As we move through the decades, it’s clear that not every industry is ready for what the future holds. Sadly, there are some industries that don’t look like they’ll make it past 2030 for many reasons, including changes in technology and greener choices. Today, we’re looking at 25 of these industries.
Traditional Retail
Saturdays used to mean taking a trip to the mall, but those days are fading fast. Since online shops are the new normal, physical stores are struggling to maintain their footfall, and they’ve got to seriously up their game to keep customers coming back. They’ve got to give them experiences they just can’t get from a click.
Cable Television
Most people aren’t waiting for their favorite shows to air at 8 PM anymore, thanks to streaming platforms that allow us to binge-watch our favorites anytime. If cable TV is going to survive, they’ll need to have more flexible packages or exclusive content. It doesn’t matter which one they go for as long as they’re something that you can’t find on streaming platforms.
Coal Industry
Being green is always important, but this demand for cleaner energy means that the coal industry is getting the cold shoulder. Renewable energy sources like wind and solar are becoming cheaper and more efficient. By 2030, more countries and companies will likely invest in greener alternatives.
Print News
There’s an app for pretty much everything out there now, including the news, which has meant that print newspapers are struggling to keep up in our digital world. People want news now and they’ll turn to their phones or computers to get it. As more advertisers move online, the funding that once supported print editions is disappearing.
Taxi Services
Once upon a time, catching a cab was the only way to go if you didn’t have a car. But now, ride-sharing apps have completely changed things, with cheaper and more convenient options with just a few taps on a smartphone. Many taxi companies are developing their own apps, but they’re paying catch-up to companies like Uber and Lyft.
Postal Services
Who sends a letter when you can just send an email? The amount of physical mail we’re sending each other has declined, and although we’ll still need package delivery, everyday mail is going digital. It’s likely that postal services will downsize by 2030 unless they look at new business models.
Bookstores
There’s something special about a bookstore, but e-books are turning the page on this industry. With tablets and e-readers, you can carry a whole library in your bag, and it’s much cheaper than a physical book. Perhaps in the future, these physical stores will just be nostalgic places instead of places to go shopping.
Landlines
Landlines are already a rarity in homes, thanks to pretty much everyone using smartphones. And judging by data from Statista, it looks like they’ll be gone by the end of the decade. Lots of phone companies are focusing on broadband services instead since the revenue they’re getting from landlines is dropping.
Pay Phones
Speaking of phones, it’s likely that payphones will completely disappear by 2030. Almost everyone has a cell phone, so what’s the point in using a payphone? Even so, some payphones are still useful, as they’ve become WiFi hotspots or charging stations, so perhaps they’ll survive in the future in a different form.
DVDs and Blu-Rays
Streaming has killed off DVDs and Blu-rays since there’s no need to collect piles of plastic when streaming services have everything on demand. There are still collectors, yes, but most average viewers aren’t using physical media anymore. Even film studios are moving to a direct-to-streaming model as it’s much more profitable.
Traditional Banking
Banking is quickly going digital to give customers the ability to manage their finances on their smartphones. We’ll probably see fewer and fewer bank branches going forward, as you’ll have to start applying for loans or checking your balance alone. And, according to one study, most Americans are happy with their online banking experiences.
Travel Agencies
It’s a lot cheaper to book your vacations online, and by 2030, most physical travel agencies will probably disappear unless they’re able to give customers a unique experience. Plus, so many people would rather make their own travel arrangements than go through a company. We might even see travel companies disappear.
Video Rental Stores
Streaming services have nearly wiped out video rental stores, although some of them still exist. Many of the remaining stores are just stocking rare or cult films you can’t get on major streaming platforms. Perhaps in the future, renting a physical movie will just be something for a night of nostalgia.
Film Photography
Most people use digital cameras to take photos, but there are some amateurs and professional photographers who use film photography to get that vintage feel. By 2030, it’s likely that only artists and hobbyists will use film photography, making it more of a niche market than a mainstream choice. The film industry is already focused on making high-quality film cameras for this small audience.
Telemarketing
Thanks to caller ID and stricter regulations, telemarketing could become a thing of the past. Businesses might switch to different digital marketing techniques, which could be more effective, although not any less intrusive. After all, research shows that digital marketing can make customers 60% more aware of a specific brand, which is always good.
Manufacturing Jobs
Manufacturing is always going to be an important industry, but the way it works is probably going to change. Robots and artificial intelligence are doing more complicated tasks, which is reducing the need for human labor. The number of manufacturing jobs is likely to drop quite significantly over the next few years, although there’ll be a rise in demand for professionals to maintain these systems.
Private Prisons
The movement against private prisons is gaining steam, mostly because people are concerned about the ethics and legality of these institutions. Many governments are starting to take back control of their jails by focusing on rehabilitation and proper inmate care. Maybe by 2030, these private facilities will have disappeared completely.
Music CD
Like with lots of media, the convenience of streaming has meant CD sales have plummeted dramatically. One report claims that streaming makes up for around 84% of all music spending. Vinyl is still popular, yes, but CDs don’t have any of the same benefits, and they could just become collector’s items.
Desktop Computers
While mobile devices are taking center stage, some people will still use desktop computers when they’re in high-performance situations. Even so, you can expect them to just be used in professional places by the end of the decade. In design studios or gaming setups, you just can’t compare to a desktop computer’s power or upgradability.
Plastic Straws
Changes in laws have already meant that the number of plastic straws has already decreased quite significantly. Although it’s good for the environment, there’s no denying that paper straws suck. We’ll probably become even more sustainable in the future, and alternatives like bamboo or metal straws will likely be even more popular.
Arcades
Most people have their own home gaming systems and online multiplayer subscriptions, so it’s no surprise that arcades are on the decline. After all, why leave your home when you can have the same kind of fun on your couch? If they want to stay afloat, arcades will have to include other entertainment options to attract more people.
Cash Transactions
Cash might be king, but it looks like digital will be the emperor. After all, research shows that over half of all Americans use their digital wallets instead of traditional payment methods. Physical money already isn’t as important as it once was, but by 2030, it could be completely obsolete.
Office Supply Stores
With so many people working from home and schools going digital, demand for traditional office supplies has declined. So, by the end of the decade, office supply stores could disappear completely or at least need to rethink their inventory. Some of them are already moving towards more tech products instead of things like pens and paper.
Incandescent Light Bulb
The good old incandescent bulb is on its way, which is mostly due to energy-efficiency lighting options like LEDs and CFLs becoming more popular. They’re cheaper and better for the environment, so what’s not to like? You probably won’t find any incandescent bulbs on store shelves by 2030.
Gas Cars
Electric vehicles (EVs) have already become much more popular in the last few years, and they’ll likely replace the majority of gas cars soon. Gas guzzlers will still exist, but with automobile manufacturers increasing EV production, they’ll probably be second-best. On the plus side, at least this means we’ll have a cleaner future.
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