17 Old Retail Slogans You Can Still Recite by Heart
These unforgettable slogans once ruled the airwaves and remain etched in our collective memory.
- Alyana Aguja
- 5 min read
Old retail slogans carry a strange kind of power, living on in our minds long after the commercials have stopped airing. Each of these taglines was carefully crafted to capture the heart of a brand and stick in the brain like a hit song. Whether through humor, emotion, or clever wordplay, they’ve earned their place in advertising history.
1. “Have it your way.” – Burger King
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This classic slogan gave fast food customers the power of customization. Introduced in 1974, it invited people to order exactly what they wanted, no matter how picky. The line emphasized personal choice in a world of cookie-cutter meals.
2. “Where’s the beef?” – Wendy’s
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Used from 1979 to 2003, this slogan aligned GE’s image with innovation and everyday utility. It implied the company wasn’t just making products but enriching lives. The warmth and optimism in the message helped position GE as a forward-thinking brand.
3. “You’re in good hands with Allstate.” – Allstate Insurance
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Since its debut in 1950, this slogan has promised security and trust. The phrase is simple but powerful, reinforcing the idea of personal care in the insurance world. Its longevity speaks to how deeply it resonated with customers.
4. “Can you hear me now? Good.” – Verizon
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Verizon’s early 2000s campaign used this phrase to emphasize strong, reliable network coverage. The catchphrase, delivered by a bespectacled technician, became part of everyday lingo. It made network strength a conversation point in a fun, relatable way.
5. “Because you’re worth it.” – L’Oréal
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Introduced in 1971, this slogan reframed beauty products as acts of self-love. It was one of the first ads to put the power of decision-making in the hands of women. The phrase endures as a mantra for confidence and empowerment.
6. “The few. The proud. The Marines.” – U.S. Marine Corps
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Though not a retail brand, this recruitment slogan from 1977 has the stickiness of a top-tier ad line. It associates joining the Marines with prestige, pride, and exclusivity. Its rhythmic cadence and emotional weight give it lasting impact.
7. “Melts in your mouth, not in your hands.” – M&M’s
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Launched in the 1950s, this slogan highlighted the candy’s hard shell as its unique selling point. It was a simple, sensory-based message that stuck in children’s minds. The phrase helped M&M’s dominate the candy industry for decades.
8. “The ultimate driving machine.” – BMW
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BMW has used this slogan since the 1970s to position its cars as more than just vehicles. It appeals to emotion and precision, suggesting a blend of power and elegance. The slogan’s sophistication reflects the brand’s premium image.
9. “Don’t leave home without it.” – American Express
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This slogan from the 1970s promoted American Express cards as an essential part of daily life. It was delivered in a serious, almost cinematic tone that gave it gravitas. Its lasting appeal lies in its blend of convenience and caution.
10. “Let your fingers do the walking.” – Yellow Pages
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Before the internet, the Yellow Pages were the go-to source for business listings. This 1960s slogan suggested that phone books could do all the legwork. The phrase was clever, catchy, and became deeply ingrained in everyday speech.
11. “It takes a licking and keeps on ticking.” – Timex
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Since the 1950s, this slogan emphasized Timex watches’ durability through dramatic tests. It showcased watches surviving beatings, plunges, and explosions. The rhyming phrase cemented Timex’s reputation for toughness.
12. “You’re not fully clean unless you’re Zestfully clean!” – Zest Soap
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This bouncy slogan from the 1980s added fun to personal hygiene. It linked cleanliness with a zesty, refreshing feeling. The wordplay and rhythm made it impossible to forget.
13. “I can’t believe I ate the whole thing.” – Alka-Seltzer
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Debuting in 1972, this line captured post-meal regret in a humorous, human way. The commercial showed a man moaning the phrase repeatedly after overeating. It connected deeply with audiences and made stomach relief memorable.
14. “When it absolutely, positively has to be there overnight.” – FedEx
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FedEx used this line starting in the 1980s to promise unmatched speed and reliability. It established the brand as the gold standard in overnight delivery. The urgency and assurance in the message made it unforgettable.
15. “Double your pleasure, double your fun.” – Doublemint Gum
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This jingle-like slogan from the 1950s worked perfectly with the brand’s twin-themed ads. It was catchy, playful, and easy to associate with chewing gum. The repetition made it almost musical in memory.
16. “Put a tiger in your tank.” – Esso (now ExxonMobil)
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Introduced in the 1960s, this slogan linked fuel with animalistic power and performance. It came with iconic visuals of tigers and became a symbol of energy and strength. Even today, it’s remembered as one of advertising’s most imaginative metaphors.
17. “The best a man can get.” – Gillette
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Debuting in 1989, this slogan positioned Gillette razors as the gold standard in men’s grooming. It wasn’t just about shaving, but about achieving peak performance and confidence. The line became so iconic that it was later revisited and reinterpreted in campaigns addressing modern masculinity.