The Reality Reports

The Famous Food Court Combo That Never Changes Price: Walk into any Costco warehouse today and you'll find the same deal that existed in 1985: a quarter-pound hot dog and refillable soda for just $1.50.  This price has remained frozen in time while everything else has gotten more expensive. The story behind this pricing decision involves a dramatic conversation between two company leaders that has become business legend.

The Birth Of A Global Craze: In 1958, two California toy makers named Arthur Melin and Richard Knerr created something special. They took an old idea from Australia and turned it into the hula hoop we know today.  Made from plastic tubing formed into a circle, this simple toy would soon become one of the most successful products in history. Within just four months of its release, 25 million hula hoops were sold across America.

The Historic Moment That Started A Revolution: On June 26, 1974, a pack of Wrigley's Juicy Fruit chewing gum became the first product ever scanned with a barcode at a grocery store.  This happened at Marsh Supermarket in Troy, Ohio, when cashier Sharon Buchanan rang up the 67-cent pack of gum.  That simple transaction marked the beginning of a technology that would transform how people shop around the world.

The Start Of A Fashion Revolution: Max Mara began in 1951 in Reggio Emilia, Italy, when Achille Maramotti decided to bring something new to women’s fashion.  At a time when most clothes were made by hand, Maramotti wanted to use industrial methods to make high-quality, stylish clothes that more women could afford.  He named the brand “ Max Mara ” to give it an international sound, combining “Max” for greatness and “Mara” from his own last name.

The Story Behind Viking Cruises : Viking Cruises started in 1997 when Torstein Hagen, an experienced cruise executive, bought four river ships in Russia.  His goal was to create a cruise company focused on cultural exploration and comfortable travel, rather than flashy entertainment.  The company quickly grew, especially after acquiring the German company KD River Cruises in 2000, which helped Viking expand its fleet and secure prime docking spots in Europe.

The Beginning: Two Brothers, One Dream In 1951, two Dutch brothers, William and Harry Voortman , started baking cookies in Hamilton, Ontario.  Their family had been bakers in the Netherlands, and after moving to Canada, they wanted to continue that tradition.  At first, they baked bread and cakes, but soon realized that cookies were the best way to connect with local customers.

A Humble Beginning: The Early Days Of Newark Nut Company Nuts.com started as the Newark Nut Company in 1929, founded by Sol Braverman. Sol was an immigrant who left school at age 12 to help his family earn a living.  He began by selling freshly roasted peanuts and other foods from a small shop on Mulberry Street in Newark, New Jersey. His goal was simple: support his family and offer quality products to his community.