Launched and discontinued in 2006, ESPN burned through $150M (including $30M on a Super Bowl ad) for its mobile phone and only hit 6% of its sales target. ESPN built a wireless service and special phone so sports nuts could receive score updates, l ...
In 2008, Bernie was arrested for turning his wealth management business into a $65 billion Ponzi scheme, which collapsed during the financial crisis.
Released in 1964, Allan, was named after the son-in-law of Mattel co-founder Ruth Handler as part of the Barbie collection. He was marketed as Ken's best friend who could also fit into Ken's clothes.
Raised $1.3B and lied to patients to keep partners and investors happy leading to it's demise in 2018. In 2003, 19-year-old Elizabeth Holmes left Stanford University to found Theranos, a diagnostics startup that aimed to run hundreds of tests usi ...
In 1985, Coca-Cola reformulated Coke because they were losing market share to the sweeter tasting Pepsi-Cola. Consumers rejected New Coke as they had a deep emotional attachment to the original Coca-Cola. New Coke was discontinued 79 days after it ...
In 2012, Bic created a pencil for women. Yes — a pencil for women — since it’s share amongst women was lagging. Miss Bic didn’t solve that problem, as you could guess. Ellen gives a review in 2012: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eCyw3prIWhc
In 1996, this extension of the brand was too far for lovers of the motorcycle; reeked the scent of tobacco.
Webvan raised $757M to launch in 10 cities before they had proven one leading to their demise in 2001. Webvan needed $1B for each distribution warehouse in a category with small margins (e.g., 5% on groceries), while the company had a 5:1 expense t ...
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 h ...
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 ...
