13 Once-Huge Brands That Are Barely Hanging On
These iconic names once ruled their industries — but now, they’re fighting to stay alive.
- Chris Graciano
- 3 min read

These major brands have seen their dominance fade over the years. Changing markets, shifting consumer tastes, and fierce competition have pushed them to be irrelevant. Here’s a look at 13 former powerhouses now struggling just to survive.
1. Sears
Phillip Pessar on Wikimedia Commons
Once America’s go-to department store, Sears was a retail giant with everything from tools to toys. However, online shopping and poor business decisions led to a steep decline.
2. Kodak
Matthew Paul Argall on Wikimedia Commons
Famous for bringing photography to the masses, Kodak was a pioneer in film and cameras. Ironically, they invented the digital camera but failed to capitalize on it.
3. Blockbuster
Coasterlover1994 on Wikimedia Commons
Blockbuster dominated movie nights in the ’90s with thousands of stores nationwide. However, it couldn’t keep up with the rise of Netflix and streaming.
4. RadioShack
Coolcaesar on Wikimedia Commons
This electronics chain once thrived with DIY tech lovers and hobbyists. However, the digital age and big-box competition crushed its relevance.
5. JCPenney
BrokenSphere on Wikimedia Commons
A staple in American malls for decades, JCPenney catered to families with affordable fashion. However, store closures and shifting trends significantly impacted its sales.
6. MySpace
egg on Wikimedia Commons
Before Facebook took over, MySpace was the king of social media. It lost its user base almost overnight due to mismanagement and a lack of innovation.
7. BlackBerry
Andrew Maiman on Wikimedia Commons
Once the must-have smartphone for business pros, BlackBerry was seen as cutting-edge. The iPhone revolution made its keyboard phones obsolete.
8. Yahoo
Xingenious on Wikimedia Commons
Yahoo was once the internet’s front page and a major search engine. Missteps and missed opportunities let Google and others take the lead. Now it’s more of a brand shell, used mainly for email and news.
9. Toys “R” Us
PaulGorduiz106 on Wikimedia Commons
This toy retailer ruled childhoods for decades, but couldn’t adapt to e-commerce. Financial troubles led to bankruptcy and store closures.
10. AOL
Chris Messina on Flickr
Remember the dial-up tone? AOL was once a titan in the early internet age. It’s now reduced to a content provider and email service, clinging to nostalgic users.
11. Sharp Electronics
Solomon203 on Wikimedia Commons
Sharp was once a leader in TVs and home electronics, known for innovation and quality. Today, it’s been overshadowed by brands like Samsung and LG. Its presence in the U.S. market has shrunk dramatically.
12. Barnes & Noble
Todd Van Hoosear on Wikimedia Commons
America’s biggest bookstore chain faced a brutal hit from Amazon and e-readers. While still open, many locations have shuttered, and sales have slumped.
13. Old Country Buffet
Snade6 on Wikimedia Commons
Once a family favorite for all-you-can-eat meals, this buffet chain boomed in the ’90s. Health trends, changing tastes, and the pandemic pushed it to near-extinction.