It's what happens when whoever is at the company wheel decides that market share / broad appeal is more profitable than niche appeal. Can't say I blame them as

It's what happens when whoever is at the company wheel decides that market share / broad appeal is more profitable than niche appeal. Can't say I blame them as I'd imagine that's usually true. That's the definition of niches: they're not the majority. PS: I think it is to the detriment of the company when this "blanding" is overdone (e.g. Hot Topic) vs when mixed with a revitalizing sub-group (e.g. Sony Pictures Classics) that keeps that DNA available to the larger company (and provides a reference to measure how watered down your main product actually is).