Before the internet, it seemed like any international conflagration like Bay of Pigs, Iranian Revolution, Falkland Islands, Iraq I and II, etc. would bump public SW receiver sales.
I purchased a Realistic DX series radio every 3 or so years simply because the next batch of advanced features came out that the last one didn't have. Some receivers were better than others. I liked the looks of the DX-302 when it appeared, but the later DX-400 was a better performer. Generally Radio Shack had a good bang for the buck and you could walk into a store and examine one in person.
I purchased a Sony ICF-2010 in 1987 from NDXE because of its features, like AM sync detector and optimistic early reviews. NDXE was toying with the possibility of stereo SW broadcast using the Kahn system.
The ICF-2010 is still a collectable and desirable portable, but receiver advances like DSP and SDR have taken place since.
I did buy a CCrane SW around 2006 because of the low price, large numerals, twin-stick ferrite, internal charger and good audio. I did add a BFO to it. That was one feature I missed.
The Tecsun/Redsun, Eton-Grundig, et al. get variable quality reviews, but are supposedly getting better.
I still like the warmth and nostalgia of old tech, high-feature boatanchors.