• Back by Popular Demand: The Explosive Growth of Liquid Death
    Dec 17 2024

    In This Episode: 🚀 The Rise from DTC to a $1.4 Billion Valuation: We'll chug down the incredible journey of Liquid Death, from pushing water cans on Amazon to sliding onto the shelves of 60,000 retail locations. Discover how a DTC brand stirs the retail pot! 🛠️ Growth Pains & Supply Chains: Explore the challenges of late moves to domestic production, and how supply chain snags can bottleneck even the most popular products. 🎨 Marketing Masterstroke: Is there a line between entertainment and product? Liquid Death doesn't think so. Learn how a punk rock, skater ethos blended with marketing genius to create an unbeatable brand aura. 👀 Big Moves in M&A: Pouring out predictions, we discuss Liquid Death's potential attractiveness to major players in the alcohol industry, IPO aspirations, and the gritty side of entrepreneurship and acquisitions. 🌍 Making Sustainability Cool: Listen in as we highlight Liquid Death's commitment to eco-friendliness and their crusade against plastic by making water 'cool'. Prepare to be inspired, educated, and maybe a little entertained as we unpack what makes Liquid Death a case study in defying norms and creating a ripple effect in the e-commerce space. 🏴‍☠️ Links: Save the Bros - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ewBG_jmMI40 Liquid Death commercial - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EeRADNpdKD4 Spotify platlist: https://open.spotify.com/album/35MCONvg1s2g8KqgxEEnAw?si=m0Oc7I3NTCiS_SKr1Y_O4w&nd=1&dlsi=e0e801ba8ed34595 Killer Baby Namer - https://www.humanaut.is/projects/liquid-death/ Elf -https://liquiddeath.com/pages/corpse-paint-liquid-death-x-e-l-f-cosmetics Country club - https://liquiddeath.com/pages/sell-your-soul Tony Hawk - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gl7MRPWSw_M Ebay ad auction - https://liquiddeath.com/pages/biggest-ad-ever

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    1 hr and 11 mins
  • How Huckberry Built a Thriving DTC Brand Without Venture Capital
    Nov 26 2024

    Dive into the fascinating journey of Huckberry, the adventure-driven men’s apparel brand that transformed from a small startup into a powerhouse in the direct-to-consumer space. In this episode, we unravel Huckberry’s growth strategy and the secrets behind their success, from content marketing to community engagement.

    We also explore the history of outerwear, tracing its evolution from practical pieces like military coats, trench coats, and bomber jackets to today’s blend of functionality and style seen in brands like North Face and Patagonia. Aaron shares his thoughts on picking up a ski jacket from Costco, while Nathan dives into the cultural and utilitarian roots of timeless styles like peacoats, denim jackets, and faux fur.

    Discover how Huckberry, founded by Andrew Forch and Richard Greiner, combined a love for adventure and content-driven storytelling to curate iconic pieces like the Wax Trucker Jacket and build a loyal community of outdoor enthusiasts. Learn about their direct-to-consumer sales model, pop-up stores, and how they carved out their niche in the crowded world of men's outerwear.

    Plus, we touch on trends like synthetic materials, outsourced production, and product differentiation that have shaped the outerwear market. Stay tuned for bonus discussions on topics like Oura Ring’s recent valuation, the strategy behind Pokemon Go’s data collection, and what’s next for Huckberry’s retail expansion.

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    42 mins
  • How Aether Diamonds Turns Air Pollution into Beautiful Jewelry
    Nov 19 2024

    Welcome to another exciting episode of "Ecommerce On Tap," the podcast where we dive deep into the world of D2C brands and supply chain innovations. I'm your host Nathan Resnick, joined by my co-host Aaron Alpeter. Today, we're exploring the incredible journey of Aether Diamonds—a company transforming the diamond industry with pioneering technology that captures CO2 from the atmosphere to create beautiful, sustainable diamonds. We'll discuss their unique business model, the environmental impacts of traditional diamond mining, and how Aether's founders are paving the way for low-carbon ventures. Plus, we'll highlight industry trends, sustainability challenges, and what the future holds for lab-grown diamonds.

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    36 mins
  • How Bombas Built a Billion-Dollar Brand on Giving Back
    Nov 12 2024

    We'll explore Bombas' remarkable journey—from its founding story and rapid growth to its significant contributions to social causes. We'll discuss how Bombas donates a pair of socks for every pair purchased and how they have partnered with over 3,500 giving partners across the US, donating over 100 million pairs of socks to those in need.

    Nathan and I also tackle the complexities of incorporating social missions into business models, the potential conflicts with shareholder interests, and the scalability challenges faced by mission-driven companies like Bombas. We'll also touch on Bombas' impressive financial milestones, supply chain insights, and expansion into new product lines.

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    43 mins
  • How Beautycounter’s MLM Strategy Led to Billion-Dollar Success—and a Bankruptcy
    Nov 5 2024

    Welcome to another episode of Ecommerce On Tap, where we dive deep into the intriguing stories behind some of the most innovative business models in the e-commerce world. I'm your host Nathan Resnick, joined by my co-host Aaron Alper, as we unpack the dramatic series of events surrounding Beauty Counter, a pioneering clean beauty brand.

    In today’s episode titled "Beauty Counter," we examine the turbulence that followed a major leadership change at the company, leading to a mass resignation of key staff and a strategic overhaul that shook its foundation. We'll discuss how a significant distribution deal with Ulta affected Beauty Counter's unique MLM consultant network, sparking a lawsuit and contributing to a dramatic sales decline.

    Aaron and I will explore the implications of leveraged buyouts and the hurdles faced by Greg, who returned as CEO to confront massive layoffs and high debt.

    We'll also delve into the potential for reviving the MLM network, leveraging passionate individuals, and the possibility of certifying clean beauty standards to regain trust and market position.

    Join us as we explore the highs and lows of Beauty Counter’s journey, the strategic pivots discussed by experts, and the future potential of this mission-driven brand. Plus, we invite you to share your thoughts on the challenges and opportunities ahead for Beauty Counter. So grab a seat, and let's get started on this captivating episode of Ecommerce On Tap.

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    52 mins
  • How Knot Standard Blends Technology and Tailoring for the Perfect Fit
    Oct 29 2024

    Welcome back to "Ecommerce On Tap," where we dive deep into the stories of e-commerce companies, their supply chains, and their growth potentials. In today's episode, we're spotlighting Knot Standard, a luxury custom menswear company known for its bespoke suits and innovative approach to tailoring.

    Knot Standard employs a make-to-order model to reduce inventory risk and offers extensive customization, sourcing exquisite fabrics from prestigious mills like Loro Piana and Holland & Sherry. With a retail presence both online and in Nordstrom stores, they've cleverly navigated the tailoring landscape, contrasting their model with algorithmic-based companies like Stitch Fix.

    We'll explore their transition from a direct-to-consumer business to a tech-centric strategy following their partial sale to fashion brand Billy Reid. Aaron and I will also delve into how advancements in 3D body scanning and AI are revolutionizing the industry, as well as Nathan’s personal anecdotes about custom suits and the modern business dress code shifting towards comfort.

    Join us as we unravel Knot Standard's journey from its founding roots in Dubai to its current strides in New York City, all while providing insights into the broader implications for e-commerce and tech-driven customization. Plus, stay tuned for a recap of Aaron’s recent visit to the Tesla factory and the latest buzz around Keurig Dr. Pepper’s acquisition spree in the energy drink market. Let's get started!

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    43 mins
  • How Stitch Fix Uses Data Science to Revolutionize Personal Style
    Oct 22 2024

    In today's deep dive, we explore Stitch Fix, the innovative fashion company that once captivated millions with its personalized styling services. We'll examine the ups and downs of this intriguing e-commerce business, from its rapid growth under founder Katrina Lake to its current struggles in the public market. Nathan and Aaron will discuss everything from the complexities of Stitch Fix's supply chain to potential strategic moves, such as going private or merging with competitors. Plus, we'll analyze the impact of high return rates, the evolution of personalized fashion, and how technology is shaping the future of the e-commerce landscape. Stay tuned as we unravel what went right, what went wrong, and what the future might hold for Stitch Fix.

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    46 mins
  • Celebrity Brands That Last: Lessons from Selena Gomez's Rare Beauty
    Oct 15 2024

    Welcome back to another enlightening episode of Ecommerce On Tap! Today, your hosts Aaron and Nathan dive into the intricate world of celebrity beauty brands, focusing on the phenomenal success of Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez. In this episode, we’ll explore why only about 20% of celebrity beauty brands survive and how aligning a brand with a celebrity's public persona, like Logan Paul's Prime energy drinks or Gordon Ramsay's Hexclad, can make all the difference. We'll also look at the modest success of brands like Kendall Jenner’s Moon toothpaste and Danny Duncan's Matador energy drink. We’ll uncover the strategic brilliance behind Rare Beauty's staggering $350 million revenue and its commitment to mental health advocacy, a mission close to Selena Gomez’s heart. Despite personal challenges and no prior beauty industry experience, Selena’s authentic connection to her brand, strategic hiring, and massive social media influence have propelled Rare Beauty to a $2 billion valuation. Tune in as we examine Rare Beauty's direct-to-consumer approach, their high-quality, cruelty-free products sourced from South Korea, and the savvy inventory management that sets them apart in a competitive market. Plus, don't miss our discussion on the long-term brand-building versus short-term sales strategy and a special segment on World Mental Health Day, where Sephora will donate all proceeds from Rare Beauty sales.


    20% of celebrity beauty brands survive - https://www.allure.com/story/inside-celebrity-beauty-brandshttps://www.allure.com/story/inside-celebrity-beauty-brands

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    47 mins