In India, certain brands were once household names, synonymous with reliability, quality, and affordability. These brands built decades of trust among consumers, becoming an integral part of daily life. However, times have changed, and many of these once-dominant companies are now struggling to retain customers.
From poor customer service and outdated products to rising competition and business mismanagement, several factors have led to their decline. Some brands have been slow to adapt to market changes, while others have suffered from financial troubles, controversies, or an overall loss of relevance in an increasingly dynamic consumer landscape.
Here are 11 brands in India that were once widely trusted but are now losing customers due to changing market dynamics, stiff competition, and declining quality.
1. Air India – From National Pride to Frequent Passenger Complaints
Once the pride of Indian aviation, Air India was synonymous with comfort, world-class hospitality, and trust. However, in the past two decades, the airline has seen a decline in customer satisfaction.
Why It’s Losing Customers:
- Frequent flight delays and cancellations
- Aging aircraft with outdated interiors and poor maintenance
- Poor customer service, including lost baggage complaints
- Rising competition from private airlines like Indigo, Vistara, and Emirates
Even though Tata Group has taken over, rebuilding trust and improving service standards remains a challenge.
2. Vodafone Idea (Vi) – From Telecom Leader to a Struggling Network
Vodafone and Idea were once leading telecom providers in India. After their merger into Vi (Vodafone Idea), the company has struggled with connectivity issues and financial instability.
Why It’s Losing Customers:
- Poor 4G/5G network coverage compared to Jio and Airtel
- Frequent call drops and slow internet speeds
- Price hikes and inconsistent service
- Financial troubles leading to concerns about the company’s future
With Jio and Airtel dominating the Indian telecom sector, many Vi customers have switched to stronger, more reliable networks.
3. Big Bazaar – From India’s Favorite Supermarket to Bankruptcy
Big Bazaar was once India’s go-to retail chain for groceries, household essentials, and fashion. However, in recent years, the brand has faced financial troubles, legal disputes, and stiff competition from e-commerce giants.
Why It’s Losing Customers:
- Business mismanagement leading to financial struggles
- Takeover by Reliance, causing uncertainty among customers
- E-commerce growth, with people preferring Amazon, Flipkart, and JioMart
- Poor inventory management, with many stores facing stock shortages before closure
With most Big Bazaar stores shutting down, former customers have shifted to modern retail chains like D-Mart, Reliance Fresh, and online grocery platforms.
4. Bajaj Motorcycles – From Market Leader to Losing Ground
Bajaj was once the leader in India’s two-wheeler industry with popular models like Pulsar, Discover, and Boxer. However, newer and more advanced competitors have impacted its dominance.
Why It’s Losing Customers:
- Lack of innovation in design and technology
- Rise of Honda, Yamaha, and Royal Enfield, offering better alternatives
- Declining sales of commuter bikes, as consumers prefer premium motorcycles
- Customer dissatisfaction with declining after-sales service
While Bajaj still has a loyal fanbase, its failure to keep up with evolving preferences has led to a significant drop in its market share.
5. Maggi – From India’s Favorite Noodles to a Distrusted Brand
Maggi was once an undisputed leader in the instant noodle segment in India. However, its 2015 lead contamination controversy severely impacted its trustworthiness.
Why It’s Losing Customers:
- Health concerns post the 2015 food safety scandal
- Rising competition from Wai Wai, Yippee, and Top Ramen
- Increasing awareness about preservatives and unhealthy food choices
- Shifting consumer preferences towards healthier alternatives
Although Maggi has regained some of its popularity, it has never fully recovered its once-unshakable trust among Indian households.
6. BSNL – The Government Telecom Provider That Failed to Evolve
BSNL was once India’s most widely used telecom network, especially in rural areas. However, the state-run company has been unable to compete with private telecom giants.
Why It’s Losing Customers:
- Extremely slow 4G and no 5G rollout plans
- Poor customer service and unresolved complaints
- Frequent network outages and outdated technology
- Jio and Airtel providing better services at competitive rates
Despite government support, BSNL is struggling to remain relevant in today’s fast-moving telecom industry.
7. Nokia – The Fall of India’s Most Trusted Mobile Brand
Nokia was once the king of mobile phones in India. However, its failure to embrace Android smartphones led to a massive decline.
Why It’s Losing Customers:
- Slow transition to Android while competitors like Samsung and Xiaomi thrived
- High prices compared to Chinese smartphone brands
- Lack of innovation in design and features
- Consumers shifting to Apple, Samsung, and OnePlus for better experiences
While Nokia is trying to make a comeback, it is struggling to recapture its former dominance.
8. Pantaloons – From Fashion Leader to Outdated Brand
Pantaloons was once a leader in the fashion retail sector, but it has struggled to keep up with fast fashion trends.
Why It’s Losing Customers:
- The rise of H&M, Zara, and international fashion brands
- Lack of trendy designs compared to modern competitors
- Online fashion platforms like Myntra and Ajio taking over
- Higher pricing without competitive quality
Many young shoppers now prefer global fast fashion brands over Pantaloons.
9. Bisleri – Facing Stronger Competition from New Brands
Bisleri was once the most trusted bottled water brand in India, but rising competition and environmental concerns have impacted its dominance.
Why It’s Losing Customers:
- Increased competition from Aquafina, Kinley, and Himalayan
- Concerns over plastic waste and sustainability
- Filtered and RO water becoming more accessible
- More regional water brands offering cheaper alternatives
While still a strong brand, Bisleri no longer enjoys the monopoly it once had.
10. Parle-G – The Decline of India’s Favorite Biscuit
Parle-G was once the most popular biscuit in Indian households, but changing consumer habits have affected its market share.
Why It’s Losing Customers:
- Rise of premium biscuits like Oreo, Hide & Seek, and digestive biscuits
- Increased focus on health-conscious snacks
- More competition in the low-cost biscuit segment
Despite still being a household name, Parle-G no longer holds the same dominance.
11. HMT Watches – Once a Pride, Now a Forgotten Name
HMT Watches was once India’s most trusted watch brand, but it failed to modernize.
Why It’s Losing Customers:
- Rise of Titan, Casio, Fossil, and luxury brands
- No smartwatches or advanced features
- Outdated designs that don’t attract younger consumers
While some still buy HMT watches for nostalgia, the brand has largely faded from the mainstream.
Summary – Brands That Are Facing a Massive Consumer Shift
Once-trusted brands in India have lost customers due to mismanagement, outdated products, strong competition, and evolving consumer expectations. While some are making efforts to bounce back, others may struggle to regain their lost reputation.
