In 2007, digital photography destroyed Kodak’s film-based business model.
Radio Shack
In 2015, Radio Shack was too dependent on one product line: cellphones, which were 50% of its revenue. Once sales channels for cellphones shifted to wireless operators, Radio Shack’s sales deteriorated significantly leading to their bankruptcy.
Toys R Us
In 2017, closed all 800 stores; didn’t bring experential experience to stores.
Pet Rock
In 1976, there were 1.3 million rocks in a box sold. The manual detailed the tricks the rock could do including sitting.
Ask Jeeves
In 2005, IAC acquired the company for $1.85B; pivoted to be a real-person Q&A site just before Google crushed them
My Space
In 2008, My Space failed due to rising competition, a buggy website, and an annoying user experience.
Blockbuster
In 1994, Viacom bought Blockbuster for $8.4 billion. In 2000, the year after its IPO, Blockbuster turned down an opportunity to buy Netflix for $50 million as it failed to recognize the opportunity to move online quick enough. In 2004, Blockbuster had 9000 stores and in 2019 only had one store in Bend, Oregon. The store in Bend is still open today and has over 400 thousand Twitter followers.
Jarts
In 1988, lawn darts with metal spikes were banned in America by the Consumer Product Safety Commission due to the severe danger they presented. These metal tip darts were thrown into the air like
oversized arrows. From 1978 to 1986 lawn darts were responsible for an estimated 6,100 hospital emergency-room treated injuries and even some fatalities.
Friendster
In 2009, Friendster had site performance issues, rising competition, executive turnover, and extensive content moderation. They expanded too quickly internationally before they had won the U.S. market.
Yellow
In 2023, enormous debt ($1.5B) accumulated over 20 years led to Yellow’s bankruptcy after nearly a century in business.