Lush, a company renowned for its handmade cosmetics and ethical stance, has ventured into uncharted territory with the Bath Bot, a waterproof, color-changing Bluetooth speaker designed to enhance the bathing experience. Announced over a year ago, the product’s journey to market has been fraught with delays, leaving pre-order customers frustrated and questioning its existence. The primary culprit for the holdup, according to Lush’s product inventor, Simon Goswell, was the company’s unfamiliarity with the complexities of electronics manufacturing, specifically navigating the certification processes required for selling such devices. Despite these hurdles, the Bath Bot is finally available in the UK and EU, with a US launch imminent, excluding California due to its stricter regulations.
The development process wasn’t without its compromises. Lush’s commitment to ethical sourcing clashed with the practicalities of creating a waterproof device. Ideally, recycled materials would have been used, but the necessity for waterproofing dictated the use of virgin plastic. However, Lush emphasizes the Bath Bot’s recyclability and offers in-store repairs, mitigating the environmental impact. This commitment to longevity is a key element of Lush’s justification for the product’s carbon footprint. Goswell argues that the Bath Bot’s durability and repairability distinguish it from disposable electronics, making its manufacturing impact more palatable.
However, the Bath Bot’s hefty £150 price tag has raised eyebrows, even among loyal Lush customers. Compared to readily available waterproof Bluetooth speakers from established tech brands, the Bath Bot appears significantly overpriced. Similar devices from companies like Ultimate Ears and JBL offer competitive features, often with superior sound quality, at a fraction of the cost. This price disparity has sparked debate online, with some questioning the rationale behind purchasing a high-priced speaker from a bath product company.
Lush defends the pricing by citing several factors. The Bath Bot represents the company’s inaugural foray into electronics, and the relatively small production run contributes to higher costs. Furthermore, the commitment to ethically sourced components and UK-based manufacturing adds to the final price. Lush, however, doesn’t position the Bath Bot as a direct competitor to conventional Bluetooth speakers. Instead, they envision it as a lifestyle accessory, akin to a Philips Hue lamp, designed to enhance ambiance and mood. While its primary function is to elevate the bathing experience, its portability allows for use in other settings, such as hotel rooms.
Testing the Bath Bot in its intended environment reveals a device that delivers on its promise of a multi-sensory bathing experience. The device floats effortlessly in the water, cycling through a spectrum of colors that seemingly tint the surrounding bathwater. Available in black or white, the Bath Bot’s minimalist design features only four buttons: on/off, play/pause, and volume controls. A unique startup sound, incorporating birdsong and gentle guitar notes, adds a touch of Lush’s signature whimsicality. The experience, while pleasant, begs the question of whether it justifies the premium price tag.
The Bath Bot presents a complex case study in product development and market positioning. Lush’s foray into electronics has been marked by delays, compromises, and a pricing strategy that has sparked controversy. While the device undeniably delivers a unique bathing experience, its high cost raises questions about its value proposition compared to more affordable alternatives. Lush’s attempt to position the Bath Bot as a lifestyle accessory rather than a simple Bluetooth speaker highlights the company’s ambition to transcend traditional product categories. Ultimately, the Bath Bot’s success will depend on whether consumers embrace its unique blend of technology, ambiance, and Lush’s signature ethos, justifying its premium price point. The market’s response will determine whether the Bath Bot becomes a coveted lifestyle item or a niche product for die-hard Lush enthusiasts.
