Under the Influence with Terry O'Reilly Disappearing Acts: When Popular Brands Are Discontinued
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Dec 13, 2025 A curious trend unfolds in Canada as beloved brands like Kleenex and Skippy pack their bags after decades of loyalty. KFC even held a funeral for their unpopular fries, showcasing the strange ways companies say goodbye. With nostalgia bubbling up, fans are rallying to revive favorites like A&W's Whistle Dog through petitions and social media campaigns. Dive into the emotional connections we have with these brands and discover the factors behind their sudden disappearances.
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When Brands Exit, Profit Drives The Decision
- Longstanding brands leave markets primarily for profit reasons like high shipping costs and shrinking margins.
- Private-label rivals can quickly fill the gap when big brands retreat, as Scotty's did versus Kleenex in Canada.
Monster Cereals' Seasonal Comeback
- Count Chocula and Frankenberry launched in 1971 with monster-themed ads and sold well for decades.
- General Mills later discontinued them, then revived the cereals seasonally after fan demand and social media campaigns.
Nostalgia Fuels Adult Purchases
- Nostalgia can drive adult consumption of products originally aimed at children.
- Brands can monetize nostalgia by offering limited-time returns timed to cultural moments like Halloween.