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Aussie bargain empire crash amid shift

One of Australia’s biggest digital platforms is closing for good—joining a long list of once-popular sites that have already disappeared.

Maddison Brennan-Mills
March 16, 2025 - 12:11AM
news.com.au
Launched in 2006 as Catch of the Day, this Australian online retail platform quickly became a go-to site for daily deals and discount shopping. In 2019, it was acquired by Wesfarmers for $230 million and rebranded as Catch.com.au. Picture: catch.com.au
1/42Launched in 2006 as Catch of the Day, this Australian online retail platform quickly became a go-to site for daily deals and discount shopping. In 2019, it was acquired by Wesfarmers for $230 million and rebranded as Catch.com.au. Picture: catch.com.au
Despite initial success, Catch struggled to compete with global giants like Amazon and eBay, as well as local competitors like Kogan. Wesfarmers announced in 2024 that Catch.com.au would be shut down by April 2025, citing ongoing financial losses and an inability to scale profitably in a highly competitive e-commerce market. Picture: Kogan
2/42Despite initial success, Catch struggled to compete with global giants like Amazon and eBay, as well as local competitors like Kogan. Wesfarmers announced in 2024 that Catch.com.au would be shut down by April 2025, citing ongoing financial losses and an inability to scale profitably in a highly competitive e-commerce market. Picture: Kogan
Launched in 2003, Skype was a pioneering voice and video calling platform that revolutionised online communication, becoming immensely popular in Australia and around the world. Picture: Skype
3/42Launched in 2003, Skype was a pioneering voice and video calling platform that revolutionised online communication, becoming immensely popular in Australia and around the world. Picture: Skype
However, Skype struggled to keep pace with newer competitors like Zoom and Microsoft Teams, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic when demand for seamless video conferencing spiked. Picture: Zoom
4/42However, Skype struggled to keep pace with newer competitors like Zoom and Microsoft Teams, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic when demand for seamless video conferencing spiked. Picture: Zoom
Microsoft, which acquired Skype in 2011, announced it would officially retire the consumer version of Skype on May 5, 2025, shifting focus entirely to Microsoft Teams. The move marks the end of an era for one of the most iconic communication platforms of the early internet age. Picture: Microsoft
5/42Microsoft, which acquired Skype in 2011, announced it would officially retire the consumer version of Skype on May 5, 2025, shifting focus entirely to Microsoft Teams. The move marks the end of an era for one of the most iconic communication platforms of the early internet age. Picture: Microsoft
Skype for Business launched in 2015 as a rebrand of the Microsoft Lync platform. It became widely used by Australian businesses for video conferencing and instant messaging. However, it was retired in 2021 as Microsoft encouraged users to move to Microsoft Teams, which offered better integration and more features. Picture: Skype for Business
6/42Skype for Business launched in 2015 as a rebrand of the Microsoft Lync platform. It became widely used by Australian businesses for video conferencing and instant messaging. However, it was retired in 2021 as Microsoft encouraged users to move to Microsoft Teams, which offered better integration and more features. Picture: Skype for Business
Myspace launched in 2003 and was once the largest social networking site in the world, particularly popular in Australia during the mid-2000s. It became a platform for social networking, sharing music, and discovering new artists. Picture: Myspace
7/42Myspace launched in 2003 and was once the largest social networking site in the world, particularly popular in Australia during the mid-2000s. It became a platform for social networking, sharing music, and discovering new artists. Picture: Myspace
However, it failed to keep up with competitors like Facebook, which offered a cleaner interface and better user experience. Picture: Facebook
8/42However, it failed to keep up with competitors like Facebook, which offered a cleaner interface and better user experience. Picture: Facebook
The Myspace user base declined rapidly. Although the platform still technically exists, it is a shadow of its former self, with many core features now defunct. Picture: Myspace
9/42The Myspace user base declined rapidly. Although the platform still technically exists, it is a shadow of its former self, with many core features now defunct. Picture: Myspace
Friendster launched in 2002 and was one of the earliest social networking sites to gain widespread popularity. It allowed users to connect with friends, share updates, and network online. However, slow site performance and poor management led to a rapid decline as users migrated to more stable platforms like Myspace and Facebook. Picture: Friendster
10/42Friendster launched in 2002 and was one of the earliest social networking sites to gain widespread popularity. It allowed users to connect with friends, share updates, and network online. However, slow site performance and poor management led to a rapid decline as users migrated to more stable platforms like Myspace and Facebook. Picture: Friendster
Friendster pivoted to a gaming platform in 2011 but eventually shut down in 2015 due to a lack of engagement and profitability. Picture: Friendster
11/42Friendster pivoted to a gaming platform in 2011 but eventually shut down in 2015 due to a lack of engagement and profitability. Picture: Friendster
Google Plus (Google +) was launched by Google in 2011 as an attempt to rival Facebook. While it initially generated buzz, it never gained significant traction. Users found it confusing and redundant compared to other social media platforms.Picture: Google +
12/42Google Plus (Google +) was launched by Google in 2011 as an attempt to rival Facebook. While it initially generated buzz, it never gained significant traction. Users found it confusing and redundant compared to other social media platforms.Picture: Google +
Following a series of security vulnerabilities and data breaches, Google announced its closure in 2018. The consumer version officially shut down in 2019. Picture: Supplied
13/42Following a series of security vulnerabilities and data breaches, Google announced its closure in 2018. The consumer version officially shut down in 2019. Picture: Supplied
Quibi was a short-form video streaming service launched in April 2020. It was designed for mobile consumption, with quick-bite episodes under ten minutes. Despite a significant marketing push, Quibi failed to attract subscribers and shut down just six months later in December 2020 due to low engagement and a flawed business model. Picture: Quibi
14/42Quibi was a short-form video streaming service launched in April 2020. It was designed for mobile consumption, with quick-bite episodes under ten minutes. Despite a significant marketing push, Quibi failed to attract subscribers and shut down just six months later in December 2020 due to low engagement and a flawed business model. Picture: Quibi
Launched in 2010, Ask.fm was an anonymous question-and-answer social networking platform that gained significant popularity among teenagers worldwide, including in Australia. Users could receive questions from others, either identified or anonymous, fostering both engaging interactions and concerns over cyberbullying. Despite implementing safety measures and being acquired by IAC in 2014, Ask.fm saw a steady decline in user numbers. The platform officially ceased operations on December 1, 2024. Picture: Ask.fm
15/42Launched in 2010, Ask.fm was an anonymous question-and-answer social networking platform that gained significant popularity among teenagers worldwide, including in Australia. Users could receive questions from others, either identified or anonymous, fostering both engaging interactions and concerns over cyberbullying. Despite implementing safety measures and being acquired by IAC in 2014, Ask.fm saw a steady decline in user numbers. The platform officially ceased operations on December 1, 2024. Picture: Ask.fm
Club Penguin was an online multiplayer game aimed at children, launched in 2005. It had a strong user base in Australia and was acquired by Disney in 2007. Disney shut down Club Penguin in 2017, replacing it with Club Penguin Island, which also closed less than a year later due to lack of interest. Picture: Club Penguin
16/42Club Penguin was an online multiplayer game aimed at children, launched in 2005. It had a strong user base in Australia and was acquired by Disney in 2007. Disney shut down Club Penguin in 2017, replacing it with Club Penguin Island, which also closed less than a year later due to lack of interest. Picture: Club Penguin
Orkut was the first attempt by Google at social networking, launching in 2004. While it gained a loyal following in countries like Brazil and India, it also had an active user base in Australia. However, it was eventually overshadowed by Facebook and other social platforms. Google closed Orkut in 2014 to focus on other projects, citing declining usage and engagement. Picture: Orkut
17/42Orkut was the first attempt by Google at social networking, launching in 2004. While it gained a loyal following in countries like Brazil and India, it also had an active user base in Australia. However, it was eventually overshadowed by Facebook and other social platforms. Google closed Orkut in 2014 to focus on other projects, citing declining usage and engagement. Picture: Orkut
Launched in 2013, Yik Yak was an anonymous, location-based social networking app that became popular on university campuses. It allowed users to post anonymous messages that could be seen by others nearby. Picture: Yik Yak
18/42Launched in 2013, Yik Yak was an anonymous, location-based social networking app that became popular on university campuses. It allowed users to post anonymous messages that could be seen by others nearby. Picture: Yik Yak
Due to issues with cyberbullying and declining usage, the app shut down in 2017. It briefly relaunched in 2021 but failed to regain its former popularity and relevance. Picture: Supplied
19/42Due to issues with cyberbullying and declining usage, the app shut down in 2017. It briefly relaunched in 2021 but failed to regain its former popularity and relevance. Picture: Supplied
Vine was a short-form video platform that launched in 2013 and quickly gained a large global following. Known for its six-second looping videos, it became a springboard for many internet celebrities. Picture: Supplied
20/42Vine was a short-form video platform that launched in 2013 and quickly gained a large global following. Known for its six-second looping videos, it became a springboard for many internet celebrities. Picture: Supplied
However, Twitter, which acquired Vine in 2012, shut it down in 2017 due to challenges with monetisation and competition from Instagram and Snapchat. Picture: Supplied
21/42However, Twitter, which acquired Vine in 2012, shut it down in 2017 due to challenges with monetisation and competition from Instagram and Snapchat. Picture: Supplied
BlackBerry Messenger, also known as BBM, was launched in 2005 and became a hugely popular messaging platform among BlackBerry users. Despite a brief attempt to go cross-platform in 2013, BBM could not compete with the rise of WhatsApp, iMessage, and other messaging services. The consumer version of BBM was officially shut down in 2019 due to dwindling user numbers. Picture: Blackberry
22/42BlackBerry Messenger, also known as BBM, was launched in 2005 and became a hugely popular messaging platform among BlackBerry users. Despite a brief attempt to go cross-platform in 2013, BBM could not compete with the rise of WhatsApp, iMessage, and other messaging services. The consumer version of BBM was officially shut down in 2019 due to dwindling user numbers. Picture: Blackberry
Path was a social networking app launched in 2010. It was designed for private sharing with a close circle of friends and family. It gained some traction in Australia, especially among users tired of the ever-expanding reach of Facebook. However, it struggled to grow its user base beyond a niche audience and shut down in 2018 after being acquired by a South Korean company. Picture: Path
23/42Path was a social networking app launched in 2010. It was designed for private sharing with a close circle of friends and family. It gained some traction in Australia, especially among users tired of the ever-expanding reach of Facebook. However, it struggled to grow its user base beyond a niche audience and shut down in 2018 after being acquired by a South Korean company. Picture: Path
Meerkat launched in 2015 as one of the first live-streaming apps, gaining attention during South by Southwest (SXSW). It was briefly popular in Australia. However, it quickly lost ground to Periscope by Twitter and Facebook Live. Meerkat pivoted to a group video chat service called Houseparty, and the original Meerkat app was shut down in 2016. Picture: Meerkat
24/42Meerkat launched in 2015 as one of the first live-streaming apps, gaining attention during South by Southwest (SXSW). It was briefly popular in Australia. However, it quickly lost ground to Periscope by Twitter and Facebook Live. Meerkat pivoted to a group video chat service called Houseparty, and the original Meerkat app was shut down in 2016. Picture: Meerkat
Periscope was a live-streaming app developed by Twitter, launched in 2015. It gained popularity in Australia for live events and citizen journalism. Picture: Periscope
25/42Periscope was a live-streaming app developed by Twitter, launched in 2015. It gained popularity in Australia for live events and citizen journalism. Picture: Periscope
However, it struggled to maintain relevance after Instagram and Facebook introduced their own live video features. Twitter discontinued Periscope in March 2021 due to declining usage and high maintenance costs. Picture: Periscope
26/42However, it struggled to maintain relevance after Instagram and Facebook introduced their own live video features. Twitter discontinued Periscope in March 2021 due to declining usage and high maintenance costs. Picture: Periscope
Houseparty was a group video chat app launched in 2016 by the makers of Meerkat. It became hugely popular during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in Australia, where it was used for virtual hangouts and games. Picture: Houseparty
27/42Houseparty was a group video chat app launched in 2016 by the makers of Meerkat. It became hugely popular during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in Australia, where it was used for virtual hangouts and games. Picture: Houseparty
Despite its success, Epic Games announced the closure of Houseparty in 2021, citing a shift in focus to other ventures such as the metaverse. Picture: Supplied
28/42Despite its success, Epic Games announced the closure of Houseparty in 2021, citing a shift in focus to other ventures such as the metaverse. Picture: Supplied
AIM (AOL Instant Messenger) launched in 1997 and was one of the first instant messaging services. It was popular in Australia during the late 1990s and early 2000s. It allowed users to chat in real time and was an early pioneer in online communication. AIM was officially shut down in 2017 after years of declining relevance due to competition from more advanced messaging apps.
29/42AIM (AOL Instant Messenger) launched in 1997 and was one of the first instant messaging services. It was popular in Australia during the late 1990s and early 2000s. It allowed users to chat in real time and was an early pioneer in online communication. AIM was officially shut down in 2017 after years of declining relevance due to competition from more advanced messaging apps.
Launched by Microsoft in 1999, MSN Messenger was a beloved instant messaging platform known for its custom emoticons and nudges. It was rebranded as Windows Live Messenger in 2005. Microsoft eventually merged the service with Skype, shutting it down in 2013 as users migrated to newer messaging platforms. Picture: Microsoft
30/42Launched by Microsoft in 1999, MSN Messenger was a beloved instant messaging platform known for its custom emoticons and nudges. It was rebranded as Windows Live Messenger in 2005. Microsoft eventually merged the service with Skype, shutting it down in 2013 as users migrated to newer messaging platforms. Picture: Microsoft
Bebo was launched in 2005 and quickly became one of Australia’s favourite social networks, known for its customisable profiles and quizzes. It lost users to Facebook and was sold to AOL in 2008. Despite multiple attempts to revive the platform, Bebo remains offline after its most recent reboot attempt stalled in 2022. Picture: Bebo
31/42Bebo was launched in 2005 and quickly became one of Australia’s favourite social networks, known for its customisable profiles and quizzes. It lost users to Facebook and was sold to AOL in 2008. Despite multiple attempts to revive the platform, Bebo remains offline after its most recent reboot attempt stalled in 2022. Picture: Bebo
Yahoo Messenger launched in 1998 and was a popular chat service globally. It featured instant messaging, chat rooms, and file sharing. However, as more modern messaging apps emerged, Yahoo Messenger struggled to stay relevant. Yahoo officially shut it down in 2018 after years of declining usage. Picture: Yahoo Messenger
32/42Yahoo Messenger launched in 1998 and was a popular chat service globally. It featured instant messaging, chat rooms, and file sharing. However, as more modern messaging apps emerged, Yahoo Messenger struggled to stay relevant. Yahoo officially shut it down in 2018 after years of declining usage. Picture: Yahoo Messenger
Google Hangouts launched in 2013 as a unified communication platform for chat, voice, and video calls. It was widely used in Australia for both personal and business communication. Google began phasing it out in favour of Google Chat and Google Meet, officially discontinuing the classic version of Hangouts in 2021. Picture: Google Hangouts
33/42Google Hangouts launched in 2013 as a unified communication platform for chat, voice, and video calls. It was widely used in Australia for both personal and business communication. Google began phasing it out in favour of Google Chat and Google Meet, officially discontinuing the classic version of Hangouts in 2021. Picture: Google Hangouts
Originally launched as OZtion in 2005, Quicksales was an Australian online auction site aiming to provide an alternative to eBay for local buyers and sellers. Despite achieving a user base of over 500,000 members, the platform struggled to compete with larger international competitors and evolving market dynamics. Quicksales officially shut down on 30 July 2018. Picture: Quicksales
34/42Originally launched as OZtion in 2005, Quicksales was an Australian online auction site aiming to provide an alternative to eBay for local buyers and sellers. Despite achieving a user base of over 500,000 members, the platform struggled to compete with larger international competitors and evolving market dynamics. Quicksales officially shut down on 30 July 2018. Picture: Quicksales
Google Play Music launched in 2011 as an alternative to iTunes and Spotify. It allowed users in Australia to upload, stream, and buy music. However, Google decided to focus on YouTube Music, and Google Play Music was officially shut down in December 2020. Picture: Google Play Music
35/42Google Play Music launched in 2011 as an alternative to iTunes and Spotify. It allowed users in Australia to upload, stream, and buy music. However, Google decided to focus on YouTube Music, and Google Play Music was officially shut down in December 2020. Picture: Google Play Music
Sony PlayStation Home was a virtual world platform launched in 2008 on the PS3. It allowed users in Australia to socialise and play mini-games in a customisable 3D environment. Despite a loyal community, Sony shut it down in 2015, citing a shift in focus to other gaming initiatives. Picture: Sony
36/42Sony PlayStation Home was a virtual world platform launched in 2008 on the PS3. It allowed users in Australia to socialise and play mini-games in a customisable 3D environment. Despite a loyal community, Sony shut it down in 2015, citing a shift in focus to other gaming initiatives. Picture: Sony
Google Jamboard, an interactive whiteboard launched in 2016, was designed for collaborative work in business and education settings. While it was used in Australia, Google announced it would be discontinued in December 2024 due to the rise of alternative digital collaboration tools and a strategic focus on software rather than hardware. Picture: Google Jamboard
37/42Google Jamboard, an interactive whiteboard launched in 2016, was designed for collaborative work in business and education settings. While it was used in Australia, Google announced it would be discontinued in December 2024 due to the rise of alternative digital collaboration tools and a strategic focus on software rather than hardware. Picture: Google Jamboard
Formspring launched in 2009 and was popular among Australian teens and young adults as an anonymous Q&A social network. Despite its initial success, it faced issues with cyberbullying and declining engagement. The site shut down in 2013 after struggling to maintain its user base and find a sustainable business model. Picture: Formspring
38/42Formspring launched in 2009 and was popular among Australian teens and young adults as an anonymous Q&A social network. Despite its initial success, it faced issues with cyberbullying and declining engagement. The site shut down in 2013 after struggling to maintain its user base and find a sustainable business model. Picture: Formspring
Digital Forty Four was a Sydney-only trial datacasting service that began in March 2004. It offered services like a television guide, community information, and broadcasts of Australian Parliament sessions. The trial concluded, and all services ceased broadcasting on 30 April 2010, as it was deemed unnecessary to continue. Picture: Digital Forty Four
39/42Digital Forty Four was a Sydney-only trial datacasting service that began in March 2004. It offered services like a television guide, community information, and broadcasts of Australian Parliament sessions. The trial concluded, and all services ceased broadcasting on 30 April 2010, as it was deemed unnecessary to continue. Picture: Digital Forty Four
Founded in 2004, MacTalk Australia was an online forum dedicated to news, support, and discussions among Apple enthusiasts in Australia. The site gained significant popularity but faced challenges after its sale to Niche Media in 2011. By 2015, activity had declined, and the site became defunct. Picture: MacTalk
40/42Founded in 2004, MacTalk Australia was an online forum dedicated to news, support, and discussions among Apple enthusiasts in Australia. The site gained significant popularity but faced challenges after its sale to Niche Media in 2011. By 2015, activity had declined, and the site became defunct. Picture: MacTalk
TiVo, a digital video recorder with internet features, was introduced to the Australian market in 2008. Despite initial interest, it struggled to gain a significant foothold due to competition from other services and changing consumer habits. Support for TiVo in Australia was officially discontinued in 2017. Picture: TiVo
41/42TiVo, a digital video recorder with internet features, was introduced to the Australian market in 2008. Despite initial interest, it struggled to gain a significant foothold due to competition from other services and changing consumer habits. Support for TiVo in Australia was officially discontinued in 2017. Picture: TiVo
Released in mid-2010, the Telstra T-Box was a digital set-top box and personal video recorder that provided access to free-to-air TV channels and the BigPond internet service. Over time, as streaming services evolved and consumer preferences shifted, Telstra discontinued the T-Box in 2014 and replaced it with the more versatile Telstra TV device. Picture: Telstra
42/42Released in mid-2010, the Telstra T-Box was a digital set-top box and personal video recorder that provided access to free-to-air TV channels and the BigPond internet service. Over time, as streaming services evolved and consumer preferences shifted, Telstra discontinued the T-Box in 2014 and replaced it with the more versatile Telstra TV device. Picture: Telstra
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