Although once destined to share the same road to oblivion as black and white TVs and rotary telephones, doorstep milk deliveries have been staging a solid comeback.

Industry officials said their fortunes have turned around in the past 10 years, a period termed by many others as the lost decade.

While milk companies say there was no single miracle that saved the time-honored practice from extinction, its recovery may provide a valuable lesson for many businesses struggling amid the prolonged slump.