again personalize their style.
“Kids love them because they are fun and cute, and moms love buying them because they remind them of the charms they used to have as kids,” said Sara Beth Fein, owner of the Purple Bow in Teaneck, where they stock (and constantly restock) these necklaces and charms. At the Purple Bow, they come in a little plastic bubble container for easy visibility, so kids know what color and shape they are buying.
Along with some classic shapes to display hobbies and individual interests—sewing machine, snack foods, musical instruments (who didn’t have the saxophone charm as a child just because it looked so cool?), animals, toilet bowl charms and others, the charms reflect newer trends, with coffee drink charms, emoji charms and others.
Fein explained that besides the nostalgia factor, the charms are reasonably priced and make great gifts—or easy prizes, making this product a go-to for parents buying it for their kids, as well as kids looking to treat themselves for a few dollars. “Kids as young as 4, and all the way up to 10 years old, have been coming in to buy these,” added Fein.
Reactions to this trend’s return range from saying they still have all their charms from when they were kids, to lamenting the fact that they gave them all away years ago. But either way, everyone who remembers owning them is happy to see their return, and eager to find someone to buy them for.
Waiting to see the next trend that will make its comeback—leg warmers were just the beginning.
Solene is located at 1438 Queen Anne Rd in Teaneck. They can be contacted at: 201-530-7401 or via email at: [email protected]. Their site is: www.soleneboutique.com.
By Jenny Gans
