Blockbuster Video - Founded in 1985, Blockbuster went out of business in 2010 other than one store in Oregon which is franchised. In it's heyday, it had 9,094 stores renting movies and shows as well as selling snacks. As a movie buff, worked at one of these in Michigan for a while as an asst. manager. Ever rented a show or movie from a video store of this type?

Howard Johnsons - Active since 1925, this still exists as a hotel chain, but its restaurants went defunct in 2022. Known for iconic orange roofs with a weather vane and good quality food at a decent price, it once had over 1000 locations. Recall eating at these on family vacations, seemed to be one at every major stop on the way. Ever eaten at Howard Johnsons?

Kmart - While not totally defunct, this place might as well be. Founded by S. S. Kresge in 1899, the department store originally bore his name until changing to Kmart in 1977. At it's peak, it had 2,486 stores globally, now down to nine, only three in the US. Growing up in Michigan were this was founded and headquartered until 2005, these were everywhere. Ever shop in a Kresge's or Kmart?

Burger Chef - began in 1954, this fast food chain went defunct in 1996. In it's glory days had 1,050, the second largest such chain behind McDonald's. Speaking of which, they offered a Funmeal for kids as of '72 and when McDonald's started their Happy Meal in '79 tried to sue, but lost. In any case, there was one of these in the parking lot of our local Kmart in Michigan, both within walking distance, so a hangout place for kids. Ever been to one?

Toys "R" Us- While recently opening small versions of these in some Hudson's, the original large stores went defunct in 2018 after having operated since 1948. Another place I've worked at which was a lot of fun but also could be crazy around Christmas. Ever shop in one?

Border's Books - Founded in 1971 in Ann Arbor Michigan, it went out of biz in 2011, as well as the Waldenbooks stores the operated. When it went bankrupt, Borders was second only to Barnes & Noble and its failure stranded over $200 million in unused gift cards. It's generally felt the chain over-reached in terms of types of stores such as the smaller Border's Express, ones in airports, or even being acquired by Kmart for a while. Another I worked at for a while as inventory manager. Ever visit one?