Master Merchandise Corp., based in New York, was a fragrance distribution brand that operated during the 1950s. Their business model revolved around creating knockoffs of popular fragrances, cleverly naming their products after well-known plays, songs, or movies of the era. This approach not only captured the zeitgeist of the time but also allowed them to capitalize on the widespread recognition of these cultural references. Despite this strategic marketing, Master Merchandise Corp. was a short-lived enterprise, quickly fading from the competitive fragrance market.
The company was associated with several brand names, each with its own unique history and connection to the fragrance industry. Codell, Inc. and Miss Codell were two such brands, likely developed to appeal to different segments of the market. The former may have been positioned as a general brand, while the latter perhaps targeted a more feminine audience, reflecting the gendered marketing strategies common in that era.
Another affiliated brand was Vivian Parfums Inc., which originally started as a brand under Vivaudou, a company known for its perfumes and cosmetics in the early 20th century. The acquisition or rebranding of Vivian Parfums by Master Merchandise Corp. indicates a strategic attempt to leverage an established name in the industry, although it’s unclear how successful this endeavor was.
Lastly, Peggy Page was another brand linked to Master Merchandise Corp. This brand originally belonged to Klinker Manufacturing Co., having been established in 1926. The revival or repurposing of Peggy Page under Master Merchandise Corp. suggests a desire to bring back a recognizable name from a previous era, possibly to evoke a sense of nostalgia or reliability among consumers.
While Master Merchandise Corp.’s time in the fragrance industry was brief, their approach to branding and marketing reflects the mid-20th century's broader trends of capitalizing on popular culture and the evolving landscape of fragrance distribution.
