Millennials are often blamed for “killing” various industries, but the reality is more complicated. Rising costs, changing priorities, and advances in technology have led many younger consumers to spend their money differently than previous generations.
While these shifts may make sense for today’s buyers, they have created challenges for businesses built around products that were once household staples. Here are some of the products millennials are increasingly skipping and the industries feeling the impact.
Home Landline Telephones
Most millennials rely entirely on smartphones for communication, making traditional landlines feel unnecessary in today’s connected world. As more households go wireless, telephone companies have watched landline subscriptions steadily disappear.
Cable Television Subscriptions
Streaming services have largely replaced traditional cable packages for millennials who prefer watching content whenever and wherever they choose. This change has cost cable providers millions of subscribers and forced them to invest heavily in their own streaming platforms.
Fabric Softener
Younger consumers are increasingly questioning whether fabric softener is necessary, especially with modern detergents and washing machines delivering softer results on their own. Environmental concerns and a preference for simpler laundry routines have also contributed to declining demand.
Department Store Shopping
Many millennials prefer the convenience of online shopping or specialty retailers over spending hours browsing traditional department stores. As foot traffic declines, long-standing retail chains have been forced to close locations and rethink their business models.
Related: The Department Stores We Lost That We Still Miss
Diamond Engagement Rings
Rather than spending a significant portion of their budget on natural diamonds, many millennials are choosing lab-grown stones, alternative gems, or smaller rings. Financial priorities such as homeownership, travel, and paying down debt often take precedence over expensive jewelry purchases.
Doorbells
Traditional doorbells are becoming less appealing as smart video doorbells offer security features, package monitoring, and smartphone connectivity. Homeowners looking for modern convenience often see little reason to install a basic doorbell that only rings.
Ironing Boards and Irons
Casual workplace dress codes and wrinkle-resistant fabrics have made ironing less important for many millennials. When clothes need a quick refresh, steamers and dryer tricks are often seen as faster, easier alternatives.
Related: Why Millennial and Gen Z Households Are Ditching the Ironing Board
Banks With Physical Branches
Mobile banking apps allow users to deposit checks, transfer money, and pay bills without ever stepping inside a branch. As digital banking becomes the norm, many financial institutions are reducing their physical locations and focusing on online services.
Daily Newspaper Subscriptions
Millennials typically get their news through websites, apps, newsletters, podcasts, and social media feeds rather than printed newspapers. The shift to digital media has contributed to declining circulation numbers and significant challenges for the newspaper industry.
