What remains when a brand disappears?

The end of an era: when brands disappear

It's always a bit strange when a well-known brand disappears. Whether it was a product that you bought regularly or simply a brand that was somehow always there - suddenly it's gone. Brands that have been on the market for a long time leave a gap because they are often more than just a logo or a product.

We remember advertisements, the special packaging or the feeling they gave us. It's not necessarily dramatic, but a little piece of everyday life is lost.

Brands are more than just products

Brands not only stand for what they sell, but often also for experiences and memories. Think of products that are associated with special moments in life, such as a certain drink in summer or a chocolate bar during the school break.

When these brands disappear, we realize how firmly they were anchored in our lives. It's not just about the product, but about what it meant to us personally. This is something that characterizes many brands - they are part of our life story.

What remains when the brand goes?

But what happens to the brand itself when the company closes? It often remains in people's minds. Perhaps it is revived by someone else at some point or simply disappears from the public sphere, but lives on in people 's memories.

Some brands are so influential that they have a life of their own - even if you can no longer buy the product, the brand remains present. This shows how strong the influence of brands can be on us, even if they have long since disappeared from the market.

Old parasol with Credit Suisse logo from 1997.

Why the disappearance of brands is striking

It is not always a big deal when a brand disappears, but it is noticeable because brands often represent more than just a product. They are part of our culture and our daily lives.

We may not necessarily have cried when a particular product disappeared from the shelves, but we do notice the loss when we can no longer find it. It's a bit like a familiar companion simply leaving quietly - not dramatically, but noticeably.

Brands that are returning - a surprise?

Sometimes we see the comeback of brands that we had long since written off. Think of Polaroid or the return of Nintendo consoles with a retro look. These resurgences show that brands are never completely gone as long as there is an emotional connection.

They can come to the fore again at any time, whether through nostalgia or because someone recognizes the potential to revive them. This is also a sign of how long-lasting brands can be - even after years of absence.

What makes brands really long-lasting

Brands live not only through their products, but also through the experiences of the people who use them. Even when a company closes, the brand often remains in people's minds. It is this emotional bond that can sustain a brand for years - even after it has come to an end.