How Times Change
These brands were once known as reliable and high-quality choices, but that’s no longer the case. In fact, these companies now have sinking reputations because of poor changes and shrinkflation. It’s interesting to see how once-beloved products became just another sign of a harsher economy. Which of these brands do you remember fondly?
1. McDonald's
McDonald's used to be the place for real ingredients that always tasted the same, no matter where you ate. Slowly, people have begun to complain that the portions are smaller, the food isn't as good, and the quality has gone way down since the chain started. Others think they have lost most of their charm by cutting costs and changing the menu.
2. Hasbro Toys
Hasbro Toys was once known for making solid, well-made toys with imagination that could last for decades. In recent years, many customers have complained that the toys have flimsier materials, less detail, and more cost-cutting. Fans of older Hasbro lines have noted this trend and miss the magic.
3. H&M
H&M has been known for being a store where one could buy cheap and current-looking clothing that seemed stylish and was decently well made for the price point. In recent years, customers have experienced thinner materials, less sturdy stitching, and clothes that seem to fall apart after only a few washes. Just another brand falling to fast fashion trends.
4. YouTube
YouTube had been praised in the past for providing free, accessible, and uninterrupted videos to view. In the last several years, however, it has become overrun with advertisements, some playing several before a video as well as during. This level of advertising has been seen by many longtime users as a detriment to the viewing experience.
Christian Wiediger on Unsplash
5. Levi's
Levi's used to make long-lasting, reliable denim that fit and never seemed to give you problems. For a while now, people have had bad luck with off sizing, lighter fabric, and even noticeable stitches. Longtime lovers of the brand feel the need for quality control is lost, and it's hard to trust new items.
6. Netflix
Streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu, and Prime Video were once applauded for their extensive libraries, lack of advertisements, and reasonable prices. However, as time has passed, many have added ads, increased subscription fees, and lowered the quality and quantity of overall content. Existing subscribers have felt that they are paying more for less.
7. Anthropologie
Anthropologie used to be a place you could find unique and well-edited clothes and home goods that were stylish and well made. Customers have recently been experiencing lower quality fabrics, wonky sizing, and high price points that don't feel worth it. Many Anthropologie regulars have felt like the brand has become more about trends and mass manufacturing.
8. Disney
Disney was once known for crafting timeless, heartwarming stories with memorable characters and beautiful animation. Fans say in recent years, the magic has been lost. The new movies often fail to capture the same warmth or charm as the classics.
9. Panera Bread
Panera used to be about large portions, fresh ingredients, and a warm café atmosphere. Customers have been served smaller portions recently and noticed the prices are up. Value for the dollar has gone down, and customers feel the brand is now all about the bottom line instead of filling, tasty, and hearty meals.
10. Uggs
Uggs used to be known for their quality sheepskin, durability, and cozy comfort that would last for years. Lately, many customers have said that the materials are cheaper, they don't last as long, and the craftsmanship has gone downhill. Dedicated fans feel like the company's shift to mass production just isn’t it.
11. Dollar Tree
Dollar Tree was once a customer favorite, as the brand ran on a one-dollar only business model. Over the past several years, the company has increased its baseline price point to $1.25 and expanded its merchandise range to include $3 and $5 items. Shoppers complain that the store's identity and rock-bottom pricing have gone with these changes.
12. Etsy
Etsy used to be a place for quirky, handmade, one-of-a-kind goods made by crafty, creative, and talented people. However, it is starting to get full of junk, especially off-brand, mass-produced stuff that isn’t even handmade. A lot of longtime buyers are dissatisfied, and the site is losing that cool factor it had.
13. Dr. Martens
Dr. Martens boots used to be tough, long-lasting, high-quality leather, with a great style that remained unchanged for years. Most are now made in China, and even the Made-in-England ones are no longer very good. They have lost a lot of the toughness they were known for.
14. Tim Hortons
Tim Hortons used to be a Canadian staple. It was known for its consistent coffee, fresh food, and comfortable atmosphere. But since being bought by Burger King about ten years ago, many have said that the quality has declined. Portions are smaller, and the food is worse.
15. Breyers Ice Cream
Breyers ice cream was once considered a premium brand, praised for its rich flavor and quality ingredients. Many customers have observed a decline in taste and texture, with ingredients and production quality not meeting past standards. It’s clear the brand has lost its premium status, becoming just another mass-market choice.
Armando Valenzuela on Unsplash
16. Jeans in General
Jeans used to be made of thick, tough denim that lasted a long time. Now designer pairs feel much thinner and wear out so much sooner, especially on the thighs. Quality has gone way down, but prices have almost doubled, making customers feel they are getting ripped off.
17. Strawberries
Older varieties of strawberries were smaller, deep red, and astonishingly sweet with intense natural flavor. Selective breeding for larger size and hardiness has given us giant berries with less sweetness and character. You, like many others, probably crave the flavor of the strawberries of yesteryear.
18. UPS
UPS used to have a reputation for being a good shipping service with predictable delivery times and strong customer service. In the past few years, customers have noticed late or missing packages, bad service, and mistreatment of seasonal employees. Many people feel the company has gone downhill in terms of dependability and customer care.
19. Nike
Nike's reputation was built on its innovative athletic apparel and strong brand image. However, the company has recently faced renewed allegations of sweatshop labor and unethical practices. Additionally, Nike has faced backlash and controversy with some of its advertising campaigns, such as the Colin Kaepernick ad.
20. Facebook
Facebook had been hailed as a revolutionary tool that connected and empowered people to share ideas. It was then slammed for allowing misinformation, false political ads, and extremist content to spread, and for its data misuse. It’s clear to see that the social media platform is not trustworthy or safe anymore, and that it places engagement ahead of safety and truth.
