Mad Man

By Melissa Feldsher in Arts & Entertainment on Apr 10, 2009 2:45PM

Sam Pocker is not the antichrist, but he is the author Retail Anarchy. A merciless blogger of the retail industry, Pocker takes an acid tongue and sardonic wit to empty slogans and nonsensical advertising campaigns (Eggo French Toast Waffles, anyone?).

In a recent interview on NPR, Pocker bemoans the fact that manufacturers have stopped aiming to make quality products and are now relying on marketers to confuse the consumer into spending their hard-earned dough. Retail Anarchy echoes this message by puncturing the hot-air balloon of conspicuous consumption and offering more than a few cost-saving tips along the way. For those readers newly incensed by the realization that they’ve once been made a sucker, Pocker’s website even lists the direct links to the Better Business Bureau for major chain stores.

While we fully admit to loving gimmicky products like "Baconnaise" as much as the next, Retail Anarchy has certainly kept us from getting lost in the supermarket.