Is Blockbuster returning? 7 companies that made an epic comeback as film and game rental firm hints at return
Even some of our most loved brands - such as Apple and Disney - have had difficulties over the years
Children of the 1980s and 1990s rejoice, as one of our most beloved brands - Blockbuster - may soon be returning. That’s if there’s anything to be taken from a cryptic tweet recently posted on the company’s official Twitter page.
Earlier in March, a tweet was posted to the account which read: “New business idea: We’re going to come back as a bank and use VHS and DVDs as currency. Time to go visit your mom.” The tweet has over 6,000 likes and 300 comments from people who are excited at the prospect of the firm being seen on our high streets again - and are also delighted at the thought that they may finally be rewarded for hanging on to all those old videos and DVDs for years.
For those who are not familiar with Blockbuster, there was a time before streaming and on-demand services when if you wanted to watch a film or play a video game you either had to go to a shop to buy it or visit your local Blockbuster where you could rent it for a length of your choosing. This could be between one and 14 nights - for a specified price. It was much cheaper than buying it outright, and there was nothing quite like the feeling of searching through the shelves on a Friday or Saturday night for the perfect thing to entertain you over the weekend.
The prospect of its return - though not in its original form as the tweet would suggest - has got us thinking about other companies which have made incredible comebacks over the years. Click through our gallery to see which brands almost didn’t make it but are now some of the most popular around. You may just be surprised.
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For those who are not familiar with Blockbuster, there was a time before streaming and on-demand services when if you wanted to watch a film or play a video game you either had to go to a shop to buy it or visit your local Blockbuster where you could rent it for a length of your choosing. This could be between one and 14 nights - for a specified price. It was much cheaper than buying it outright, and there was nothing quite like the feeling of searching through the shelves on a Friday or Saturday night for the perfect thing to entertain you over the weekend.
5. Nintendo
Nintendo is a Japanese company with a very long history. When it was founded all the way back in 1889 it produced handmade playing cards for people to use, but by 1966 the firm started producing video games a bit more like the ones we may use today. The company ran into some trouble in 1994, however, when rival Sony released its first Playstation. Nintendo tried to compete by producing the Nintendo game cube, but gamers weren’t as interested in this console and the company’s future looked uncertain. In 2006, however, the Nintendo Wii games console was released which allowed players to become part of the game themselves. Sales of the Wii outsold the Playstation, which was by then on its third edition, and Nintendo re-established themselves in the gaming industry.
6. LEGO
LEGO has been loved by children - and adults - for generations. The company was founded almost 100 years ago in 1932, but in the late 1990s it was suffering and sales had dramatically reduced. Children were becoming more interested in video games at this time, and LEGO also produced more easy-to-build structures and characters which customers weren’t as impressed with. By the early 2000s, the company decided to go back to their building block routes, a move which was welcomed by their young customer-base. The firm also had to cut some costs but by 2014 LEGO was once again the biggest toymaker in the world.
7. Crocs
Crocs shoes - you either love them or hate them. The firm was founded back in 2002 and enjoyed some success as people enjoyed their comfort and practicality, but after a few years Crocs were widely considered to be a fashion faux pas. Then, a new generation of shoppers - and celebrities - made Crocs cool again. In his 2019 song I’m Gonna Be, singer Post Malone includes a lyric about “thousand dollar Crocs”. Post Malone has even made his own design of Crocs, and the brand has gone on to collaborate with the likes of designer brand Balenciaga and two more singers, Bad Bunny and Justin Beiber.