10 Game Changers:
What's the Next ...?
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AP | Getty Images
Commerce's Next Kings
We all know that McDonald's, Nike and Apple have been among this century's most successful and profitable companies. But there are many smaller companies that are doing their best to compete and one day unseat the kings of commerce from their thrones.
Click through our gallery as investment manager Georges Yared, a BloggingStocks contributor, picks companies he thinks could replace the iconic businesses of today.
Next: The Next Applebee's Is ... -
Getty Images | BJ's Restaurant
The Next Applebee's Is
... BJ's RestaurantsApplebee's is the largest casual dining restaurant chain in the United States, with nearly 2,000 units spread out over 49 states. But the casual dining sector is embracing a newer player with aspirations of a national roll out. That player is BJ's Restaurant and Brewery. BJ's has 72 units in the chain spread over 13 states with enormous room to grow. The franchising of BJ's could accelerate the growth of the concept very quickly, as it did with Applebee's in the 1980s and 1990s.
· More on BJ's Potential
Next: The Next Toyota Is ... -
The Next Toyota Is ... Ford
This may be perhaps the most surprising company in this series as few investors realize how huge Toyota is, especially when compared to Ford. Toyota is 8 times larger than Ford and General Motors combined. But Ford is eyeing Toyota's leadership position with hunger and passion. CEO Alan Mullaly is bringing fresh ideas from the aerospace industry and has positioned Ford as the U.S. hybrid alternative to Toyota. The next 5-10 years should be extremely interesting as the auto world morphs onto a higher technology plane. · More on Ford's Potential
Next: The Next McDonald's Is ... -
Getty Images
The Next McDonald's Is ... Chipotle Mexican Grill
Only in existence for 15 years, Chipotle has defined the casual, fast-food Mexican industry. The strength of its story lies in its flawless daily execution and fierce customer loyalty. The average ticket at Chipotle comes in near $9. The company recently raised prices at different levels depending on geography. Sales have not slowed a bit in spite of the price increases. Chipotle, with only 730 units, has room to easily 10-fold that base over the next decade, not including international expansion.
· More on Chipotle's Potential
Next: The Next Merrill Lynch Is... -
The Next Merrill Lynch Is
... Charles SchwabComing up fast and preparing to take Merrill Lynch's title of "Main Street's firm" for individual investors is Charles Schwab. This San Francisco-based firm was founded in 1971 by Charles Schwab. The firm has migrated these past 10 years to an outstanding web-based model, allowing investors to access their account information 24/7. Transaction costs are among the lowest. The firm could easily surpass Merrill Lynch these next few years as America's premier brokerage firm.
· More on Schwab's Potential
Next: The Next facebook Is ... -
AP | ZUMA Press
The Next facebook Is
... LinkedInThe new player capturing headlines in the social networking world is LinkedIn. The company is designed for the business and professional world. The more than 23 million registered users represent over 150 different industries. It's a place to swap ideas, best practices and other opportunities. With fresh growth capital, LinkedIn will expand its marketing efforts globally and grow its user list. The user list is the most valuable asset and each member is valued at over $50.
· More on LinkedIn's Potential
Next: The Next Wal-Mart Is ... -
Getty Images | Fred's
The Next Wal-Mart Is ... Fred's
Wal-Mart can only squeeze so much growth out of its existing locations. And if it opens more stores, it risks cannibalizing revenue. Enter Fred's. This quiet, regional concept has been around since 1947. The company's philosophy is: quality merchandise at a discount price. It has 659 discount stores -- with room to grow. It has 24 franchisees, which is a quicker way to expand the concept while not draining corporate coffers. Fred's can triple its store base and still not encounter any saturation issues.
· More on Fred's Potential
Next: The Next Gap Is ... -
Getty Images | ZARA
The Next Gap Is ... Zara
Zara offers a fresh approach to fashion with a range of price points appealing to all levels of consumers. Zara is based in Spain and is just beginning to make some serious inroads into the U.S. It has over 1,400 stores spread out over 50 countries, with plans to double that base. The U.S. is fertile ground for Zara as the international cache appeals to American consumers. The individual stores are very well designed with soft wooden features. The company is committed to locate all U.S. stores in only upscale malls.
· More on Zara's Potential
Next: The Next Sony Is ... -
The Next Sony Is ... Vizio
Who would have thought that privately held, 2002 upstart Vizio could upset the LCD TV market and knock giant Sony off of its perch? Vizio offers the lowest prices for the new LCD TVs. The company operates with low overhead and very effective, but low-cost marketing plans. Recent market share numbers show Vizio at 14.5%, easily topping Sony. The 2nd quarter of 2007 saw the company sell 606,000 units, up 76% from the previous year, while Sony fell from 412,000 units to 253,000 units in the same period.
· More on Vizio's Potential
Next: The Next Nike Is ... -
AP | Under Armour
The Next Nike Is
... Under ArmourFounded in 1995, Under Armour first appealed to the serious athlete with its moisture-wicking synthetic fibers. It then discovered it was unwittingly creating a fashion statement. Like Nike, it is also crossing over to various demographic groups and weekend warriors. Under Armour has just begun its own retail stores with two prototypes, in Maryland and Illinois. Nike has enjoyed a 31-year head start, but the world is ready for this emerging, strong second player.
· More on Under Armour's Potential Next: The Next Apple Is ... -
Ryan Anson, Getty Images
The Next Apple Is ... Apple
The iPhone is a revolution unto itself. On June 28, 2007, Apple WAS NOT a player in the fiercely competitive cell phone market. On June 29, 2007, it became a force to reckon with. The iPhone will launch its new version with twice the juice and half the price. The $199 retail price, down from $399, will not mean less revenues for Apple. Carrier partner AT&T is subsidizing the difference in exchange for the two-year subscription from the iPhone customer. It has a brilliant distribution strategy in place with its 232 retail stores.
· More on Apple's Potential
More: Vanishing Companies -
More on AOL:
Top 25 Disappearing Acts
Now that you've seen 10 companies that are predicted to topple some of today's current iconic companies, check out our list of Top 25 Memorable Companies That Have Vanished. If you remember E.F. Hutton and RCA, you'll enjoy this trip down memory lane.
Next Gallery: Companies That VanishedMore Money & Finance:
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Recent Comments
LadyrainFB 11:49:39 PM Oct 07 2008
In this article you say Under Armor is the new Nike... but in ANOTHER story you list Under Armor as one of 14 companies really REALLY hurting due to the credit crunch. Which is it? Super player of tomorrow or gone tomorrow?
CONDITIONL 12:26:03 AM Sep 01 2008
I dont care for Bush or McCain, Obama will scare the remaining business out of the country with his marxist and socialist Ideas. We need a Libertarian as President.
OPonomarenko08 11:43:44 AM Aug 11 2008
The Next Apple iPhone is Android... And the next Mac is a Linux box... I don't see how Apple will prosper outside of it's iPods and such techs.
Terrytime1951 11:47:50 AM Aug 08 2008
GET A LIFE DCB WASNT IT ISUZU DIESEL IN THE CHEVY TRUCKS GEO METRO ARE SUZUKI MAYBE DETROIT SHOULD MAKE A CAR THAT GETS 45 MPG INSTED OF15
Georgethomasob 10:31:31 AM Aug 08 2008
i hope under armour pays it's workers a legitimate wage unlike Nike
Mmfxx 08:45:14 AM Aug 08 2008
Totally agree with mmfxx--Look at some of these businesses biting the dust--even retail institutions like Sears can't withstand what Bush has done to this economy. We don't need another republican in office,-it's clearwe're on the brink of disaster right now. Our reputation as Americans is tarnished all over the world. All McCain talks about is war--winning winning, while all of us are losing everything dear to us including our own children.
Mmfxx 08:37:15 AM Aug 08 2008
This sad economy is the result of a president who is an idiot. Electing McSame would be to put another idiot in office and continue this downward spiral--They can bash Obama all they want, but the bottom line is that putting a ditto GeorgeBush in the White House would be the stupidest thing America could do.
Kauldronx 10:55:05 PM Aug 07 2008
Doe's Mcain have a brother that is a governer of a state?
HGILL3RD 04:34:59 PM Aug 04 2008
youthwarriors: What's your deal? You are not one of those Christian Fascists we've been hearing about are you???
Themother15 01:21:06 PM Aug 04 2008
Wal-Mart? Hires people that do not speak the English language and have no clue when asked a question! What a disgrace!!! No longer shop there out of disgust.
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|---|---|---|
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| $30K HELOC | 5.49% | 0.00% |
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