A Chance Encounter: The Story Behind Retro Jellies

It all started with a fire.

After a devastating fire at my facility, I was forced to subcontract manufacturing to another job shop. It was there that I had a chance encounter that would change everything — I met the original manufacturer of the iconic jelly purses from the 80s.

At the time, I was already selling on Etsy. He asked if I'd be interested in helping him bring the line back. I said sure — it seemed simple enough to post a listing and see what happened.

Then the pandemic hit. A customer's photo of one of our Easter baskets went viral almost overnight, and suddenly the line took off in a way neither of us had anticipated.

Not long after, one of the owners of the job shop passed away, and the remaining owner decided to close the business. He gave me the opportunity to purchase the original tooling. I didn't hesitate.

Today, Retro Jellies carries on that legacy — bringing the fun, bold, and unmistakably retro jelly bags, purses, and baskets of the 80s back to life, made right here in the USA.