Iconic Retail Brands That No Longer Exist

A good retail brand can shape consumer habits, build loyalty, and sometimes even define an era by creating an easily recognizable identity that lives on forever. However, over several years, many popular retail brands have vanished from the market. They have left behind just the memories of crowded stores and memorable slogans. They could have gone out of business for several reasons - from changing consumer habits and extreme competition, to the rise of online shopping. Here are a few of the most recognizable brands that have now disappeared.

Henri Bendel

Henri Bendel was a well-known brand, treated as the symbol of luxury in women’s fashion. It was launched in 1913 and became a favorite among its customers. However, the brand announced its closure in January 2019 after years of declining sales and low profits. It truly marked the end of an era, as The Luxury Chronicle notes. Leslie Wexner, the L Brands chairman and CEO, said at the time, "We have decided to stop operating Bendel to improve company profitability and focus on our larger brands that have greater growth potential."

Blockbuster

Once a giant home entertainment provider, Blockbuster gave people access to movies and games through its rental services. It was founded in the year 1985, and instantly became a weekend ritual for families and film lovers alike. However, with the rise of digital streaming, Blockbuster struggled to keep up, filing for bankruptcy in 2010, as reported by Startup Talky. In 2014, the final Blockbuster location shut its doors, officially marking the end of the beloved entertainment empire.

Trans World Airlines

In 1930, two separate airlines—Western Air Express and Transcontinental Air Transport- came together to form Trans World Airlines, also known as TWA. It grew extremely popular after aviation enthusiast and billionaire Howard Hughes took control of the company in 1940, transforming it into a major global player. However, TWA faced financial struggles under Hughes in the early 1960s. Although the airline briefly rebounded in 1965, it was soon hit by rising fuel costs and risky expansion into real estate. The airline declared bankruptcy in 1992, as reported by Investopedia.

Oldsmobile

Launched in 1897 by Ransom E. Olds, this historic automaker left a lasting legacy in the US automobile industry. It rolled out over 35 million vehicles and introduced several well-known models under General Motors. It includes classics like the Starfire, 442, and Toronado, most of which helped define a golden era. However, the company came to a quiet end in 2004 due to years of declining sales and shrinking profits. By 2004, Oldsmobile had no remaining factories to produce its vehicles, as reported by Business News Daily.

Kenner Products

The toy company Kenner Products was launched in 1947 in Cincinnati by the Steiner brothers—Albert, Phillip, and Joseph. It gained quick popularity with toys like the Bubble-Matic Gun and the Easy-Bake Oven. Though the company was taken over by General Mills in 1967, it thrived, especially in the ’70s and ’80s. However, further changes in ownership—first bought by Tonka in 1987 and then by Hasbro in 1991—were the reason for the company's gradual fading. By 2000, Kenner was officially shut down.

Borders Bookstore

Borders Group, founded in 1971 and having its headquarters in Ann Arbor, Michigan, was once a go-to spot for book lovers. It was known for its cozy in-store cafes and wide book selection, creating a space where people could relax, get lost in stories. It eventually began to struggle financially in 2001. As e-books took over by 2010, the company was losing $185 million annually, going bankrupt in 2011. Borders handed over its website to competitor Barnes & Noble.

Sports Authority

Sports Authority, once a major name among athletic retailers, had its headquarters in Englewood, Colorado. It offered a wide range of products, including apparel and equipment. Despite its initial success, it started facing intense competition and declining sales, and couldn’t keep up with the changing retail landscape. In 2016, the company filed for bankruptcy and shut down all of its locations.