Just as post-WWII economic prosperity shaped the rise of the teenager as a dominant marketing demographic (Herman 1970, 19), it also fueled the expansion of consumerism and mass consumption, essentially influencing the production, marketing, and perception of household and entertainment goods, including portable record players like the RM110. The post-war period saw the emergence of a high-consumption economy, driven by mass production, technological innovation, and advertising, in contrast to the scarcity and frugality of the preceding decades. This newfound middle-class affluence, combined with the rise of planned obsolescence and disposable consumer goods, accelerated the spread of throwaway culture—a mindset that encouraged recurring product replacement over long-term durability and repair (Whiteley 1987). 

The RM110 functioned not only as an entertainment device but also as a product shaped by mid-century consumer trends, illustrating the intersection of plastics, planned obsolescence, and youth-oriented marketing in the 1960s and 1970s. These factors contributed to its initial commercial success, positioning it as an accessible and stylish audio product for teenagers.The RM110 has endured beyond its original lifespan, securing a lasting presence in vintage and collector markets, highlighting how the legacy of mid-century throwaway culture remains evident in how portable record players are now perceived. Rather than being viewed as a disposable consumer good, they’ve now become historical artifacts, valued for their design, cultural significance, and influence on mid-century music consumption.