Retail and hospitality are some the most cut throat businesses, we’ve compiled a list of some iconic shops that existed way back when that you can’t find anymore. Do you remember any of these guys and did you go there?
Bi-Lo
Bi-Lo unlike some of the others on this list didn’t exactly just stop existing, but slowly overtime were re-branded to Coles. With at one point having over 180 stores sadly lost its last store in 2017.
Video Ezy
Damn this one hurts, Video Ezy’s just fill me with some much nostalgia of my childhood (showing my age clearly). But getting picked up from school, Dad taking me to Video Ezy and picking a handful of Dvd’s was peak 2000’s. Sadly, the digital age killed this video rental retailer.
Toys R Us
Whilst not completely gone, Toys R Us have shut down all physical stores across Australia and now only exist online.
Dick Smith
Dick Smith followed suite with Toys R Us and moved to an online only medium, having closed it last physical location in 2026. The brand these days is operated by Kogan.
Hogs Breath Cafe
Yes, there are still a handful of Hogs Breath Cafes still kicking, this makes me glad. But Hogs Breath Cafe have minimised their locations significantly and still hold an awfully reminiscent and nostalgic feel to them. Here’s hoping they don’t disappear completely. (If you know where one still is please let me know I’m desperate to get my hands on their curly fries)
Franklins
After being first established in 1941, the supermarket known as Franklins, which I’m sure many from the new generation will never have heard of sadly, shut its last store in 2015.
Dimmeys
After over 166 years of trade, seriously that’s mental, Dimmeys officially closed down in November of 2019, announcing their closure via a Facebook post.
Sanity
Finally, Sanity. Still breaks my heart, another victim of media moving into the digital platforms, the cd/dvd giant closed its final physical store ever in March of 2023. They still exist online but you can’t find them anywhere physically anymore.
