Shoulder pads get the elbow as new Yellow Pages directories ditch the 80's - 19 January 2005
Despite a short-lived revival amongst dubiously-attired fashionistas, our love of ‘the decade that taste forgot’ could finally be coming to an end, as Shoulder Pads, made famous by Eighties icons Joan Collins and Don Johnson, is phased out as a Yellow Pages business heading in the latest directories.Together with Pot Pourri, the scourge of Eighties toilet trends, and Slipper Makers, with the surge in popularity for barefoot living, toupees are toppling with the demise of Hairpiece Manufacturers & Importers as Noughties men embrace follicle challenges with the natural, shaven look.
Entering Yellow Pages directories as a business heading for the first time is Insurance - Pet, catering to our pampered pooches. Graffiti Removal, Street Furniture and Allergists & Allergy Testing are also being added, reflecting the UK’s desire for a clean and comfortable environment.
The public’s growing ethical awareness is highlighted with Fair Trade Goods making an appearance for the first time along with Sheltered Accommodation and Community Transport.
Our obsession with healthy lifestyles could explain the removal of Cigarette Lighters as a classification, with more of us turning to Health Spas & Resorts for relaxation. This is also demonstrated by the introduction of Insurance – Health.
In addition the UK’s need for speed sees the introduction of Quad Bikes & All Terrain Vehicles and Insurance – Motorcycle.
Richard Duggleby, head of external relations at Yell, publisher of Yellow Pages directories, said: “The annual changes in Yellow Pages headings provide us with an interesting insight into the UK’s evolving business landscape, driven by consumer demands and trends.”
Martin Raymond, Trend Consultant and Future Laboratory co-founder, said: “I’m always eager to see the shifts in Yellow Pages classifications as they’re great indicators for cultural change. The new Yellow Pages classifications tell us that not only do we place greater emphasis on our health, wellbeing and financial security, we are also increasingly concerned about environmental and ethical issues. We’ve dubbed this syndrome the 'FUD Factor' – as in fear, uncertainty and doubt. We are wealthier and more affluent than ever before, but crave long term security and reassurance."
Changes in Yellow Pages classifications 2004* | |
| What's in | What's out |
| Graffiti Removal | Chimney Cleaning Machinery |
| Insurance – Health | Cigarette Lighters |
| Insurance – Motorcycle | Hairpiece Manufacturers & Importers |
| Allergists & Allergy Testing | Miners Rescue Stations |
| Health Spas & Resorts | Mining Machinery & Equipment |
| Quad Bikes & All Terrain Vehicles | Pot Pourri |
| Fair Trade Goods | Shoulder Pads – Clothiers |
| Basement & Cellar Conversion | Slag Manufacturers & Merchants |
| Data Recovery | Slipper Makers |
| Street Furniture | Spinners |
| Packaging Consultants | Tanners, Curriers & Dressers |
| Wheelie Bin Cleaning | Tinners |
| Tanning | Whisky Brokers |
| Insurance – Pet | Aerosols |
| Sheltered Accommodation | Discos & Dance Halls |
| Community Transport | Flock Sprayers & Printers |
* All changes will be in effect in Yellow Pages directories published from March 2005
