Ep 6. Tupperware

In season 16, episode 6 of American Experience, titled "Tupperware," viewers are taken on a journey through the history of the household name that is Tupperware. From its creation by inventor Earl Tupper to its revolutionary "party plan" sales approach, the episode charts the rise of this iconic brand.

The episode delves into the post-WWII consumer culture of the 1950s, where women's roles shifted from wartime jobs to homemaking. At the time, plastic was a new, exciting material, and Tupperware's airtight seal made it a popular choice for food storage. However, despite its usefulness, early sales were sluggish.

That all changed when Brownie Wise, a charismatic saleswoman, joined the company and created the innovative Tupperware party plan. She empowered housewives to become Tupperware salespeople, hosting gatherings in their homes where they could demonstrate the product and sell it to friends and family. The party plan was wildly successful, and in just a few years, Tupperware had become a household name.

The episode also explores the darker side of Tupperware's success. Founder Earl Tupper and Brownie Wise had a falling out over who was responsible for the company's growth, and Tupper ultimately pushed Wise out of the company. Additionally, the episode explores the company's efforts to expand globally, including controversial marketing strategies that were seen as culturally insensitive.

Despite its ups and downs, Tupperware remains a beloved brand to this day, both for its practicality and for its role in shaping American culture. The episode provides a fascinating look at the history of this iconic product and the unique business strategy that made it a household name.