Devin Jacobs
Some things we grew up with are slowly vanishing, thanks to the way younger generations shop, communicate, and live. Tech upgrades and changing priorities are pushing certain products to the sidelines. So, here are 20 once-familiar favorites and why they’re losing their spot in everyday life.
Landline Phones
Remember when every house had a landline? Back in 2004, it was 92% of homes. Now, less than 30% still have one, because Gen Z is glued to apps and texting, and some millennials only “know” landlines from scary movie jump scares.
Soap Bars
Liquid soap has taken over store shelves, leaving bar soap looking like a bathroom antique. Younger users often see bars as less hygienic and less convenient. Hence, to survive, many brands rely on nostalgic, retro packaging to spark emotional connections.
Single-Use Cameras
The rise of smartphones and instant sharing caused single-use camera sales to drop drastically, as Gen Z’s preference for instant edits and zero wait time leaves little demand. Some souvenir stores now even market them as nostalgic and vintage-style items.
DVD Players
Digital streaming services overtook DVD and Blu-ray sales in 2017, which marked a major shift in media consumption. With laptops often missing disc drives, demand plummeted. Today, the only place you can still find them is in thrift stores.
Ironing Boards
Wrinkle-free fabrics and relaxed fashion have pushed ironing boards to the sidelines. Younger renters and frequent travelers love the ease of steamers instead, and, as a result, stores say shoppers under 35 barely buy them anymore.
Cable TV Packages
By 2022, close to 70 million Americans abandoned cable for streaming, attracted by customizable content. That’s probably because younger viewers can’t stand the hidden fees or being locked into contracts for channels they’ll never click on.
Fine China Sets
Fewer young adults are purchasing fine china, as formal dinners have become less common. Wedding registries seldom feature these fragile dish sets, and resellers often market them as “grandma’s treasures” to appeal to nostalgic buyers.
Alarm Clocks
Why buy an alarm clock when a smartphone can wake you, tell you the weather, and track your sleep? Gen Z opts for smart features and personalized tones instead. Today, retro models are aimed mainly at collectors, not the teen market.
Checkbooks
Digital banking apps and mobile payment platforms have reduced the use of checkbooks. A Chime and Talker Research survey found that only 26% of Gen Z have written a check. In fact, many retailers have stopped accepting them altogether.
Fax Machines
The rise of email, PDFs, and secure file transfer has made fax machines largely obsolete. Many offices no longer maintain dedicated fax lines. For Gen Z, the concept of a fax often prompts confusion.
Desktop Computers
Desktops are losing the race to laptops and tablets, which win on portability and style. Younger users want clean, minimalist setups, not bulky towers. The only real holdouts? Gaming desktops, which still have a loyal, if niche, fan base.
Sewing Machines
While DIY fashion trends remain popular, few younger users actually sew garments. Complicated instruction manuals and repair requirements discourage beginners. In fact, some sewing machine models are now styled to function as decorative pieces for craft spaces.
Manual Transmissions
According to Team BHP, only 1.7% of vehicles sold in the U.S. in 2023 were manual transmission, as Gen Z strongly favors automatic and electric cars. Many driving schools have even removed manual driving from their standard instruction.
Encyclopedias
Encyclopedias had their day, but now Wikipedia gives you free, constantly updated info. Britannica even stopped printing in 2012. However, some libraries do keep old sets—not for reading, but as decor or fancy doorstops.
Doorbells With Chimes
The rise of smart video doorbells, which allow remote visitor access through apps, has diminished interest in chime-based models. In real estate, smart entry upgrades are now considered a marketable asset in property listings.
Disposable Razors
Disposable razors are losing ground fast, as younger shoppers now go for sustainable, budget-friendly picks like electric trimmers or refillable razors. Subscription razor services have only pushed traditional sales further down the drain.
Canned Soup
Canned soup isn’t flying off the shelves like it used to. Health worries and changing tastes have younger shoppers going for fresh meals or local delivery instead. Now, canned soup brands rebrand as “craft” or organic to win them back.
Greeting Cards
Memes and quick texts have taken over where greeting cards once ruled. Younger people say they’re wasteful and too expensive, and in many big stores, the card aisles are smaller every year, like they’re slowly fading from sight.
Napkins (Not Paper Towels)
Since 2010, napkin sales have steadily declined, particularly among urban consumers. Younger buyers favor paper towels, casual dining, or reusable alternatives, leading to reduced demand for traditional napkins.
Compact Discs (CDs)
CDs had their moment, but streaming and downloads made them nearly vanish. Music aisles in stores are shrinking fast. On the flip side, at least their cases still get a second life as quirky wallets or drink coasters.