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The psychology behind collectible items

Stanley tumblers are on display at a Target store in Milwaukee on Jan. 4.
USA Today Network via Reuters
Stanley tumblers are on display at a Target store in Milwaukee on Jan. 4.

The collecting craze.

Every few years there’s a coveted and memorable retail find: one that erupts in runs on the product and at times fistfights, like over the current must-have Stanley Cup.

In the past, it’s been Tickle Me Elmo, Beanie Babies, Cabbage Patch dolls. The latest one to cause a ruckus is a $50 limited edition pink Stanley cup.

We look at the psychology behind why we collect, what we collect and why.

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