Discontinued / Retired Dinnerware Patterns

Some dinnerware patterns and colors are classic and last year after year, Blue Willow and Cobalt Fiesta are two examples but other dinnerware patterns are more trnedy or just cannot make the grade year in and year out.

For whatever reason lack of sales, boring, the line is taking a new direction, dinnerware gets discontinued and retired. I like to think of discontinued as never returning to store shelves and retired as meaning someday this pattern could return.

The Pros and Cons of discontinued dinnerware

Pros:
Cost, often discontinued means sale or bargain, this is great for someone looking for their first set of dinnerware and doesn't mind mixing and matching patterns and / or solids together for a fun tablesetting.

Cons: If you have invested in a dinnerware pattern that you really love and have the basics, then completing your set and accessories may prove difficult. While in the short term you may be able to find bargains on odds and ends, down the road replacement pieces may be more expensive.

So how does one keep on track of whether their dinnerware is retired or not? Well, one way is to check Home products tend to launch once or twice a year and during these times products are retired and new ones are introduced. Get use to check on the web site where you bought the dinerware. Just be aware that the more trendy your dinnerware, the more likely it will have a limited run of 2, 3, or 5 years.

The good news is the manufacturers normlaly only expand the prodcut lines once they see a product is successful.


Here are some recently retired Pfaltzgraff Dinnerware Patterns:

Pfaltzgraff Caravan, Copper Leaf
Pfaltzgraff Delicious, Empire
Pfaltzgraff Eclipse, Equator
Pfaltzgraff Flower Market, Garden of Eden
Pfaltzgraff Latte, Matika
Pfaltzgraff Mystic, Passage and Sphere

While Pfaltzgraff is a popular brand and you may be able to find it at yard sales, ebay, outlets, and a few piece here and there online.

Higher priced limited run patterns, can really offer a challenge. For example Tracy Porter has some of the most beautiful pieces and patterns out there. However when it is gone it will not be easy to find it.

One suggestion is, if you use this dinnerware often, buy one or two extra place settings. Then if something breaks or gets chipped you still have a full set. I would also recommend getting that one accent piece that you wanted but maybe did not buy, maybe a platter, bowl or dessert dishes. Why, becuase when they are gone and you want it; it may be impossible to find it.

Here are some recently retired Tracy Porter dinnerware patterns:

Botanica
Fruitful Tapestry
Marsh

Well I hope your dinnerware remains in stock and that you don't have to face discontinued and retired patterns. However, if it is I hope that this information allows you to make sure you have what you need to always make you table look great.

Mr. Dinnerware