The New Bedford Whaling Museum in Massachusetts has turned a one-star review into a bestselling range of "worst aquarium ever" merchandise.
Inspired by a 2020 Google review of the museum, the product line includes T-shirts, sweaters and tote bags featuring the words "worst aquarium ever".
On the T-shirt product page, the museum says: "Inspired by a hilariously bad review of the New Bedford Whaling Museum, this shirt is perfect for anyone who appreciates irony, maritime history, and a good laugh.
The New Bedford Whaling Museum is selling T-shirts, sweaters and tote bags featuring the words "worst aquarium ever"
"Featuring bold lettering and a minimalist whale skeleton graphic, it’s a cheeky nod to the fact that – spoiler alert – there are zero live whales inside our building."
Sales are now booming after last week's segment on CBS Evening News about the tongue-in-cheek range.
Customers placed 738 online orders, mostly for the “worst aquarium ever” merchandise, after the broadcast, according to Annelise Conway, the museum's chief engagement officer (via the Associated Press).
Conway said the surge in attention started with an Instagram post on 15 July promoting the restocked T-shirts and crewnecks.
In the post, the museum explained that the Google review "predates our aquarium", which was installed earlier this year.
"Please note: we still do not feature an aquarium for whales. (one star) (whale)," the post adds.
Emily Roznoy, the designer of the merchandise and the visitor experience manager at the New Bedford Whaling Museum, told the AP: “I have always wanted to be an artist and graphic designer. So knowing I made something people really like makes me really happy.”
Amanda McMullen, president and CEO of the New Bedford Whaling Museum, said she is proud of the museum's marketing team "for running with it".
“They took a chance on something, and it obviously hit," she added.
Images courtesy of the New Bedford Whaling Museum
