
About this episode
Tupperware is the stealthy star of our modern homes. These plastic storage containers are ubiquitous in our fridges, pantries, and closets. But the original product was revolutionary. So was its breakthrough sales strategy: the Tupperware Party.
Led in part by a charismatic housewife turned business innovator, Tupperware pioneered more than the party. Brownie Wise, and the company she came to represent, are behind a core sales technique that we might now recognize as influencer marketing.
The company was so successful at its peak, it reached almost cult status. But it didn't last.
On our latest episode: Tupperware's success and the company's demise. And how its descendants — in products, and in sales strategies — lived on.
This episode is in partnership with Decoder Ring. For even more on the legacy of Tupperware, listen to their full episode.
Find more Planet Money: Facebook / Instagram / TikTok / Our weekly Newsletter.
Listen free at these links: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, the NPR app or anywhere you get podcasts.
Help support Planet Money and hear our bonus episodes by subscribing to Planet Money+ in Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org/planetmoney.
See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.
NPR Privacy Policy
Led in part by a charismatic housewife turned business innovator, Tupperware pioneered more than the party. Brownie Wise, and the company she came to represent, are behind a core sales technique that we might now recognize as influencer marketing.
The company was so successful at its peak, it reached almost cult status. But it didn't last.
On our latest episode: Tupperware's success and the company's demise. And how its descendants — in products, and in sales strategies — lived on.
This episode is in partnership with Decoder Ring. For even more on the legacy of Tupperware, listen to their full episode.
Find more Planet Money: Facebook / Instagram / TikTok / Our weekly Newsletter.
Listen free at these links: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, the NPR app or anywhere you get podcasts.
Help support Planet Money and hear our bonus episodes by subscribing to Planet Money+ in Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org/planetmoney.
See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.
NPR Privacy Policy
Get every episode summarized
Each time Planet Money publishes, we email you a written briefing from the transcript — the topics, who appeared, and any specific claims, with the ad reads skipped.
Email me new episodesFree for 3 shows. No card needed.
Hosts & guests
No transcript yet
This episode has not been transcribed. Request it and it moves to the front of the queue.
More episodes
More from Planet Money

The loan at the heart of a new foreclosure crisis
Planet Money
Sep 11, 202629:09completed

Cost-cutting, quiet guilt and the inflation generation
Planet Money
Sep 9, 202624:06completed

Trump drinks Venezuela’s milkshake
Planet Money
Sep 5, 202625:27completed

Love in the time of Palantir
Planet Money
Sep 2, 202625:47completed