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10 Famous Companies That Failed to Innovate

Updated: Feb 16, 2024


In the world of business, only change endures. Some brands soar by adapting, while others sink for staying still.


1. Blockbuster (1985 - 2010).

  • Peak: 84,300 employees, 9,094 stores in 2004.

  • Failure: Didn't transition to digital; declined Netflix's sale offer in 2000.

  • Bankruptcy: 2010.

2. Polaroid (1937 - 2001).

  • Success: Early leader in instant film and cameras.

  • Downfall: Ignored digital camera impact; focused solely on traditional film.

  • Bankruptcy: 2001; brand later acquired by Impossible Project (2008).


3. Toys R us (1945 - 2017).

  • Issue: Signed exclusive toy vendor deal with Amazon (2000), missed e-commerce development.

  • Bankruptcy: 2017, amidst $1bn debt and online competition.


4. PAN Am (1971 - 2011)

  • Innovations: Computerized reservations, jumbo jets.

  • Downfall: Mismanagement, regulatory issues; didn't adapt to future trends.

  • Bankruptcy: 1991.


5. Borders (1985 - 2010)

  • Expansion: Global book/music retailer.

  • Issues: Too much debt, late to e-readers, digital books.

  • Closure: 2011; assets sold to Barnes & Noble.


6. Pets.com (1998 - 2000)

  • Offering: Online pet supplies.

  • Problem: High marketing spend, poor fundamentals, premature scaling.

  • Closure: 2000, post-IPO; domain now redirects to PetSmart.

7. Tower Records (1960 - 2004)

  • Innovation: First retail music mega-store.

  • Failure: Heavy debts, couldn't compete with digital music platforms.

  • Bankruptcy: 2004.


8. Compaq (1982 - 2002)

  • Success: Leading PC seller, IBM PC compatible computers.

  • Downfall: Lost in price wars, couldn't innovate.

  • Acquisition: By HP in 2002, brand discontinued in 2013.


9. General Motors (1908 - 2009)

  • Legacy: Over 100 years in car manufacturing.

  • Failure: Ignored innovation and competition, focused on finance.

  • Bankruptcy: 2009; reformed with government bailout.


10. Kodak (1889 - 2012)

  • Dominance: Leading film company.

  • Mistake: Hesitated in digital transition to protect film business.

  • Bankruptcy: 2012; re-emerged as a smaller company in 2013.


What emerging technologies could potentially disrupt current market leaders? Bonus points for a take other than A.I. 😜 



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