Former Great
Status: Former Great11 brands in the Ledger.
Brands that used to be worth recommending, but aren't anymore. The product no longer reflects the reputation.
11 results
Bags & Packs · Luggage - Softside
Tumi
Status: Former GreatPremium business travel bags and luggage.
Samsonite International
Apparel · Socks
Smartwool
Status: Former GreatMerino wool socks and apparel.
VF Corporation
Bags & Packs · Backpacks - EDC
JanSport
Status: Former GreatAmerican student backpack brand. For decades the default school bag for US kids.
VF Corporation
Tools · Power Tools
Ryobi
Status: Former GreatConsumer-tier cordless power tools, Home Depot exclusive in the US.
Techtronic Industries (TTI, power tools licensing)
Tools · Power Tools
Porter-Cable
Status: Former GreatHistoric American power tool brand, once a top-tier professional name.
Stanley Black & Decker
Apparel · Workwear
Dickies
Status: Former GreatClassic American workwear, widely worn in trades.
VF Corporation
Footwear · Dress Shoes
Allen Edmonds
Status: Former GreatAmerican dress shoes. Port Washington, Wisconsin.
Caleres
Footwear · Heritage Boots
Frye
Status: Former GreatHistoric American boot brand.
Bluestar Alliance
Tools · Power Tools
Metabo (original)
Status: Former GreatHistoric German metalworking and power tool brand. Originally family-owned; considered a top choice for angle grinders and metalworking.
KKR (via Hitachi Koki acquisition chain)
Bags & Packs · Backpacks - EDC
Eastpak
Status: Former GreatAmerican backpack brand, stronger in European market than US.
VF Corporation
Bags & Packs · Backpacks - EDC
Kipling
Status: Former GreatBelgian nylon bag brand with the signature monkey key chain.
VF Corporation
Former Great
The list of former greats keeps getting longer.
The Ledger updates as ownership shifts and new investigations land. Subscribers find out first, and get the full reporting behind what changed and why.
No spam. Nobody pays me to say nice things. Unsubscribe anytime.