PRESS: Retrospekt Introduces New Boombox Cassette Player with Global Icon Hello Kitty
November 15, 2024
MILWAUKEE — Retrospekt, a product design and development studio dedicated to creating unique experiences through new and refurbished retro tech products, is amplifying its offerings with a new product for cassette tape fans. Retrospekt’s BX-85 boombox cassette player, featuring built-in speakers and Bluetooth connectivity, debuts with two Hello Kitty®-themed designs.
Building on the demand for their CP-81 portable cassette player, Retrospekt's new BX-85 boombox line merges the iconic aesthetics of 1980s and 90s portable stereos with modern functionality. Each boombox features a cassette player, AM/FM radio, built-in speakers with X-BASS technology and Bluetooth connectivity that lets users stream music from their smartphones through the speakers on the vintage-inspired device.
"The boombox holds a special place in music and pop culture history," said Retrospekt Creative Director Michael Kempen. "We've long wanted to explore this format, not just as a replica, but as a reimagining of what a boombox can be in today's world. Retaining a cassette’s tactile, intentional listening experience often lost in our current era of algorithmic playlists and endless streaming options, while also embracing the modern touches that can make these devices relevant for today's listeners."
Retrospekt's inaugural boombox release features two Hello Kitty-themed models born from a continued partnership with Sanrio®. The first design showcases Hello Kitty® in her clean, classic style with a cheerful backdrop of fluffy clouds, a simple tree and a red balloon, with a bird soaring nearby. The second embraces Retrospekt’s ongoing "Strawberry Kawaii" theme, with a clean white and pink palette, Japanese typography and playful Hello Kitty imagery that evokes the sweetness of a strawberry milkshake.
Beyond their eye-catching designs, these boomboxes are built for versatility. Users can power them via a removable cord or four D batteries. A headphone jack allows for private listening, while the Bluetooth functionality opens up a world of audio possibilities beyond cassettes and radio. By breathing new life into a beloved audio format, the BX-85 invites music enthusiasts to experience their favorite tunes in both nostalgic and fresh ways.
The Retrospekt BX-85 boomboxes will be available for sale through Sanrio.com and directly from Retrospekt starting November 15, 2024.
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About Retrospekt
Retrospekt is a highly specialized workshop and product design studio in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, committed to exploring, restoring and curating retro technology. The company started its foray into the world of retro tech by supplying Polaroid with refurbished and restored vintage instant cameras and now offers a full line of vintage camera models in addition to developing official product collaborations with both national and international brands, such as Peanuts, Mattel, Sanrio and FENDI.
Since 2008, Retrospekt has pursued vintage electronics and the delight of analog technology, breathing new life into cameras, portable cassette players, classic gaming consoles and other retro tech oddities. Over the last decade, its team has saved over 300,000 devices with a comprehensive refurbishment process that faithfully restores each item to perform like it did the day it was originally manufactured.
In an increasingly fast-paced world, it can be easy for digital convenience to become digital overload. Retrospekt hopes the items they offer will allow people to slow down, step back and enjoy a more tactile and intentional experience. Visit Retrospekt.com for more information on the company and its offerings.
About Sanrio
Sanrio® is the global lifestyle brand best known for Hello Kitty® who was created in 1974, and home to many other beloved character brands such as My Melody™, Kuromi™, LittleTwinStars™, Cinnamoroll™, Pompompurin™, gudetama™, Aggretsuko™, Chococat™, Badtz-maru™ and Keroppi™. Sanrio was founded on the philosophy that a small gift can bring happiness and friendship to people of all ages. Since 1960, this philosophy has served as the inspiration to offer quality products, services and activities that promote communication and inspire unique consumer experiences across the world. Today, Sanrio’s business extends into the entertainment industry with several content series, gaming offerings and theme parks. Sanrio boasts an extensive product lineup which is available in over 130 countries. Sanrio hopes to bring smiles to everyone’s faces with their vision of “One World, Connecting Smiles.” To learn more about Sanrio, please visit www.sanrio.com and follow @sanrio and @hellokitty on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, Pinterest and subscribe to the Hello Kitty and Friends YouTube Channel.
Media Contacts
Lexie Capperella, for Retrospekt
lexie@gregoryfca.com
Val Hernandez, for Sanrio
Golin
vhernandez@golin.com