12 Brands That Used to Be Everywhere But Vanished Completely
These 12 once-famous brands were household names before they completely faded from public view.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 4 min read
Some brands feel permanent when they’re at their peak. They fill shelves, dominate ads, and become part of daily life. However, over time, changing markets, poor decisions, or stronger competition pushed these 12 brands out entirely.
1. Blockbuster
Blockbuster Entertainment, Inc. on Wikimedia Commons
Blockbuster was the top name in video rentals, with thousands of stores worldwide. However, it failed to adapt to the rise of digital streaming and turned down a chance to buy Netflix in its early days. As consumer habits changed, Blockbuster’s business model became outdated, and the company filed for bankruptcy in 2010.
2. Compaq
DigitalIceAge on Wikimedia Commons
Compaq was one of the leading personal computer companies in the 1990s. It was known for offering affordable IBM-compatible PCs and helped shape the modern PC market. After struggling to maintain its position, it merged with Hewlett-Packard in 2002. The brand name was phased out not long after.
3. Pan Am
Pan Am Systems on Wikimedia Commons
Pan American World Airways was once the most recognized international airline in the United States. It symbolized luxury air travel but faced financial issues from rising fuel prices and increased competition. A series of accidents also hurt its reputation. The airline ceased operations in 1991.
4. Kodak
Work-Order Studio on Wikimedia Commons
Kodak dominated the photography industry and once held a major share of the film market. Despite inventing the first digital camera, it failed to transition quickly into digital photography. Sales declined rapidly as consumers moved to digital options. Kodak filed for bankruptcy in 2012 and exited the consumer camera business.
5. Toys “R” Us
Toys “R” Us Canada on Wikimedia Commons
Toys “R” Us was a major toy retailer with stores across the world. It struggled with debt and couldn’t compete with online sellers and big-box stores. Customers moved to faster, cheaper shopping options. The company filed for bankruptcy and closed most stores by 2018.
6. Borders
Bindydad123 on Wikimedia Commons
Borders was a large bookstore chain that grew quickly during the 1990s and early 2000s. However, it failed to invest in digital platforms while competitors like Amazon took the lead. Physical stores became too costly, and the demand for e-books kept growing. As a result, Borders closed all of its locations in 2011.
7. MySpace
News Corporation on Wikimedia Commons
MySpace was once the most visited social media site in the world. It allowed users to create profiles, customize layouts, and share music and blogs. Facebook offered a cleaner interface and gained more users over time. MySpace faded from relevance and was sold off in pieces.
8. Sears
Sears on Wikimedia Commons
Sears was once America’s largest retailer, known for its department stores and massive product catalog. The company failed to modernize and lost customers to more efficient retailers. Years of poor management and growing debt made recovery impossible. Store closures continued until the brand nearly disappeared.
9. Palm
ScaredPoet.com on Wikimedia Commons
Palm was a pioneer in handheld computing and smartphones with its PalmPilot and later the Palm Pre. Its operating system and devices were ahead of their time but quickly fell behind after the launch of the iPhone. The brand changed hands several times without finding success. It eventually disappeared from the market.
10. A&P (The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company)
Tkgd2007 on Wikimedia Commons
A&P was one of the first major grocery chains in the United States. It grew rapidly during the 20th century but couldn’t keep up with changing retail models. The company filed for bankruptcy twice and closed all stores by 2015. After over 150 years in business, the brand vanished.
11. RadioShack
RadioShack on Wikimedia Commons
RadioShack was known for selling electronics, gadgets, and components for tech hobbyists. As consumer electronics became more plug-and-play, demand for RadioShack’s products declined. Online shopping and a lack of clear direction pushed it into bankruptcy. Most locations closed by the mid-2010s.
12. Pier 1 Imports
JJBers on Wikimedia Commons
Pier 1 Imports sold home décor and furniture with a focus on global style. It relied heavily on physical stores and didn’t transition well to online sales. When the pandemic hit, it worsened existing financial troubles. The company closed all retail stores in 2020.