1. Circuit City
Before Best Buy had a monopoly on electronics, Circuit City was the place to go for the latest gadgets. Founded in 1949, the chain had over 700 stores at its peak and was known for selling everything from stereos to desktop PCs. But poor management decisions—including phasing out commissioned sales staff—contributed to its bankruptcy in 2008, according to Peter Cohan from Inc.com. The brand briefly resurfaced online, but never recaptured its former glory.
Yet it still comes up when people reminisce about their first big tech purchase. Those red store signs and giant box TVs stick in people’s memories. There’s a kind of affection for the way electronics shopping used to feel. Less sterile, more personal—even if the HDMI cables were overpriced.
2. Toys “R” Us
Toys “R” Us was the place where childhood dreams were made, right up until it filed for bankruptcy in 2017. The brand once boasted over 700 stores in the U.S., and walking into one felt like stepping into toy heaven. Financial struggles and competition from Amazon and Walmart led to its downfall. By 2018, most locations were shuttered, according to Ben Unglesbee from Retail Dive.
And yet, Geoffrey the Giraffe still lingers in our hearts. The company has made several small comebacks, including pop-up stores and partnerships with Macy’s. People still sing the jingle without missing a beat. It’s the kind of brand that defined an era, especially for ‘80s and ‘90s kids.
3. Pan Am
Pan American World Airways, or Pan Am, wasn’t just an airline—it was an icon of jet-age glamour. Founded in 1927, it helped pioneer international air travel and was the first airline to offer commercial flights across the Atlantic. By the late 1980s, financial mismanagement and rising fuel costs clipped its wings, according to Andy Ash from Business Insider. The airline ceased operations in 1991.
Even so, its blue globe logo and sleek stewardess uniforms still symbolize a golden age of travel. The brand has been referenced in everything from “Catch Me If You Can” to fashion lines. There was even a short-lived TV drama called Pan Am in 2011. For many, it’s less about the flights and more about the fantasy.
4. Blockbuster
There was nothing quite like a Friday night trip to Blockbuster. You’d wander the aisles, pick up a VHS or DVD, and maybe snag a pack of Red Vines on the way to the counter. At its peak in 2004, Blockbuster had over 9,000 stores worldwide. But streaming services—especially Netflix—rendered it obsolete, and the company filed for bankruptcy in 2010, according to Greg Satell from Forbes.
Despite its fall, Blockbuster still lives rent-free in our collective nostalgia. Memes, Halloween costumes, and even a Blockbuster-themed Airbnb in Oregon have kept the brand in the spotlight. There’s something charming about the analog ritual of renting a movie, late fees and all. It was more than a store—it was an experience.
5. Borders
Before Amazon dominated book sales, Borders was the go-to place for readers who loved getting lost in the stacks. Founded in 1971, it expanded rapidly throughout the ’90s and early 2000s, offering books, CDs, and a cozy coffee shop vibe. But digital disruption and poor inventory strategies led to its demise. The company declared bankruptcy in 2011.
Still, people talk about Borders like it was a sacred space. The smell of coffee mixed with freshly printed pages left a sensory mark. It was a social hub as much as a bookstore. For many, it was where their love of reading deepened.
6. American Apparel
American Apparel wasn’t just a clothing store; it was a cultural moment. Known for its sweatshop-free labor and unapologetically provocative ads, the brand exploded in popularity in the 2000s. But controversy surrounding its founder, plus mounting debt, led to a bankruptcy filing in 2015 and store closures soon after. Though it relaunched as an online-only retailer, the original in-store experience is gone.
Still, people constantly reference the brand’s aesthetic. The minimalist basics, bold colors, and ’70s-meets-hipster vibe defined an era of youth fashion. Even now, you’ll hear people say something looks “so American Apparel.” It may be technically alive online, but the version people miss isn’t coming back.
7. Oldsmobile
Oldsmobile was one of the oldest car brands in the U.S., launched in 1897 and absorbed into General Motors in 1908. It became a symbol of mid-century American innovation, with models like the Cutlass and Toronado becoming household names. But sales declined steadily into the ‘90s, and GM shut it down in 2004. It was the first of the Big Three brands to be phased out.
Yet if you talk to gearheads or Baby Boomers, the name still sparks conversation. Many still drive well-maintained Oldsmobiles, proud of their durability and style. It’s a car that had character, especially compared to today’s lookalike SUVs. Even its final model—the Alero—has a cult following.
8. MySpace
Before Facebook ruled the internet, MySpace was where the cool kids hung out. Launched in 2003, it quickly became the top social network by letting users customize their profiles and rank their friends. But poor platform updates and the rise of Facebook pushed it into obscurity. By the early 2010s, it was all but dead.
Still, everyone remembers their first MySpace song or their Top 8 drama. It taught a generation basic HTML and gave people their first taste of online identity. People still joke about bringing it back, even if just for the nostalgia. MySpace Tom remains one of the internet’s most beloved founders.
9. RadioShack
Need a random cable, battery, or obscure adapter? For decades, RadioShack was your best bet. Founded in 1921, it thrived by catering to hobbyists, tinkerers, and early tech adopters. But with the rise of online shopping and fewer people building their own electronics, it filed for bankruptcy in 2015.
Despite that, it’s a brand people still reference when something techy goes wrong. “You’d need a RadioShack for that” is still a common joke. Its retro branding and old-school vibe even sparked a short-lived marketing comeback. It’s gone, but it hasn’t been forgotten.
10. Pier 1 Imports
For years, Pier 1 was the place to buy exotic-looking home decor and quirky furniture you didn’t really need but had to have. Founded in 1962, the chain peaked in the early 2000s with over 1,000 stores nationwide. But the rise of budget home decor retailers like IKEA and online sellers eroded its market. The company filed for bankruptcy and closed its physical stores in 2020.
Even so, people still talk about “Pier 1 finds” like they’re treasure. That mix of boho, global, and coastal styles left an impression. The brand name still lives online, but the magic was in browsing those labyrinthine aisles. It was a vibe—part import bazaar, part suburban indulgence.
11. Kodak
There was a time when “Kodak moment” wasn’t just a phrase—it was the way we captured memories. Founded in 1888, Kodak was the giant of the film photography world for most of the 20th century. But the company didn’t pivot fast enough to digital, and by 2012 it had filed for bankruptcy. Though it still exists in a reduced form, it’s no longer the photography titan it once was.
Despite that, people still use Kodak cameras for a retro feel. Its branding, film quality, and iconic yellow packaging are still part of photography lore. Vintage Kodak gear even has collector status now. It’s a ghost brand in the best way—lingering, sentimental, and just a little bit romantic.
12. Compaq
Compaq was a huge name in personal computing during the ’80s and ’90s. Founded in 1982, it became known for making IBM-compatible PCs and even briefly held the title of world’s largest PC supplier. HP acquired it in 2002 and phased out the name a few years later. By the late 2000s, the brand had vanished from store shelves.
Still, anyone who had a beige Compaq laptop or desktop remembers it vividly. It was often the first home computer for many families. The logo, with its distinctive red C, still surfaces in online retrospectives. In a way, Compaq helped democratize computing long before Apple was mainstream.
13. Zenith
Zenith was once synonymous with American-made TVs and radios. Founded in Chicago in 1918, the brand pioneered innovations like the first wireless remote control and early HDTV tech. But by the 1990s, competition from overseas manufacturers led to a sale to LG, and the brand faded. Today, Zenith-branded products are rare and mostly legacy.
Still, people of a certain age remember Zenith as a mark of quality. Those giant wood-paneled consoles were living room centerpieces. Even now, someone might call an old TV a “Zenith” regardless of brand. That’s staying power, even if the brand itself is long gone.
