In a surprising twist, the internet has given rise to a thriving market of discontinued products, where shoppers can find rare and hard-to-get items, often at exorbitant prices. A recent feature in The New York Times delves into this phenomenon, highlighting the stories of super fans who scour the web for discontinued products, from laptop bags to beauty products.

One such example is a padded laptop bag made by Filson, which has gained a cult following among enthusiasts. One super fan, determined to snag as many as possible before they become widely known, is on a mission to hunt them down everywhere. This level of dedication is not uncommon in the world of discontinued products, where fans often go to great lengths to get their hands on rare items.

Discontinued Beauty, a website that specializes in selling discontinued beauty products, is another example of this trend. The site offers products that are no longer available from their original manufacturers, often at significantly higher prices. One such product is an "essential protein restructurizer" by Redkin, priced at a staggering $169.95, compared to the newest version of the product, which costs $32.

But is it safe to use these discontinued products? According to one creative director, who has found a discontinued lip pencil by NARS on the site, the answer is a resounding "who cares?" Despite not knowing the proper way to store the product for optimal conditions, she has no qualms about using it, even if it means storing it under her sink. This lack of concern raises questions about the potential risks and uncertainties associated with using discontinued products.

So why do shoppers flock to these discontinued products, despite the potential risks? For some, it's about the thrill of the hunt, the satisfaction of finding a rare item that others can't get their hands on. For others, it's about the emotional connection they have with a particular product, which they may have used for years before it was discontinued. Whatever the reason, it's clear that the market for discontinued products is thriving, and shows no signs of slowing down.

The rise of this market also raises questions about the role of manufacturers and retailers in providing support for discontinued products. Should they be doing more to warn customers about impending discontinuations, or providing alternative products to fill the gap? As the market for discontinued products continues to grow, these are questions that will need to be addressed.

In the meantime, shoppers will continue to scour the web for rare and hard-to-get items, often at great lengths. Whether it's a padded laptop bag or a discontinued beauty product, the thrill of the hunt is a powerful draw, and one that shows no signs of fading anytime soon.

As the market for discontinued products continues to evolve, one thing is clear: it's a space that's full of surprises, and one that will continue to fascinate and intrigue shoppers for years to come.