The success of a product often depends more on timing and market focus than the cleverness of the invention itself. Many viewers were charmed by Ryan Landis and his folding hangers shark tank pitch, but the business eventually faded into obscurity.
Introduction
Shark Tank has introduced us to many young geniuses over the years. One of the most memorable was Ryan Landis, who pitched hangease after shark tank in Season 5. He invented a clever way to pull shirts off hangers without damaging the collar or the plastic. Even though he secured a deal on the show, many fans still wonder why did hang ease go out of business shortly after the cameras stopped rolling.
Understanding the fate of this company provides a deep look into the world of retail and patents. Success in the Tank does not always lead to a long-term business. This update explores the real reasons behind the brand’s disappearance and where the founder is today in 2026.
What Was Hang Ease and How It Worked
Hang Ease was a specialized clothing hanger designed with a unique hinge in the center. Most plastic hangers are stiff, which makes it hard to pull a shirt off quickly without stretching the neck. The hangease hangers solved this by collapsing when a user applied downward pressure.
Ryan actually invented this product back in the third grade for a school project. The design was simple but effective. By using a “break-away” style, the hanger would fold, let the shirt slide off, and then snap back into place. It was a practical solution for a problem almost every household faces daily.
HangEase on Shark Tank Season 5
Ryan entered the Tank as a 19-year-old college student seeking $80,000 for a 30% stake in his company. He shared a surprising history, revealing that Walmart had already sold 400,000 of his collapsible hangers shark tank units years prior. This proof of concept immediately caught the interest of the investors.
While some Sharks like Kevin O’Leary found the product “boring,” others saw the retail potential. Mark Cuban and Lori Greiner eventually offered a joint deal for the requested $80,000. However, their offer came with a major catch: they needed to verify that Ryan’s patent was strong and provided real protection against competitors.
Performance and Market Reception
Before his television appearance, Hang Ease had seen significant success for a student-led project. The initial Walmart deal generated roughly $200,000 in sales and $70,000 in profit. This demonstrated that there was a real hunger for better closet organization tools.
However, the market reception cooled off during the years Ryan spent finishing school. By the time he appeared on hangease shark tank, the product had been sitting in boxes for nearly a decade. The Sharks were worried that the long gap in production had caused the brand to lose its momentum in the fast-paced retail world.
Why Hang Ease Went Out of Business
The biggest reason why did hang ease go out of business is that the deal with Mark and Lori never actually closed. After the episode aired, the “due diligence” phase revealed hurdles that made the investment too risky for the Sharks.
- Patent Issues: Lori Greiner mentioned seeing similar hangers on the market, which weakened the “uniqueness” of the product.
- Production & Marketing Gaps: Taking a ten-year break meant Ryan had to start from scratch with manufacturers and rebuild the brand’s marketing presence, which had completely vanished during his time at school.
- High Competition: Large companies already owned the shelf space for hangers, making it hard for a small brand to survive.
- Shift in Focus: As a young adult, Ryan began to prioritize his education and career over the stress of running a manufacturing company.
Where HangEase Stands Today
As of early 2026, hangease after shark tank is no longer an active business. The website is offline, and you cannot find the hangers in retail stores like Walmart or Target. The hang ease hangers net worth is essentially zero because the company has stopped all operations.
However, the story is a success for the founder himself. Ryan Landis moved on to a highly successful career in the corporate world. He earned his MBA from Rice University in 2023 and has worked in high-level merchandising for companies like JCPenney and Neiman Marcus. He proved that even if a business closes, the skills learned can lead to a great future.
Key Takeaways and Lessons for Entrepreneurs
The story of these collapsible hangers shark tank fans loved offers several lessons for new business owners. It shows that having a great product is only half the battle.
- Protect Your IP: A patent is only as strong as your ability to defend it in court against big rivals.
- Momentum Matters: If you have a winning product in a big store like Walmart, try to keep the wheels turning rather than stopping.
- It is Okay to Pivot: Not every childhood invention needs to become a lifelong career. Ryan used his experience to become a retail expert.
Conclusion
The journey of hangease shark tank reminds us that the business world is tough, even with a “Shark” behind you. While the product is no longer for sale, the legacy of the young inventor remains an inspiration for students everywhere. Understanding why did hang ease go out of business helps other creators avoid the same pitfalls with their own inventions. Ryan Landis shows that a “failed” business can still be a stepping stone to a very successful and professional life.
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FAQs
Can I still buy HangEase hangers today?
No, the product is no longer in production. The official website and social media pages have been inactive for several years. They are not available at major retailers anymore.
What happened to the deal with Mark Cuban and Lori Greiner?
The deal never officially closed after the show ended. Issues with the patent and the long gap in the company’s history made the Sharks decide not to move forward with the investment.
What is Ryan Landis doing now in 2026?
Ryan has built a very successful career in retail and merchandising. After earning his MBA, he has held senior roles at major fashion and retail corporations.
How much did Walmart sell the hangers for?
During the original test run, Walmart sold the hangers in four-packs for about $4.00. Ryan made a profit of $70,000 from that initial deal before he returned to school.