Products come and go, but some disappear for reasons that are as interesting as the items themselves. This list explores ten unique products manufacturers stopped making, shedding light on the intriguing stories behind their discontinuation.
Whether due to changing consumer tastes, technological advances, or marketing missteps, these products once held promise but ultimately couldn’t sustain their place in the market. Each of these items has a story to tell, from futuristic gadgets ahead of their time to quirky ideas that just didn’t catch on.
Let’s take a look at these ten fascinating products and find out why they were discontinued. Their stories offer a glimpse into the challenges of manufacturing and the ever-shifting landscape of consumer preferences.
Related: 10 Businesses Too Big to Fail That Totally Flopped
10 The Ford Edsel Fiasco
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The Ford Edsel, launched in 1957, was intended to bridge the gap between Ford’s mid-range and luxury lines. However, it quickly became one of the most significant commercial flops in automotive history. The car’s unique styling, particularly its vertical grille, was polarizing and failed to resonate with a wide audience. Early quality control problems also led to a reputation for unreliability, further hindering its appeal.
The Edsel’s introduction during an economic recession exacerbated its struggles, as consumers were less inclined to purchase a new, unproven vehicle. Despite extensive marketing efforts, the car never achieved its sales targets. Production ended in 1960 after three model years, with less than half the projected sales figures reached.
The Edsel’s failure serves as a cautionary tale in the automotive industry, highlighting the importance of understanding consumer preferences and market trends. While often attributed to its design and reliability issues, it’s crucial to acknowledge that other factors, such as economic conditions and market timing, likely contributed to its lack of success. Today, the Edsel remains a collector’s item and a reminder of a time when bold ideas did not always translate into market success.[1]
9 The Rise and Fall of Pepsi Blue
Pepsi Blue, introduced in 2002, was a berry-flavored cola intended to capture a younger demographic and stand out in the crowded soft drink market. The drink’s vibrant blue color, achieved using Blue 1 dye, and unique taste were meant to differentiate it from traditional cola flavors.
Despite a significant marketing campaign featuring endorsements from popular figures and prominent store placement, Pepsi Blue failed to achieve the desired sales figures. Consumer reception was mixed, with many finding the berry flavor artificial and unappealing. After two years on the market, PepsiCo discontinued Pepsi Blue in 2004. While it remains a notable product in PepsiCo’s history, it exemplifies how bold innovation does not always guarantee commercial success.[2]
8 The Curious Case of Clairol Touch of Yogurt Shampoo
Clairol Touch of Yogurt Shampoo, launched in 1979, was an attempt by Clairol to capitalize on the growing trend of natural ingredients in personal care products. The shampoo aimed to appeal to health-conscious consumers by incorporating yogurt—yes, the same yogurt you eat for breakfast with granola—as a key ingredient.
However, the product faced significant challenges due to consumer confusion. The concept of using yogurt in a hair product was unfamiliar to many, and the packaging and marketing did not effectively communicate the product’s purpose. This led to some misunderstandings, including consumers mistakenly thinking the shampoo was edible, which ultimately limited its appeal.
Despite its initial novelty, Clairol Touch of Yogurt Shampoo did not achieve commercial success and was discontinued due to poor sales and safety concerns. While it remains a curious footnote in the history of hair care products, it is an example of the importance of clear marketing and consumer education when introducing unconventional products.[3]
7 The McDonald’s McDLT: A Hot and Cold Failure
The McDonald’s McDLT, introduced in the 1980s, was an innovative burger concept designed to keep the hot and cold components separate until consumption. The packaging featured a two-compartment Styrofoam container, ensuring that the hot beef patty and melted cheese remained hot while the lettuce and tomato stayed cool and crisp. This clever design aimed to deliver a fresher, more appealing burger experience to customers.
However, the McDLT faced significant backlash due to its environmentally unfriendly packaging. The extensive use of Styrofoam at a time when environmental awareness was growing led to public outcry. Despite its innovative approach to burger assembly, the environmental concerns overshadowed its culinary novelty. The McDLT was eventually discontinued, remembered more for its contribution to environmental debates than its unique design.[4]
6 Microsoft Zune: The Failed iPod Rival
The Microsoft Zune, launched in 2006, was Microsoft’s ambitious attempt to compete with Apple’s iPod in the portable media player market. With features like wireless syncing and a subscription service for unlimited music, the Zune aimed to carve out its niche. It boasted a sleek design and a unique interface, hoping to attract users away from the dominant iPod.
However, the Zune struggled to gain traction due to several factors. Apple’s strong brand loyalty, superior marketing, and extensive iTunes ecosystem overshadowed Microsoft’s offering. Additionally, the Zune’s initial release was marred by software issues and a lack of third-party support. Despite its innovative features, the Zune failed to capture a significant market share and was discontinued in October 2011.
The Zune’s story is a classic example of how even well-designed products can falter without robust ecosystem support and effective marketing. Digital content distribution continued until 2012, when it was replaced by Xbox Music and Xbox Video brands, marking the end of Zune’s era.[5]
5 The Rise and Fall of Google Glass
Google Glass, announced in 2012 and released to developers in 2013, promised to revolutionize how we interact with technology. These lightweight glasses featured a tiny display above the right eye, offering hands-free access to information, navigation, and communication. The potential seemed endless, and early adopters were excited about the future of augmented reality.
However, the excitement quickly turned to concern. Privacy issues were at the forefront, as the glasses’ built-in camera made it easy to record people without their knowledge. This led to a significant public backlash and the unflattering nickname “Glasshole” for users. The high price tag and limited functionality also made it a tough sell for most consumers. Technical issues like short battery life and overheating didn’t help either.
By 2015, Google stopped selling the Explorer Edition, though development continued with Enterprise Editions for specific industries. The story of Google Glass is a reminder that even the most innovative technology can struggle if it doesn’t address practical and societal concerns.[6]
4 Sony Aibo Robot Dog: A High-Tech Pet That Couldn’t Fetch Success
The Sony Aibo, introduced in 1999, was a series of robotic dogs designed to bring the joys of pet ownership into the digital age. Aibo could learn tricks, recognize faces, and respond to voice commands, offering a blend of companionship and cutting-edge technology. It quickly became a symbol of innovation, appealing to tech enthusiasts and pet lovers alike.
Despite its impressive features, Aibo faced several hurdles. The high price tag, starting at around $2,000, made it inaccessible to many potential buyers. Additionally, while Aibo was technologically advanced, it couldn’t replicate the warmth and unpredictability of a living pet. The market for robotic pets was still developing, and many consumers weren’t ready to invest in such a novel product.
Sony discontinued the Aibo in 2006, citing financial difficulties and a strategic shift towards other business areas. Support for the final ERS-7 model ended in 2013, with repairs ceasing in 2014. Despite its commercial challenges, Aibo remains a beloved collector’s item and a significant milestone in consumer robotics history.[7]
3 Apple Newton: Ahead of Its Time, but Still a Flop
The Apple Newton, launched in 1993, was one of the first personal digital assistants (PDAs) and showcased Apple’s vision for the future of handheld computing. Equipped with features like handwriting recognition and a touch screen, the Newton was a groundbreaking device intended to revolutionize how people managed their personal and professional lives.
However, the Newton faced numerous challenges from the start. Its handwriting recognition software, although innovative, was notoriously inaccurate and often the subject of ridicule. Moreover, the device was bulky and expensive, making it less appealing to the average consumer. Combined with strong competition from other PDAs, the Newton struggled to gain a foothold in the market.
Apple discontinued the Newton in 1998 after only five years on the market. Despite its commercial failure, the Newton laid the groundwork for future innovations in mobile computing, influencing devices like the iPhone and iPad. Today, it remains a fascinating chapter in Apple’s history, remembered as a product that was ahead of its time but not quite ready for prime time.[8]
2 Nintendo Virtual Boy: A Visionary Misstep
The Nintendo Virtual Boy, launched in 1995, was a bold attempt to bring virtual reality to the gaming world. With its unique red-and-black 3D graphics and a head-mounted display, it aimed to provide an immersive gaming experience unlike any other console at the time. However, the Virtual Boy quickly became one of Nintendo’s most infamous failures.
The device faced numerous issues, from its uncomfortable design and eye-strain-inducing display to a limited game library that failed to captivate gamers. Additionally, its high price point and the emergence of more advanced gaming systems made the Virtual Boy a hard sell. Sales were dismal, and within a year, Nintendo discontinued the product. Despite its failure, the Virtual Boy remains a notable chapter in gaming history, illustrating the risks and challenges of pioneering new technology.[9]
1 Cab-Over Trucks: The Decline of an Iconic Design
Cab-over trucks, once a common sight on American highways, began to decline in popularity during the 1980s. These trucks featured a flat-front design with the cab positioned over the engine, offering better maneuverability and shorter overall length, which was advantageous for urban deliveries and meeting length regulations.
However, several factors contributed to their decline. Safety concerns were significant, as the design offered less protection in frontal collisions compared to conventional trucks. Additionally, advancements in aerodynamics made conventional trucks more fuel-efficient, and their increased cab space provided greater comfort for long-haul drivers. The combination of these factors diminished the appeal of cab-over trucks in the American market.
While their popularity waned, cab-over trucks did not completely disappear and continue to be used in niche applications today. The shift away from cab-over trucks reflects broader trends in vehicle design that prioritize safety, efficiency, and driver comfort, marking the end of an era for this iconic design.[10]