Good Question: How Did Family Stick Figures Become So Popular?
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Love them or hate them – if you've seen a minivan, you may have seen the stick figure family decals on the rear window.
But when did family car window stickers become so popular?
"We did pioneer the program," said Casey Langenbach, content director for Woodland Manufacturing's FamilyStickers.com.
She said that Woodland, which is based in Boise, Idaho, got started in stores like Bed Bath and Beyond. They are now in Walgreens, Walmart and CVS.
Woodland started making the stickers in 2006.
"Our marketing director saw a little kiosk at a fair. We already had a vinyl cutter here, we thought we can take that idea and do better artwork with more options, and explode the market," Langenbach said.
As far as the decals go: You've probably seen the mom, the dad, the kids, and the pets. There are also hockey players, a basketball team, or even a zombie-looking family.
Like any trend, there's been a backlash against the stickers.
"Can't stand them!!! Every school age family I know of has them on their mini van or SUV," said one WCCO viewer on Jason DeRusha's Facebook Page.
"This is one of the dumbest inventions EVERRRR!!!!" added Angie Arcand.
But to many, it's a fun way of honoring their family, or their pets.
"Every year we ask ourselves, 'Is this it?' But it just keeps getting bigger!" Langenbach said.
