Ian Bronson
Trends move quickly, and items that once seemed essential go untouched. Shifting habits and fresh preferences among younger consumers reshape what gets bought—and what doesn’t. As priorities adjust, some longtime staples quietly disappear from daily life. Here are 10 products falling out of favor.
Cable TV Subscriptions
Streaming platforms now dominate how people consume entertainment, especially among younger audiences—traditional cable struggles to compete with the demand for flexibility and fewer ads. Add in binge-ready shows and personalized libraries, and digital options become even more appealing.
Landline Phones
Setting up a landline feels unnecessary for most Gen Z households as smartphones have replaced the need for separate calling devices with added perks like internet access and messaging. As mobile plans improved, landline usage fell sharply—there’s little reason to plug one in today.
Bar Soap
Bar soap still exists, but it’s no longer the go-to. Young shoppers lean toward body washes and cleansers designed for skincare routines. Some see bars as unhygienic or impractical, and the packaging doesn’t always align with current trends. Brands pushing eco-friendly options are now leading the change.
Department Store Credit Cards
Store-branded credit cards once came with big appeal—early access to sales, exclusive discounts, and loyalty perks. But today, shoppers are more cautious. High interest rates and shrinking department store footprints make them less attractive. Instead, people prefer flexible cards with travel rewards or cashback that work anywhere.
Fabric Softener
Most younger shoppers are skipping fabric softeners these days. Many worry about skin irritation or question the need for added chemicals. On top of that, sustainability influencers on social media often recommend ditching it entirely. As more people follow that lead, fabric softener is slowly fading from everyday laundry habits.
Alarm Clocks
Alarm clocks haven’t disappeared entirely, but they’ve been sidelined. Smartphones have built-in alarms that offer far more control—reminders, scheduling, and even voice commands. For next-gen users already glued to their phones, keeping a separate clock by the bed feels unnecessary.
Diamonds
Youngsters nowadays mostly look for ethical, affordable alternatives, and lab-grown stones fit that bill. For them, personal meaning matters more than prestige, and that change redefines what engagement rings—and luxury—look like in this generation. As a result, mined diamonds don’t hold the same appeal they previously did.
Canned Tuna
It’s not that people forgot about canned tuna—it’s just that fewer want it. Strong smells, mercury warnings, and changing food habits have shifted attention to fresher, trendier options. These days, tuna often stays in the pantry while salmon and sushi get all the attention.
DVD Players
Most new devices no longer include disc drives, and digital rentals or downloads have largely replaced the need for physical copies. To many tech-savvy consumers, physical media feels bulky and outdated. Especially in streaming households, there’s little reason to keep one around.
Golf Equipment
Golf demands time, money, and access to a course—barriers that don’t easily fit into modern lifestyles. Social fitness activities like hiking or casual sports now feel more inclusive and flexible, leading to a noticeable drop in equipment sales. Even golf’s traditional image no longer holds the same cultural weight it once did.
