A Gift Registry for Divorces?

It is an untapped market. And it's a growing one. What enterprising retailer would pass on an opportunity like that? (Well, maybe a happily married one, but anyway...)

Divorce creates a whole market of people moving into new living spaces and depending on the terms of their settlement, they may not be bringing much money or loot along with them. This means that they'll need to make a few purchases for their new place. Ironically, it's sort of like a cash-strapped newlywed couple putting together their first home. So why not a gift registry for divorcees?

One creative British department store has launched just that -a divorce gift registry service. The concept behind it is the same as a more traditional registry. While some criticize it as a "cynical attempt by a high street chain to cash in on the misery of people whose marriages have come under pressure," the chain is taking a more optimistic view and sees it as "a way for friends and family to help that person on their way a bit."

Being a married man myself, I hope I never have a need for such a service. But it's hard to argue with the logic behind it. And it makes me wonder what other untapped markets retailers will uncover next.

--Tim Matey (Connect with me on LinkedIn.)