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Thousands of Etsy sellers are going on strike this week, demanding lower transaction fees and less pressure from the company to offer free shipping and fast customer service. However, the strike has also highlighted the dominance Etsy has had over handmade and artisan goods sellers, who've attempted to move to other platforms.
Product expansion is a natural step for digitally-native brands, which often expand into new categories to grow sales. However, betting on new assortment is risky. It's why fashion-focused brand Frances Valentine is approaching homeware by testing limited-edition runs with the help of its existing suppliers.
When the pandemic first hit U.S. shores, sustainability-geared DTC cleaning brands took a backseat to disinfectants like Lysol and Clorox. However, executives at startups like Grove Collaborative, Blueland and Branch Basics said there have been long-tail gains from Americans' increased interest in home essentials. Now, these companies are planning for their next stage of growth.
Delivery workers are finding it more and more challenging to work shifts for platforms like UberEats and Grubhub. With gas prices at an all time high, many workers are either pleading for higher pay or holding off on driving altogether.
The CPG field is proving to be too difficult to disrupt. After years of growing its footprint, both online and at national retailers, sparkling water startup Ugly Drinks has quietly shut down operations.
As Lululemon continues to expand its business internationally, part of its growth strategy also includes growing new segments such as footwear and men's products. The company said these categories have experienced positive early reaction, and will continue to be an area of focus within its overall growth goals.
Over the past two years, live commerce has become a bigger part of many brands and retailers' marketing playbook. TalkShopLive, which has an ongoing partnership with Walmart and Shopify, is tapping into the trend by courting DTC founders to appear on their shows.
More retailers and brands have been turning to experienced hires to lead their logistics operations after two years of supply chain snafus. Some brands, like Peloton, are hiring new chief supply chain officers as inventory challenges have accumulated. Meanwhile, some young startups are bringing on supply chain experts earlier than anticipated.
Retailers that specialize in niche merchandise have a big challenge when it comes to reaching audiences through digital marketing. It's why online musical instrument retailer Sweetwater realized the best way to reach potential customers is through a customized affiliate marketing program.
As one of the earlier examples of direct-to-consumer brands, The Sill has been growing gradually over the past decade. The company, which has wholesale partnerships and its own stores, saw exponential online sales during the pandemic. Founder Eliza Blank explained how digitized stores and customer service-focused website are helping grow the plant business sustainably.
For online retailers with thousands of SKUs, offering related product recommendations remains challenging. Some, like Revival Rugs, are turning to visual AI tools to narrow down customers' search results to relevant styles.
Raw materials have become the hottest commodities since the pandemic began. Some of these components include plastic, paper and glass, which have all become harder to come by for retail brands. Here, we break down what’s in and what’s out in the commodities world.
As the consumer packaged goods category continues to get crowded with startup brands, legacy brands like V8 are trying to keep up. The brand, known for its tomato juice recipe that dates back to 1933, is modernizing by expanding its portfolio to include more relevant juice and beverage products.
As part of its efforts to modernize its department store shopping experience, this week Macy's announced a new employee training program. Dubbed Own Your Style, the program is aimed at training and retaining store associates interested in styling customers and racking up sales commissions.
Once known as a hub for cellphone accessories, mall kiosks are becoming a viable way for DTC brands to test new retail locations. Austrian hydration brand Waterdrop is one such brand, and it's currently using the format to expand in the U.S.
For years, retail experts have touted live streaming as the hottest new way to acquire customers and create instant sales. However, executing video commerce isn't a one-size-fits-all strategy, as lingerie brand Adore Me has found.
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