Sometimes a trend starts as a joke—and then becomes something much bigger. That’s exactly what happened recently with the “Anthropologie rock” TikTok videos. It began with creators pretending they bought a rock from Anthropologie—yes, a literal stone—for $150 (or more), capturing reactions from friends, partners, and families. The internet exploded. Confusion, laughter, disbelief. And Anthropologie? They didn’t hide. They leaned in.
What the Trend Was
It started with Phoebe Adams uploading a video in which she “unboxes” what seems like an ordinary rock, saying she bought it from Anthropologie. Her partner’s reaction (“You spent how much on a rock?”) captured exactly the blend of absurdity and brand culture people expected.
The prank continued: people filmed loved ones’ shocked expressions, joking about “$1,000 rocks” in store. It grew fast. Millions saw it. The “Anthro rock” became shorthand for those bizarre, borderline believable Anthropologie decor prices.
How Anthropologie Responded (and Why It Worked)
Instead of ignoring or condemning the trend, Anthropologie joined in. They posted videos joking about their own “rock collection” priced outrageously (think “$1,000 rocks” with 50% off signs), playing on the absurdity of the idea.
They leaned into what people already believed about their brand: that some home items are quirky, decorative, and pricey. Because let’s face it: Anthropologie has a reputation for whimsical, artistic, and “boho-home” decor where customers sometimes wonder, “Well, maybe that is expensive just because it is unique.” The brand’s identity made the prank believable—and that gave Anthropologie space to respond with humor.
Why This Trend Resonated (and What It Taught Us)
Believability + surprise: The reason people laughed so hard (and also so hard rolled their eyes) is that Anthropologie feels like the sort of place that could sell a $150 rock. So the prank worked because it played on brand perception.
Humor + authenticity: By leaning into the joke rather than acting defensive, Anthropologie showed a kind of self-awareness that people respect. The brand didn’t act out of outrage or damage control. They embraced the absurdity. That builds affinity.
Trend mastery: Anthropologie’s response turned the trend into a secondary opportunity—engagement, buzz, conversation. The trend was free advertising. Every share, every parody, every knock-off video drove attention back to them.
Takeaways for Brands and Marketers
If your brand has strong identity quirks (price, style, aesthetic), people will riff on them. Sometimes those riffs become viral. Staying rigid or denying them can feel tone-deaf.
Leaning in with humor can be powerful—but timing, tone, and knowing your audience matter. Anthropologie lined up the response quickly and in their voice.
These moments can reinforce brand positioning. Anthropologie didn’t need to defend being eccentric or pricey—they already were. This trend helped underline that image, for better or worse, in a playful way.
The Short of it
The “Anthropologie rock” trend is a reminder that in social media, culture is created by everyone—not just brands. Sometimes being a part of the joke is better than trying to shut it down. Anthropologie’s embrace of the trend shows how a brand can transform what could be mockery into charm, engagement, and even loyalty. It’s weird, it’s funny, and it reveals something true: authenticity, humor, and good timing still matter more than perfection.
And here’s their TikTok that is blowing up the internet. Enjoy!