Adrian Berlutti
Everything popular has an expiration date—just ask the nearest Blockbuster. A bunch of once-cherished staples are now collecting dust or fighting to stay alive. Blame convenience or plain old disinterest. Feel like taking a stroll down memory lane with a few gut punches along the way? Here’s what’s fading fast.
Classic American Diners
Those chrome-plated diners with jukeboxes and booths? They’re vanishing fast. Blame fast-casual chains and health-conscious eating. Since the ’80s, over half of these cozy spots have shut down. A few try to hang on with themed nights and retro menus. Still, scrapple and apple pie can’t compete with smoothie bowls forever.
Shopping Malls
Shopping malls were once buzzing symbols of American life. Teens hung out by fountains, families filled food courts, and weekends revolved around retail. While e-commerce has emptied many malls, the Mall of America still proves some magic remains. Repurposed or not, these places reflect a time worth remembering and maybe preserving.
Public Payphones
Public payphones used to be a lifeline, just 25 cents a call in the ’80s. Before cell phones, they were essential for emergencies. These days? They’re rare sights. Most have been pulled from U.S. cities. A few survive, turned into quirky Wi-Fi hotspots or even art displays. Remember The Matrix? That phone scene? Iconic.
Cable Television
In 2000, over 100 million U.S. households were subscribed. But things have changed since then. Furthermore, streaming giants like Netflix have pulled millions away since 2015. Rising costs haven’t helped. Some channels bundle into apps to survive, but old reruns like Friends are doing most of the heavy lifting.
Local Bookstores
A local bookstore is more than just shelves and spines; it represents history and community. Although 40% have vanished since the 1990s, a few still endure by hosting readings, offering coffee, or selling vinyl. America’s oldest bookstore still stands in Pennsylvania, a symbol of quiet resilience fueled by readers who still believe in small shops.
Print Newspapers
Newspapers first appeared in Boston in 1690 and quickly became a cornerstone of American life. Over time, digital news and shrinking ad revenue led to a sharp decline in print circulation, now down more than 50% compared to earlier decades. Many local papers shut down, while others pivoted to community-focused reporting. Rare editions with historic headlines have become prized collectibles.
VCRs And VHS Tapes
VHS tapes were the primary format for home entertainment throughout the 1980s and 1990s, but they gradually gave way to DVDs and streaming services. Production of new tapes stopped in 2006, and most households have since abandoned VCRs. Today, rare editions—particularly early horror titles—appeal to collectors. Blockbuster’s fall further mirrored the decline of VHS rentals.
Check Writing
Check writing has dropped by 75% as digital payment apps like Venmo take over. Many businesses have stopped accepting them, though banks still issue checkbooks, especially to older customers. In the 1980s and ’90s, checks often featured custom designs and personal flair. Today, they’re rarely used and carry increased fraud risk.
Physical Photo Albums
Physical photo albums are in decline. With 80% of Americans storing photos digitally, fewer are printing them. Scrapbooking, once popular in the 1990s, has dropped off. Despite that, albums remain valuable for genealogy research. A few companies now offer digital-to-print services, hoping to bring the classic photo album back.
Cursive Handwriting
Many U.S. schools stopped teaching cursive due to digital communication and Common Core standards. Currently, only 25% of students learn it, down from 90% in the 1970s. Cursive remains essential for signing legal documents. Several states have reinstated cursive education after parents pushed back. Still, handwritten cursive letters are now seen as a vintage art form.
