Many companies that were once popular now no longer exist because of societal changes over time. However, some of them have managed to survive to this day – here we’ll look at 17 companies that still exist, and many of them will surprise you!
Polaroid
Polaroid was once a household name for instant cameras, but it has faced bankruptcy and a changing market. Despite these changes, the brand has had a second coming thanks to widespread nostalgia and a concentration on instant film technology.
RadioShack
RadioShack was a popular electronic retailer back in the day and has since gone bankrupt and closed numerous stores. A new ownership group has revived RadioShack, with a stronger emphasis on online sales and franchising.
Blockbuster
Everyone remembers those Friday night trips to the video rental giant Blockbuster to pick up the latest movie. According to Business Insider, the rise of streaming services like Netflix led to its downfall. However, a single Blockbuster store in Oregon remains open and capitalizes on nostalgia and tourism.
Kodak
Kodak was a leader in film photography but experienced a significant decline when digital cameras became popular. In recent years, its attention has shifted towards business solutions, including commercial printing and software.
Toys R Us
CNN states that this go-to toy chain declared bankruptcy in 2017. A new ownership group has relaunched the brand, with smaller, experience-focused stores. The company is also partnering with other retailers, with a collective aim to revive the brand’s appeal.
MySpace
MySpace was among the top social media platforms, but it quickly declined in popularity with the rise of Facebook. Even so, the platform still exists today, but with mostly music and entertainment content.
Sears
Sears was a dominant American retailer but it had significant financial troubles. Recently, the brand has downsized and closed many stores but continues to operate in some locations, with a strong interest on appliances and home services.
AOL
AOL was a major player in the early years of the Internet. Despite the decline of dial-up, AOL continues to exist as part of a larger media presence. Its email service remains active, and a surprising number of users are still relying on it.
Nokia
The Nokia brick was a staple for many mobile phone users in the past. Nokia was a leader in mobile phones but lost its popularity with the introduction of smartphones. However, it has reinvented itself and returned to the market with more attention on durability and simplicity.
Atari
According to Britannica, Atari was one of the earliest video game companies – being released way back in 1977. The brand has survived through licensing deals and retro game releases, and its legacy is upheld by its classic games and nostalgic appeal.
Yahoo
Yahoo was the original search engine for many people but fell behind once Google and other competitors came onto the scene. Nowadays, it features news, finance, and other online services. Its email service and fantasy sports platforms remain popular to this day.
CompuServe
CompuServe was a pioneering online service provider when the internet first came out. It now has a stronger focus on business-oriented solutions and information services. Its legacy comes from its significant success in the early days of the Internet.
BlackBerry
Investopedia says that Blackberry is credited by many as creating the first smartphone, with a long history of success and failure. At its peak in 2011, there were 85 million users worldwide. However, its stock price tanked in 2024. The company is still going, but the aim has shifted to software and cybersecurity solutions.
Sharp
Sharp was known for its electronics – particularly televisions and calculators. It faced top competition from other major electronics brands but has now refocused on business solutions, such as solar panels and office equipment.
Palm
Palm was known for its Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) but was overtaken by smartphones. The brand has recently resurfaced with new products and a focus on niche markets and technology enthusiasts.
Gateway
One of the most popular PC manufacturers in the 90s, Gateway was well-known for its cow-spotted boxes. It has undergone various ownership changes but persists in the computer market, particularly for budget-friendly laptops and desktops.
Zenith
Zenith was a leading television manufacturer and was famous for creating the remote control. With lots of competition from international electronics giants, it struggled to stay afloat over time but continues to exist with a focus on business and commercial electronics.