Devin Jacobs
Consumer trends are shifting faster than ever in the US—even for products that have been household staples for decades and companies that have shaped entire industries. Recent developments suggest their future hangs in ambiguity. Here are brands and beloved products disappearing due to no immediate survival adaptations.
Sears
Once a big part of the American retail scene, Sears has been in steep decline for years, with fewer than 30 stores hanging. Sears is struggling to compete in a digital-first world and evolve alongside giants like Amazon. It’s a far cry from its early days as the founder of mail-order catalogs.
Kmart
Decades of mismanagement, outdated stores, and stiff competition from Walmart and Target have left Kmart’s future looking bleak. It used to be a groundbreaker in discount retail but has nearly disappeared—only three stores are still open as of 2024. While its cultural legacy might stay alive, the retail chain itself is unlikely to make a comeback.
Family Dollar
Family Dollar is finding it difficult to sustain its appeal, even though its stores boomed during the 2008 recession. About 1,000 shops are set to close as its parent company, Dollar Tree, consolidates its operations completely. Hence, Family Dollar is soon going to lose its independence.
Piggly Wiggly
When you think of a brand that revolutionized grocery shopping in 1916, Piggly Wiggly comes to mind. People will remember its nostalgic name, but its future as a major grocery player is in doubt. Their self-service model has seen a sharp decline over the years.
Badcock Home Furniture & More
Badcock Home Furniture was a longtime staple in the Southeast, famous for offering affordable payment plans and accessible furniture. However, the company has succumbed to financial pressures and changing consumer shopping habits. Recently, it filed for bankruptcy and is closing all of its 380 stores.
Kraft Singles
Organizations like Bloomberg and NielsenIQ suggest that Kraft Singles may fade from prominence in the future. It has long been associated with school lunches and grilled cheese sandwiches. The sales of processed cheese have, however, been steadily declining. That’s why Kraft Singles is falling out of favor with consumers who prefer natural and organic alternatives.
SlimFast
SlimFast, once a leader in the diet industry, has struggled to stay relevant as health-conscious consumers shift toward fresh, whole-food options. Although they have introduced keto-friendly products and meal replacements to appeal to modern diets, SlimFast continues to lose market share to newer competitors focused on sustainability and wellness.
Kenmore Appliances
With stiff competition from brands like Whirlpool and LG, Kenmore’s ability to remain a significant seller is in jeopardy. It has been a Sears-exclusive brand for decades, so its fortune is tied to Sears’ ongoing struggles. Their products are still available through other retailers like Amazon but with lower visibility.
Odwalla Juices
Previously a trendy choice for health-conscious consumers, they faced criticism for their very high sugar content and declining demand. Coca-Cola discontinued the brand in 2020 to focus on other beverage lines. Such a downfall reflects broader trends that favor fresh, low-sugar options in the health beverage market.
American Cheese
Few products are as essentially American as processed cheese. However, its appeal is waning. As consumers shift to natural, artisanal cheeses, American cheese has seen dropping demand, particularly in food service. You might see that it’s widely available, but its fame is fading due to more authentic dairy options.