The JC Penny thread had me thinking about all the companies that suck at changing with the times...but then also had me thinking about some of the companies that have done a masterful job of transitioning.

1) Netflix. Netflix started off as a DVD by mail only service, and the intent was to disrupt brick & mortar video rental places like Blockbuster. When the world started getting internet that was fast enough for reliable streaming video, Netflix was right there pushing instant streaming video. I remember back when you could only watch the videos on the computer, and there were only a few videos, but Netflix got streaming video right.

2) REI. Faced with the stiff competition of online sales, REI seems to still be bustling in their brick & mortar showrooms due to carrying only high quality gear catered to the less price sensitive shoppers that are often protected by minimum advertised pricing policies, providing actual knowledgeable (enthusiast level) staff that can make on-the-spot gear recommendations, and a 1 year return policy that allows you to buy with confidence.

Costco. High quality products, at really good prices, in bulk quantities or sizes that don't make sense to buy online.

Home Depot has great prices that beat Amazon often.

I think Target has extremely good customer service.

I don't feel sorry for Sears and JCPenney at all, they turned into financing stores, focusing on making money with their credit cards. James "Cash" Penney must be rolling in his grave.

BestBuy is making the attempt by having a price match policy plus a 14 day money back return option. I hope they fully adjust to todays shopping trends because I like going there.

Jim

Amazon...from starting with books then to merchandise, to phones, to e-readers, to cloud computing to Alexis, etc.

I think they set the standard.

Redbox. I don't know if they are a nationwide company but they've put every video rental store around here out of business.

I don't think it's just being a blue oval fan to say--Ford Motor Co

quote:

I don't feel sorry for Sears and JCPenney at all, they turned into financing stores, focusing on making money with their credit cards. James "Cash" Penney must be rolling in his grave.

The sad thing about Sears is that they were the original Amazon:
They had a catalog and a big warehouse somewhere that would ship to your door anything you wanted.

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2) REI. Faced with the stiff competition of online sales, REI seems to still be bustling in their brick & mortar showrooms due to carrying only high quality gear catered to the less price sensitive shoppers that are often protected by minimum advertised pricing policies, providing actual knowledgeable (enthusiast level) staff that can make on-the-spot gear recommendations, and a 1 year return policy that allows you to buy with confidence.

OP: don't mean to 'thread drift' rather to reinforce your notion of 'upgrade for changing times';

As a poor student nearly 50 years ago it was worth the effort to drive from PDX to REI store in Seattle, to be rewarded with high grade special camping goods, a knowledgeable staff, a huge 'used/bargain' section, and the sense of outdoorsy extended community. Despite considerable evolution in both marketing focus and myself as member/customer, the pleasant/surprising degree of customer support on several occasions in 2 different stores by this company in just the last few seasons, continues to stand as a timeless virtue that reinforces the premise of 'customer service' as essential component.

Coke. Been around a long time.

Google has done a great job as well. From search engine, to email, to Chrome, Android, and now Google Home and hardware.

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Originally posted by YooperSigs:
Coke. Been around a long time.

Yea, but I'm not sure about their innovation.

GE.

AT&T

Crown equipment.
I am pretty sure they have changed what they make 3 times.
I do know they made quality antenna rotors for Channel Master at 1 time.

They now make Hi lift trucks for industrial use. They do a whale of a business now too. Located in New Bremen Ohio, with a couple other locations nearby.

Johnson and Johnson. Lockheed Martin.

You want to read about a company that went full circle? Check out the Kodak story. George Eastman was a genius. Alas now it barely exist.

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Originally posted by Jimbo54:
BestBuy is making the attempt by having a price match policy plus a 14 day money back return option.

Jim

They have had that return policy since I worked there back in 2003. And they used to state that they would price match any non-Internet price; however, back in 2006, with a supervisor's approval, I received a 110% price match refund on the difference between their advertised price and what an Amazon retailer was offering.

Toyota has been at it for decades, and still remains state-of-the-art, same with Honda.

Shure has been making state-of-the-art microphones for decades, still remains on the cutting edge.

Disney has been a powerhouse entertainment company for decades, and they are at the top of the heap now.

Fujifilm did a great job of changing with the times. There is a really great video that goes over their history and how they embraced the digital age. I think now their consumer digital camera and film production is only like %2 of their business.

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Originally posted by cooger:
Redbox. I don't know if they are a nationwide company but they've put every video rental store around here out of business.

Redbox is an interesting one. They've had financial problems because they have actually failed to change. They attempted to compete with Netflix by doing an online streaming service and lost (and lost a ton of money). I love red box for what it is, but I'm afraid that they won't be around forever.

Also, I'd argue that Netflix is more responsible for the demise of Blockbuster than Redbox (though both definitely had a hand in it).