logo
episode-header-image
Sep 2023
49m 38s

The Darth Vader of Retail: Crazy Eddie

iHeartPodcasts
About this episode

Crazy Eddie had a slew of stores selling cheap electronics, touted by infectious advertising. Like the universe itself, the Crazy Eddie empire expanded exponentially. Money flowed, celebrities orbited, good times rolled. But then, like a capitalist black hole, it all imploded. So long, Crazy Eddie. Godspeed, you crooked warrior.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Up next
Yesterday
Take Me Down to Everglades City: A Town of Pot Smugglers
The City of Everglade City was founded by smugglers, so it should be no surprise that a century later, the locals kept that tradition going. Only by then, they'd moved on to pot smuggling. It was a highly lucrative profession, far more than fishing or crabbing, but pot smuggling ... Show More
1h 5m
Oct 29
They Don't Love You Like I Love You: Map Crimes
Maps are beautiful, functional works of art. Even the most utilitarian paper map has its charms. But when a map has historical value, it can fetch an incredible amount. Which, of course, makes them catnip for crimers. Come navigate the world of fake maps, stolen maps, collectors, ... Show More
58m 53s
Oct 27
The Beef Pirates of Philadelphia
The police of Philadelphia were flummoxed by a new crime trend. As the crime statistics in the city were falling, one category of crime was spiking. And it was all thanks to a crew of beef pirates. The bucaneers of the tri-state area were constantly hitting big rigs and making of ... Show More
1h 2m
Recommended Episodes
Mar 2023
Crazy Eddie
In the 1980s, the discount electronics chain store Crazy Eddie was so famous, its commercials were parodied on "Saturday Night Live." So when the family business began selling its company shares on Wall Street — making millions — nobody questioned its success. Gary Weiss’ book is ... Show More
37m 47s
May 2024
Beanie Babies Go Bust with Ian Karmel and Brian Moller | 35
When eccentric toy maker Ty Warner created a new line of floppy stuffed animals with cute names and charming poems, he unleashed pure havoc and chaos into the world. At the height of Beanie Mania, people spent their life savings and even assaulted others to collect the rare creat ... Show More
40m 47s
May 2014
577 - BOUNCE HOUSE hell, Death of a famous artist.
A bounce house goes crazy. A famous artist we know dies, more nutty crying. Baa baa black Jeep! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices 
32m 51s
Aug 2020
Forever 21 goes from rags to riches to bankruptcy court
The mom-and-pop fast-fashion retailer exploded into malls across the globe. But eventually, Forever 21 unraveled like the hem on a cheap crop top.Our sponsors this week:Fiverr: fiverr.com promo code SPECTACULARNetSuite: NetSuite.com/SPECTACULARThe Great Courses Plus: thegreatcour ... Show More
35m 39s
Sep 2025
Carlton Calvin: Razor. The wild rise, collapse, and reinvention of a mobile toy empire.
In the summer of 2000, Razor scooters were everywhere—on sidewalks, in schools, even in Silicon Valley offices. At the center of it all was Carlton Calvin, an ex-lawyer turned toy mogul who had already ridden—and crashed—multiple crazes, from Pogs to yo-yos. Carlton knew how to s ... Show More
1h 17m
May 2022
Chapter 5: Heidi’s Empire: From The Peak Of The Hollywood Hills To The Pits Of Despair (1992) Heidi’s madaming business takes off and crashes
Chapter 5: Heidi’s Empire: From The Peak Of The Hollywood Hills To The Pits Of Despair (1992) Heidi’s madaming business takes off and crashes Heidi’s empire peaks as she gets overconfident running her mouth around town. The stories of producers Don Simpson, Robert Evans and Jon P ... Show More
1h 16m
Jun 2025
The Era of the Business Idiot, Part 1
In part one of this week's three-part Better Offline, Ed Zitron walks you through how Business Idiots have captured our society, with middle management losers breeding out true meritocracy and value-creation in favor of symbolic growth and superficial intelligence. YOU CAN NOW BU ... Show More
27m 5s
Feb 2022
Rat Issue
Family Dollar Stores got a huge problem! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSteve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. 
1m 48s
Jul 2025
A Deep Dive: P Diddy’s Lore
Sean “Diddy” Combs built an empire on success… and secrecy. In this episode, we dive deep into the myths, whispers, and receipts surrounding Diddy — the glamorous white parties, the rise of Bad Boy, and the long list of tragedies and lawsuits that seem to follow his name. This is ... Show More
37m 44s
Apr 2025
Price Wars: The Fall of Dollar Stores | Shrinkage | 2
After 10 years of rapid growth, the dollar stores hit big trouble. Rats, burglars, unhappy workers, online agitators and inflation erode their profits. And a new online dollar store makes inroads. Can they survive these existential threats?Be the first to know about Wondery’s new ... Show More
39m 30s