The 1970s was a decade marked by bold experimentation and unique styles, but it also saw its fair share of product failures. From innovative technologies to quirky consumer goods, many items that seemed promising at the time ultimately flopped. Here’s a look back at some of the most notable failures from this vibrant era.
12. The Picture Phone: A Vision Unfulfilled
Bell Telephone, later known as AT&T, introduced the Picture Phone at the 1964 World’s Fair, showcasing a futuristic vision of communication. By 1970, they launched the first commercial version, but it never gained traction. The hefty price tag of $160 per month for equipment and service—equivalent to over $1,200 today—was a significant barrier for most consumers. Additionally, the technology was limited to person-to-person calls, making it impractical for group conversations.
Despite attempts to revive the Picture Phone in the 1980s and 1990s, including the Video Phone 2000, these efforts were met with commercial failure. Today, vintage models can fetch surprising prices at auctions, but they serve as a reminder of a vision that never quite materialized.
11. Polaroid’s Polar Vision: A Flop in Instant Movies
Polaroid was a giant in instant photography, but their foray into home movies with the Polar Vision in 1977 was less than successful. Designed to compete with Kodak’s Super8 film, Polar Vision used a unique cartridge system that allowed for quick development. However, it fell short in several areas: the colors were often flat and lacked vibrancy, and it couldn’t record sound, which was a significant drawback compared to its competitors.
Ultimately, Polaroid ceased production of Polar Vision in 1979, marking it as their first major commercial failure. Today, these cameras can be found on platforms like eBay, often selling for between $25 and $100, a far cry from their intended glory.
10. Sansui Quadraphonic Sound: A Misguided Audio Revolution
In the early 1970s, Sansui introduced a revolutionary quadraphonic sound system, promising an immersive audio experience with four channels instead of the traditional two. Priced at around $200 (about $1,200 today), it attracted attention from music lovers and artists alike. Major names like Aerosmith and Eric Clapton even released albums mixed for this format.
However, the concept never caught on with consumers, who were reluctant to invest in new receivers and additional speakers. By 1978, the quadrophonic craze had fizzled out, paving the way for the digital recording revolution. Today, vintage quadrophonic receivers can still be found, often selling for around $200 if in working condition.
9. Yogurt Shampoo: A Confusing Beauty Trend
In 1979, Clairol attempted to capitalize on the natural ingredients trend by launching yogurt shampoo. The idea was to promote healthy hair using yogurt, but the execution left many consumers puzzled. Some even mistook it for a food product, leading to confusion and a lack of interest.
The yogurt shampoo quickly became a commercial failure, highlighting the challenges of introducing unconventional beauty products. While the concept was innovative, it ultimately failed to resonate with consumers, who preferred more traditional hair care options.
8. LaserDisc: The Predecessor to DVDs
Introduced in 1978, the LaserDisc was a precursor to the DVD, offering superior picture and sound quality compared to VHS tapes. However, it came with significant drawbacks, including the inability to record and a high price point. While it had a brief moment in the spotlight, the LaserDisc ultimately faded away as DVDs took over the market in the 1990s.
Despite its failure, the LaserDisc remains a nostalgic item for collectors, and some enthusiasts still appreciate its high-quality playback. However, its inability to compete with the convenience and affordability of DVDs sealed its fate.
7. Betamax: The Battle of Formats
Sony’s Betamax, introduced in 1975, was a high-quality video format that initially dominated the market. However, its downfall was largely due to Sony’s refusal to license the technology to other manufacturers, limiting the variety of available movies. In contrast, JVC’s VHS format was widely licensed, leading to its eventual dominance in the market.
By 1988, Betamax’s market share had plummeted from 100% to just 10%, illustrating the importance of accessibility and compatibility in consumer technology. Today, Betamax is often remembered as a cautionary tale in the battle of formats, highlighting how even superior technology can fail without a proper market strategy.
6. Gerber Singles: Baby Food for Adults?
In 1974, Gerber attempted to tap into a new market by introducing Gerber Singles, a line of baby food designed for adults. The idea was met with skepticism, as many adults found the concept unappealing. The mushy texture and flavors did not resonate with adult consumers, leading to a swift decline in sales.
This venture serves as a reminder that not all innovative ideas translate well across demographics. Gerber Singles became a footnote in the company’s history, illustrating the challenges of market expansion and consumer preferences.
5. Downey Flakes: A Breakfast Blunder
Downey Flakes introduced a product in 1972 that resembled a frisbee or hockey puck, aiming to capitalize on the popularity of breakfast items like Pop-Tarts. However, by 1975, these toaster eggs were pulled from store shelves due to poor sales and consumer feedback.
The failure of Downey Flakes highlights the importance of understanding consumer needs and preferences. While the idea was creative, the execution did not resonate with breakfast lovers, leading to its quick demise.
4. The World Football League: A Short-Lived Rivalry
In 1974, the World Football League emerged as a competitor to the NFL, but it struggled to gain traction. Despite completing one full season, the league faced numerous challenges, including financial instability and a lack of fan support. Ultimately, it folded after just two seasons, illustrating the difficulties of competing against established giants in the sports industry.
The WFL’s brief existence serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by new leagues trying to carve out a niche in a saturated market. While it may have had potential, it ultimately fell short of its ambitions.
3. The Swing Bike: A Novelty That Didn’t Last
The Swing Bike, patented in 1974, featured a unique design that allowed riders to steer both the front and rear wheels. While it was marketed as a fun and cool way to ride, the bike’s design made it difficult to control, leading to safety concerns and a lack of consumer interest.
By 1978, the Swing Bike was discontinued, serving as a reminder that novelty alone is not enough to sustain a product. While it may have captured the imagination of some, its impracticality ultimately led to its downfall.
2. Sauna Hot Pants: The Weight Loss Fad
In the 1970s, sauna hot pants promised to help users lose weight effortlessly. Marketed as a way to melt away fat while lounging at home, these inflatable garments quickly became a fad. However, they were met with skepticism and ridicule, as many consumers realized that weight loss required more than just wearing a product.
Despite the initial hype, sauna hot pants failed to deliver on their promises, becoming a symbol of misguided weight loss trends. Today, they serve as a humorous reminder of the lengths people will go to in pursuit of quick fixes.
1. Twist and Tone: A Ridiculous Exercise Gadget
The Twist and Tone was another attempt to make exercise fun and easy in the 1970s. This portable device promised to help users lose weight with minimal effort, but it resembled a lazy Susan more than an effective workout tool. Like many other fitness fads of the time, it failed to gain traction and quickly faded into obscurity.
