CES 2025: Iconic Brands Like Kodak Make Surprising Comeback

Kodak, Memorex, and RadioShack, once declining brands, are making a comeback with bold licensing and diversification strategies, reinventing themselves in surprising ways.

The Renaissance of Kodak

At CES 2025, the sight of two Kodak booths just meters apart raised eyebrows, reflecting on the storied company’s resilience despite its tumultuous past. Kodak, having declared bankruptcy multiple times, continues to thrive with its brand on a variety of products marketed by different companies.

The two Kodak booths showcased diverse offerings. One featured the Kodak Mini Shot by Prinics Co., while the other displayed digital photo frames and tablets. Both booths were eager to discuss their part in licensing the Kodak brand. Clearly, Kodak continues to captivate both consumer and corporate attention despite its historical challenges.

Mizari’s Strategy: Reviving the Memorex Brand

Another notable presence at the fair was Memorex, now used by Los Angeles-based Mizari to brand e-bikes, scooters, and golf carts. The old Memorex slogan, “Is it live, or is it Memorex?” which once highlighted superior audio quality, seems out of context here. According to Mizari representatives, leveraging the Memorex name is a trial to gauge public attachment to the brand.

RadioShack: Another Brand Revival

RadioShack, having changed hands multiple times since its 2015 bankruptcy, is making a notable comeback. Acquired in May 2023 by Unicomer, a RadioShack franchise in Central and South America, the company is now relaunching the brand in the U.S. Acting as a distributor, RadioShack adds its name to a slew of products made elsewhere, including a range of 400 items from gaming keyboards and mice to portable projectors and speakers.