18 Companies That Rose and Fell in the ’80s
These companies thrived in the 1980s but quickly collapsed due to competition, missteps, or changing times.
- Chris Graciano
- 3 min read
The 1980s were a boom period for business, with innovation and excess fueling massive growth. However, many companies that soared in the spotlight couldn’t handle the turbulence that followed. This list dives into 18 brands that captured the decade’s energy but faded fast.
1. Pan Am
Pedro Aragão on Wikimedia Commons
Once the king of international air travel, Pan Am symbolized luxury and prestige in the skies. However, high debt, rising fuel prices, and terrorism concerns grounded it by 1991.
2. Atari
Paper Luigi on Wikimedia Commons
This video game pioneer launched the home gaming revolution but couldn’t survive the industry crash of 1983. Poor quality control and overproduction tanked its credibility.
3. Commodore International
Phrontis on Wikimedia Commons
Makers of the Commodore 64, one of the best-selling computers ever, this brand was once unstoppable. However, mismanagement and the rise of IBM clones led to a swift fall.
4. Eastern Air Lines
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A major U.S. carrier known for innovation and aggressive pricing, Eastern dominated East Coast skies. Labor disputes and rising competition grounded it by the end of the decade.
5. Wang Laboratories
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Once a leader in word processing and office tech, Wang was everywhere in corporate America. However, its failure to adapt to the PC revolution proved fatal.
6. Coleco
Evan-Amos on Wikimedia Commons
This company, known for Cabbage Patch Kids and the ColecoVision console, had multiple hits. However, bad electronics investments and an oversaturated toy market caused its crash.
7. LJN Toys
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LJN produced hit toy lines and licensed video games, some of which were infamous for poor quality. Though it rode the coattails of big franchises, bad press eventually doomed it.
8. American Motors Corporation (AMC)
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Famous for quirky cars like the Gremlin and the Pacer, AMC struggled to compete with larger automakers. Its partnership with Renault wasn’t enough to save it.
9. Texaco
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Though still active in some ways, Texaco’s major crash came from a multibillion-dollar lawsuit in the mid-’80s. The financial hit sent shockwaves through the industry.
10. EF Hutton
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“EF Hutton talks, people listen” was a household phrase, thanks to slick advertising. However, a check-kiting scandal ruined its reputation and led to its collapse.
11. Braniff International Airways
SDASM Archives on Wikimedia Commons
Braniff made headlines with its flashy jets and designer uniforms, redefining airline style. However, its aggressive expansion and fuel costs were unsustainable.
12. RCA
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RCA, a leader in electronics and broadcasting, helped shape TV in America. In 1986, General Electric acquired and dismantled it.
13. Tandy Corporation
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Tandy, owner of RadioShack, was an early force in personal computing. However, the market left it behind as newer, sleeker tech emerged.
14. Baldwin-United
fauxels on Pexels
This financial services giant grew too fast through aggressive acquisitions. When regulators stepped in, its pyramid began to collapse.
15. Drexel Burnham Lambert
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This investment bank was the face of junk bonds in the ’80s. Led by Michael Milken, it helped reshape Wall Street — until legal troubles shut it down.
16. Memorex
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Best known for cassette tapes and the “Is it live or is it Memorex?” slogan, this brand was once everywhere. CD technology quickly pushed it aside.
17. Pets.com
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Although it launched in the late ’90s, Pets.com’s foundation was laid by concepts from ’80s mail-order businesses. Its spectacular failure mirrors many dot-com bubbles — fast rise, faster crash.
18. Babbage’s
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A beloved computer and video game store, Babbage’s was an early retail hub for gamers. Rapid market shifts led it to merge and rebrand.