Are you ready for the future?
It’s filled with flying cars, colonies on Mars, and a whole lot of other amazing things.
No, I’m just kidding!
The future is actually looking pretty pale, and many things that we take for granted today may not be around in the next 20 years.
In just two short decades, many of the things that we consider to be essential to our daily lives could be gone forever.
So what are these things?
Here are five things I could guess based on research and current market trends.
Physical Retail Stores Are in a Death Spiral
As recently as 2010, eCommerce accounted for 4.6 percent of the total retail sales in the U.S. Fast forward to 2020, the number rose to 18%.
The problem is simple: there are now too many alternatives to retail stores, and they’re all cheaper.
You can buy anything you want online, often for a fraction of the price you would pay in a store. And if you’re willing to wait a few days (or weeks), you can get it delivered to your doorstep for free.
Physical retail stores are slowly realizing that their business model is doomed. They’re starting to offer online shopping in an attempt to stay relevant.
But it’s too little, too late.
Retail stores will likely be a thing of the past within 20 years.
Cable Companies Are on the Verge of Extinction
According to Forbes analysis, over 90% of American homes had cable or satellite TV services in 2010. Today, that number has dropped to 47%. In just over 10 years, it’s fallen by 43%.
And it’s only going to continue dropping, maybe even dramatically. Here’s why.
There are now too many alternatives to cable, and they’re all cheaper.
You can get your TV fix from any number of streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, HBO Now, CBS All Access, and Sling TV. That’s not even counting the free content available on Youtube and other sites.
If you want to save money, you can just get an antenna and watch over-the-air TV for free.
Cable companies are starting to offer their own streaming services in an attempt to stay relevant.
But that won’t be enough!
Local Banks Are Drying Up
Banking is changing faster than a chameleon on a color wheel.
In the next decade, banks, as we know them, will all but disappear.
I know this because my uncle used to work for one. In every meeting, his bosses would talk about “disruptors” in the industry.
They were afraid of companies like Simplii, Acorns, and Robinhood.
And they should be.
These companies have found ways to do what banks do — but better.
Simplii is an online-only bank that doesn’t charge fees, gives you a Debt Tracker to help pay off debt, and even gives you a boost now and then when you make smart financial decisions.
Acorns is an investing app that rounds up your spare change and invests it for you. It’s like a piggy bank on steroids.
Robinhood is a commission-free stock trading app that has exploded in popularity, especially with millennials.
Banks are getting disrupted from all sides.
In the next decade, banks will either have to evolve or die.
Movie Theaters Are a Dying Breed
In the past, movie theaters were the only way to watch a film. But now, with the rise of online streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime, they are becoming increasingly unnecessary.
In the next decade, we will see a massive decline in the number of movie theaters.
According to New York Times survey, about 49 percent of pre-pandemic theatergoers are no longer buying tickets.
This trend isn’t stopping anytime soon as streaming services become more and more popular.
The Landline Is a Relic of a Bygone Era
In the past, landlines were essential. But now, with the advent of cell phones, they are nothing more than an annoyance.
In the next decade, we will see a massive decline in the use of landlines. In fact, they have already started to disappear.
According to the CDC, more than 60% of households no longer have a landline phone.
This trend will only continue as cell phones become more and more prevalent.
What do you think? Are we headed for a future without these five things hanging around?
Are any more things on your radar?
I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.
And if you’re feeling especially futuristic, let me know what you think might take their place.