‘Mungo & Shoddy’ snuffed from Yellow Pages as classifications address the image conscious - 14 March 2002
UK consumers are increasingly spending their money on their appearance, well-being and home comforts, analysis of the newest Yellow Pages classifications reveals.Demand for goods and services relating to health and self-image has led to the introduction in Yellow Pages of headings such as ‘Body Piercing’, ‘Nutritionists’, and ‘Yoga’. A new classification of ‘Coaching and Mentoring’ is being introduced this month.
Deleted classifications, all relating to bygone eras, include ‘Snuff’, ‘Threshing’ and ‘Mungo & Shoddy Manufacturers’- specialist makers of industrial rags from waste wool.
John Condron, chief executive of Yell, publisher of Yellow Pages, said:“ As well as covering the basic necessities in life, Yellow Pages directories contain advertising for newer, contemporary goods and services and therefore offer a fascinating snapshot of social trends. All of human life is reflected in our directories. The newer classifications clearly show that there is a consumer trend towards looking and feeling good.
“ Equally, because of changing fashion and technical development, some categories are just no longer relevant as the need for businesses offering those particular goods or services has disappeared.”
Despite Yellow Pages directories’ constant evolution to mirror modern society, a host of more unusual classifications remains. These include ‘Busbar Equipment Manufacturers’, makers of copper conductors for power stations; ‘Riparian Services’, riverbank services such as water bailiffs; ‘Ferrule Makers’, makers of metal rings or caps used to strengthen the end of a tube; and ‘Wharfingers’, wharf owners.
The growing emphasis on appearance, reflected in new classifications, now extends to the look of consumers’ homes and gardens. Amongst classifications introduced in the last year aimed at those who like to relax outdoors, are ‘Decking’ and ‘Garden Designers’. And for consumers who may have been inspired by the antics of TV garden make-over shows, new headings of ‘Sheds and Garden Buildings’ and ‘Hydroponics’ – a method of cultivating plants without soil - will feature from this month.
Luxury inside the home is just as important. A classification of ‘Underfloor Heating’ has recently been introduced and from this month movie fans will be able to get specialist advice through a new ‘Home Cinema’ heading.
