Million-Dollar Ideas
When a company is thriving, you can likely list anywhere from two to 20 products or divisions it’s involved with. That’s because as a business grows in size and stability, it often gets tempted to branch out into new markets.
But then there’s some companies who choose to stick to what they do best, and monetize on one single product only—something not everyone can pull off.
These 18 companies have not only done it, they did it well, offering reliability and quality using a single product concept.
Crocs
Opinions about these foam resin clogs are divided. Some people think they’re, well, ugly. But others put the looks aside simply because they’re known to be ultra-comfy. Either way, they’ve been a hit since the moment they hit the market.
An estimated 150 million Crocs shoes are sold every year—and they’re not even done yet. While the whole brand is built around the shoe itself, they’ve managed to monetize on different variations. From shoes to sandals, wedges and slippers, crocs come in many shapes, sizes, and colors—and you can accessorize with charms, too.
Crocs Inc., CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Spanx
With beauty standards impossibly high, women everywhere are looking for ways to lessen the bulge. Enter, Spanx: the undergarment that seriously slims the waistline without being detected.
The idea for Spanx was born when Sara Blakely cut the feet off a pair of pantyhose and wore them under her outfit to a party. And while there are other brands with similar products, Spanx is no doubt one of the most respected names in this niche, offering options to both men and women.
Tobias ToMar Maier, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Michelin
While Michelin may have had a number of opportunities to branch out, they’ve stuck to simply manufacturing quality tires.
Over the span of 130 incredible years, Michelin has made tires—and only tires—for planes, cars, bikes, and more. Their customer base spans the globe.
And while they’ve dabbled in creating rocket fuel components and designing road maps, their famous tire division always comes out on top.
MB-one, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Roku
Roku provides an innovative solution for connecting to a world of content at the click of a button—or, a TV remote, to be exact. A Roku player is a small, electronic device that links to your TV and offers access to a number of streaming services and major entertainment networks.
While Roku has somewhat expanded to include more high-tech versions of its original design, the single concept of connecting TV viewers to online content continues to be the main focus—and a rather profitable one at that.
Mattnad, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Gorilla Glue
Gorilla Glue is a handyman’s dream. This family-owned business has been offering a strong bond for well over two decades, and while they’ve expanded into tape and epoxy, their famous glue—that sticks to nearly any surface and boasts an impressive drying time—is what continues to keep them in business.
Gorilla Glue also offers their customers DIY guides for project inspiration, which is said to be much appreciated by fans of the product.
Fissbusta, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Sleep Number
Best known for their adjustable mattress, Sleep Number is all about getting a good night’s sleep—and this company hasn’t even attempted to do anything other than beds and pillows in their 20+ years of business.
The company has been ranked consistently as the top option for mattresses, but has expanded an accessory line that includes pillows and sheets. Either way, the bed itself is what they’re known for, and always will be.
Tony Webster, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
LEGO
LEGO, the iconic plastic bricks, have been a symbol of creative play for years. The idea originated in a small workshop in Denmark and has since evolved into a global empire.
The brand has kept current by partnering with major franchises like Harry Potter and Marvel, keeping their product relevant for both children and adults. And while they’ve branched into movies, video games, and theme parks, their original brick set continues to bring immense success, with billions of toys sold worldwide.
Ralf Roletschek, GFDL 1.2, Wikimedia Commons
Duracell
For many consumers, Duracell is likely the first name that comes to mind when they think of batteries. The company is best known for long-lasting and reliable power that can handle anything from household devices to high-tech gadgets.
And while they’ve branched off to include various power solutions, the standard AA and AAA batteries continue to be the core of the business.
Demion, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Sriracha
The spicy chili sauce Sriracha has become a global sensation—and is a prime example of success with a single product. It was created back in the 1980s by David Tran who started small, not realizing it would quickly gain a cult following due to its “perfect balance” of heat and flavor.
And while the brand has since expanded beyond its signature recipe, it holds a strong reputation for its original hot sauce, essentially dominating an entire market.
Paul Narvaez, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Dyson
Dyson may not currently be a single product brand, but for a long while it was. Back when Dyson first came out, it was known as the BMW of vacuum cleaners. They were revolutionary due to their bagless technology and futuristic design—something non-existent in the market at the time.
Today, Dyson has expanded to include hand dryers, hair dryers, fans, and more—but their products are all built around the same concept: solving problems others have, using technology and ingenuity.
whity, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Moleskine
Moleskine has a near monopoly in the notebook/journal market, likely due to its availability and recognizability. These high-quality notebooks have been the only focus of the company since its launch in 1997.
Today, they offer several sizes, colors, and designs. And while they’ve dabbled a bit in accessories, their original notebooks remain the highlight of the brand.
Zedlik, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Apple
Apple is another company that is technically no longer a one-product company—but, if we’re honest, what is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Apple? The iPhone.
Apple launched the iPhone in 2007 and has dominated the smartphone market ever since. In terms of revenue, the iPhone accounts for a substantial portion of Apple's total sales, often exceeding 50% of the company's overall revenue in recent years.
You can now accessorize it with headphones and accessories, but the iPhone remains the core of Apple.
Cullen Steber, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Zippo
Zippo is a well-known and world-famous reusable metal lighter. It was introduced back in 1933, and has been going strong since, adding thousands of different styles and designs.
Zippo lighters are sold worldwide and has been described as a “legendary and distinct symbol of America". They’ve gained popularity as “windproof” lighters, as they’re able to stay lit in harsh weather, due to the design of the windscreen and adequate rate of fuel delivery.
WD-40
WD-40 is a multi-use product found in nearly every garage in America. Not only does it protect metal from rust and corrosion, it also penetrates stuck parts, displaces moisture and lubricates nearly anything. It’s your go-to tool for any season. The brand claims it is “one aerosol, thousands of uses".
The only way they’ve changed their product was in terms of design. The formula has remained the same, but they’ve added flexible, heat-resistant straws, precision pens, and different applicators.
ajay_suresh, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Rolex
Rolex sells watches, and only watches. It was founded back in 1905, and continues to offer a wide range of prestigious, high-precision timepieces today. They’re available in a variety of materials, dials, bracelets and sizes to suit anyone’s taste.
They’ve become known as the leading luxury watch manufacturer in the world. In 2022, they produced over 1 million watches, generating sales of over $13 billion.
ErikaWittlieb, CC0, Wikimedia Commons
Omega
Speaking of watches, Omega is another luxury watch manufacturer that continues to dominate the market with only one single product. Omega was founded way back in 1848, and hasn’t slowed down since.
Omega’s watches have been used by Britain’s Royal Flying Corps for its combat units, as well as NASA in 1969 for Apollo 11. The Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch is marketed as the first watch worn on the Moon, becoming one of the watchmaker's most iconic models.
Omega is also the current official timekeeper of the Olympics. It’s no wonder they’ve never needed to explore other products.
Rama, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Levi’s
Levi Strauss invented the first pair of jeans back in 1873 as a solution for hardworking people who needed clothes to “endure anything". Since then, the name "Levi’s" has become synonymous with blue jeans, with many people referring to their jeans as “Levi’s” in general. According to their slogan, “You wear jeans. You live in Levi’s".
Today, Levi’s offers a small range of other clothing, but their brand remains best-known for their excellent quality denim wear. They continue to be the leading brand of jeans worldwide.
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