Design Stories: Exploring Everyday Things

The Torcan 866P in the Market

Where Was the Torcan 866P Sold?

Torcan fans were sold across Canada, with advertisements appearing in newspapers from Saskatchewan, Montreal and Windsor. The fan's widespread availability suggests that it was a popular and well-distributed product. According to York Archival Records, the artifact was located in Toronto, where Rotor Electric Co. Ltd. was based, further supporting the fan's local and national presence. Torcan products, including the 866P, were sold in major retail stores like Canadian Tire and Hudson's Bay. These stores were accessible to middle-class consumers, reinforcing the fan's status as a household staple.

The Torcan Brand and Its Market Position

Among the range of household items that Torcan produced, their fans were among their most popular products. However, their fans were among their most popular products, despite being priced higher than competitors like General Electric, likely due to Torcan being a smaller company. Torcan fans were marketed as durable and reliable, appealing to a growing middle class. Looking at ads from the time, it seems fans similar to the Torcan 866P cost around 7 to 8 dollars, which, for context, would be approximately $100 in modern times. This pricing strategy positioned Torcan as a more premium brand, catering to consumers who valued quality and longevity over affordability.

This page has paths:

This page references: