Direct-to-Consumer / E-Commerce

A new cohort of fashion startups helmed by male creators is gaining ground. To build labels with influence beyond their founders’ niche audiences, they’re opening retail stores and forging collaborations.

The brand, which scored a hit nearly a decade ago with its flats woven from recycled plastic, has found a second act selling footwear that’s on-trend with Gen-Z.

The western wear brand, known for its swanky cowboy boots, is opening a 4,500-square-foot outpost in SoHo amid a broader retail expansion as it seeks to reach $1 billion in sales by 2030.

Linking online and offline selling channels increases the odds of turning fickle shoppers into a loyal following.

In 2024, survivors of the e-commerce reckoning used consumer data to make wiser investments and focused on building profitable, desirable brands that offer more than low prices and convenience.

With rising competition to acquire and retain customers online, digitally native start-ups are determining how to strike a balance between developing their own e-commerce features in-house and partnering with external software providers.

The upside for online sales may be lower than many retailers anticipated. Physical stores and social commerce could make up the gap.

After a sales dip and leadership change last year, the brand, known for its knit flats, is embarking on a global retail push to kickstart its growth recovery, starting with a debut in the British department store.