Top 5 Brands That Failed

All Rise For The Passing Of Yet Another Brand

Whether you find the imminent demise of this flick-loving company to be tragic or inevitable, it appears that it won’t be long until MoviePass ends up joining these other five defunct companies .

#5: Circuit City (1949-2009)

Electronics superstores followed their roadmap, but that wasn’t enough to keep Circuit City afloat. Inconvenient locations, bad customer service, and not targeting gamers were just some of their mistakes. However, they were still the number two electronics store in America when they filed for bankruptcy in 2008, then liquidated their assets and closed all stores. RadioShack is a similar company whose stock prices imply is on a similar path.

#4: Oldsmobile (1897-2004)

Olds was a pioneer in many respects, and one of the oldest auto brands around when General Motors shut it down in 2004. It was the first of many brand deaths at GM: Hummer, Pontiac, and Saturn all met their ends during the Chapter 11 reorganization. Ironically, it was competition from other GM brands that helped lead to the downfall of Oldsmobile.

#3: Blockbuster (1985-2013)

Failing to adapt to changing trends and new services like Netflix plus escalating internet piracy meant Blockbuster was never far from a death rattle. The signs were all there, 2010 – bankruptcy, 2011 – bought by Dish Network, 2012 – gave up competing with Netflix. We’re honestly surprised that it didn’t go under sooner.

#2: Woolworths (1879-1997)

The Woolworth brothers and their chain of five-and-dime stores established the sales, merchandising, and customer service standards in practice today. By the company’s hundredth anniversary it was the world’s biggest department store chain. But mounting pressure from competitors like Wal-Mart caused its decline. Woolworth’s was officially declared defunct in 1997, but it still exists today under the name Foot Locker.

#1: Pan American World Airways (1927-1991)

Taking the top spot on our list is the “World’s Most Experienced Airline.” Innovations, unparalleled luxury, and hot stewardesses made Pan Am an industry leader and a symbol of American pride. However, a deadly terrorist bombing, plus increasing competition and fuel prices after the Gulf War took their toll: The company folded in 1991. Twenty years later, Pan Am inspired a nostalgic TV show, which also failed.

Be sure to check out the video below to see our picks for the Top 10 Products That Killed Competitors.