Rise and Fall: How Companies Succeeded or Failed in Embracing Social Change

The world doesn’t stand still. Culture shifts, technology evolves, and people’s expectations change. Some companies see these changes as opportunities and rise to new heights. Others ignore them, believing the old ways will always work—until they don’t. The difference between survival and failure often comes down to one thing: the ability to evolve.

Let’s explore some businesses that embraced change and thrived, and others that refused to adapt and vanished into history.



Nike: When Bold Moves Pay Off

Nike has never been just a sportswear brand; it’s a cultural force. But not everyone liked their decision to feature Colin Kaepernick, the former NFL player who knelt during the national anthem to protest racial injustice. The campaign sparked both praise and outrage—some customers swore off Nike forever, while others connected with the brand like never before.

The result? Nike’s sales and stock price shot up. Their risk-taking wasn’t just about making a statement—it was about knowing their audience. They understood that younger generations value brands that take a stand. Instead of losing customers, they gained lifelong loyalty.

When companies align with the values of their customers, they don’t just sell products—they build movements.


Blockbuster: The Giant That Didn’t See the Future

There was a time when Blockbuster was the place to rent movies. But when Netflix came knocking, offering to sell their company for $50 million, Blockbuster laughed. They didn’t believe streaming would ever replace physical rentals.

Fast forward a few years—Netflix revolutionized entertainment, and Blockbuster was nothing more than a memory. They failed to recognize that people didn’t just want movies; they wanted convenience. By the time they realized their mistake, the world had already moved on.

The companies that win aren’t always the biggest. They’re the ones who see where the future is heading before everyone else does.



Ben & Jerry’s: Ice Cream with a Purpose

Ben & Jerry’s never played it safe. They spoke out about climate change, racial justice, and even political issues—topics that most brands avoid. But instead of pushing customers away, their activism made people trust them more.

When a brand stands for something bigger than just selling products, customers notice. People don’t just buy Ben & Jerry’s for the flavors; they buy into a philosophy.

In a world where trust in corporations is low, being real and standing by your values is a rare kind of power.



Kodak: The Company That Invented Its Own Downfall

Kodak didn’t just dominate the photography industry; they invented the digital camera. But instead of embracing the technology, they buried it, fearing it would kill their film business.

What happened? Other companies ran with digital photography, and Kodak was left behind. The company that once defined an industry found itself bankrupt.

Innovation waits for no one. The best ideas in the world mean nothing if you’re too scared to use them.



Patagonia: How Saving the Planet Became a Business Model

While most companies focus on profit first, Patagonia flipped the script. They built a business on sustainability—using recycled materials, promoting repairs instead of replacements, and even giving away all their profits to environmental causes.

Some thought they were crazy. Instead, they created a brand that people didn’t just love—they believed in. Customers didn’t just buy Patagonia gear; they became part of a movement.

Doing the right thing isn’t just good for the world—it can be great for business.



Toys “R” Us: The Childhood Favorite That Lost Its Way

Toys “R” Us had something powerful—nostalgia. For decades, it was the ultimate toy store. But when online shopping became the norm, they didn’t adapt fast enough.

Amazon, Walmart, and Target all took over the toy industry, offering better prices and easier shopping experiences. By the time Toys “R” Us realized they needed to change, it was already too late.

Even the strongest brands can fade if they don’t keep up with the way people live, shop, and think.



The Real Question: Who’s Next?

The rise and fall of businesses isn’t just about money—it’s about vision, courage, and the ability to recognize when the world is shifting.

Nike proved that taking a stand can build loyalty. Ben & Jerry’s showed that business can be about more than just profits. Meanwhile, Blockbuster, Kodak, and Toys “R” Us remind us what happens when companies refuse to evolve.

The question now is: who’s next? Which companies today are adapting fast enough, and which ones are making the same mistakes as those that disappeared?

Because in business, as in life, those who refuse to change don’t just struggle—they get left behind.