Americans miss Blockbuster, Borders and other defunct chains

MarketBeat surveyed 3,014 adults age 45 and older to find which defunct retail chains Americans want back most. Blockbuster topped the list, followed by Borders and Waldenbooks, as respondents pointed to stores that made shopping feel like an experience, not just a transaction.

Why it matters: - The survey points to a broader nostalgia for retailers that doubled as social rituals, not just places to buy things. - The results suggest Americans still value browsing, discovery and in-store experiences that streaming and e-commerce replaced. - The findings may help explain why certain legacy brands still carry emotional weight long after they closed.

What happened: - MarketBeat, a financial media company, surveyed 3,014 respondents age 45 and older to identify which defunct chains Americans most want to see return. - Blockbuster ranked No. 1 on the list. - Borders ranked No. 2. - Waldenbooks ranked No. 3. - Hollywood Video ranked No. 4. - Woolworth ranked No. 5. - Hastings Entertainment ranked No. 6. - Fry Electronics ranked No. 7. - Marshall Field’s ranked No. 8. - Merry-Go-Round ranked No. 9. - Child World ranked No. 10.

The details: - MarketBeat published the survey result on June 29, 2026. - The company framed the results around brands that were part of everyday routines, from movie rentals to book browsing and toy shopping. - Blockbuster was remembered for making Friday night movie rental a ritual. - Borders stood out for giving shoppers room to browse and linger. - Waldenbooks was described as a smaller, dependable mall bookstore that fit into routine errands. - Hollywood Video was associated with last-minute rentals and surprise picks. - Woolworth was remembered as a mix of department store, lunch counter and everyday essentials. - Hastings Entertainment functioned as a one-stop stop for books, music, movies and hobbies. - Fry Electronics was remembered for its scale, themed displays and sprawling tech selection. - Marshall Field’s carried a reputation for grand interiors, holiday windows and a more formal shopping experience. - Merry-Go-Round captured the fast, trend-driven energy of mall fashion. - Child World was associated with oversized toy aisles and the excitement of birthday or holiday shopping. - The survey centered on adults 45 and older, a group likely to have direct memory of these chains in their heyday. - MarketBeat included a link to the full article: the full report.

Between the lines: - The ranking favors brands that offered time, atmosphere and surprise, not just merchandise. - That suggests nostalgia is tied to how shopping felt in the pre-digital era, when stores were destinations rather than transactions. - Matt Paulson, founder of MarketBeat, said the connection people have to these brands goes beyond what they sold. - Paulson said many of the stores turned everyday errands into experiences such as picking out a movie, browsing without time pressure or shopping with family.

What's next: - MarketBeat did not announce a revival plan for any of the ranked chains. - The survey may fuel more brand-nostalgia content and debate over which defunct retailers still have comeback potential. - The list could also be used as a signal for retailers thinking about experience-driven formats.

The bottom line: - The most missed chains were the ones that made ordinary shopping feel memorable, social and slow enough to enjoy.