Transportation
The Problem With Amazon’s Cheap Gas Stunt
The company promoted its TV show The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel with a day of throwback 1959-style prices in Los Angeles. What could go wrong?
On Thursday, Amazon Studios surprised L.A. with a day of throwback bargains. As part of its Emmy campaign for the period dramedy The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, the production arm of the e-commerce giant subsidized 1950s prices at classic Hollywood standbys, including 99-cent pastrami sandwiches at Canter’s Deli and $40 rooms at the Sportsmen’s Lodge.
By many measures, the day was a success. Hordes of shoppers lined up for the promotions, and social media channels were ablaze with appreciative fans. “1959 prices? You don’t say! ” exclaimed a 25-cent cupcake fan on Twitter. “Eating a 45 cent cheeseburger on the Ms. Maisel promo day to take back what the boomers took from me,” wrote another satisfied diner. Many deals sold out by evening.