The 25 Most Innovative Consumer and Retail Brands - Entrepreneur

TODAY'S MOST READ
INNOVATION
26 min read
The 25 Most Innovative Consumer
and Retail Brands
No Matter What You're Selling,
This Strategy Should Do the
Trick
1
When Should a CEO
Get Involved in
Day-to-Day Details?
140
J
218
V
136
m + Q
Comment
@
JULY 29, 2014
While we often hear about innovations in
technology, we hear less about innovations in
the consumer industry. Why? It comprises
more than 20 percent of the U.S. economy,
and touches nearly every aspect of our lives,
influencing what we eat, wear,
and increasingly, reflecting what we believe. (I
believe in sustainability, therefore I buy from
sustainable brands.)
Good companies create products. Great
companies create identities. We work with
consumer companies day in and day out
at CircleUp -- we've reviewed more than 4,500
in the past two years alone -- and we're
excited to share some of the amazing things
they're doing, from pioneering new categories
to re-imagining new industries.
Last year we scoured the country for these
great consumer companies and selected 25 of
the most innovative. Were at it again this year,
and excited to present 2014s CircleUp25.
How we chose. First, the ground rules.
Companies had to be privately-held to be
nominated. (Nothing against publicly-traded
companies, its just that our domain is in the
private markets.) To avoid bias, we also
excluded from consideration companies
CircleUp has worked with in the past or is
RYAN CALDBECK
CONTRIBUTOR
Founder and CEO,
CircleUp
J V m
RYAN CALDBECK
E J V m
Latest Top 50 How To Lists
SUBSCRIBE
$1 an issue
The 25 Most Innovative Consumer and Retail Brands | Entrepreneur.com http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/235945
1 of 28 7/30/2014 11:16 AM
Shortcut or Magic Recipe to
Success'
2 2
10 Essential Startup Lessons
That You May Not Have Learned
in College
3
The Most Expensive Domain
Names in Internet History
4
A Device to Help You Sleep
Better Raises Almost $500K in
Two Days on Kickstarter
5
Get Our Best Stories of
the Week
Sign up for our weekly recap of our
most popular stories.
SIGN UP
Who Are the 25 Most
Innovative Consumer
Companies?
Why Startups Should
Still Care About
Things That Don't
Scale
Related: Entrepreneur's 100 Brilliant
Companies
We then curated a global network of experts
and asked for nominations. Our network
included consumer private equity firms and
leading consumer investment bankers;
consumer trade publications; national retailers
with access to their own proprietary data;
successful consumer entrepreneurs;
third-party data providers analyzing industry
trends; and consumer angel investors.
After receiving more than 200 expert
nominations we got to work selecting the
winners -- 25 of the most innovative consumer
product and retail companies in the world. We
included both small companies and large --
because neither has a monopoly on
innovation.
We also wanted to hear from consumers, so
we asked fans to vote for their favorite brands
on Facebook and Twitter. Based on the tallied
results we selected five Fans Choice Awards.
Without further ado, were thrilled to present 2014s CircleUp25
winners!
Shake Shack
RYAN CALDBECK
RYAN CALDBECK
E J V m
SUBSCRIBE
$1 an issue
2 of 28 7/30/2014 11:16 AM
Image credit: Shake Shack
Why? For dispelling the belief that fast food has to be
pre-cooked.
Who? Danny Meyers Union Square Hospitality Group (USHG)
delighted the masses with a hot dog stand at Madison Square
Park Conservatorys art installation from 2001 to 2003. In
2004, it won the bid for a permanent kiosk in the park, and
Shake Shack was born.
What theyve built? From its humble beginnings, Shake Shack
emerged as a neighborhood fixture. It has since brought their
burgers to the rest of the world with 13 international stores
across four countries. The chain doubled in size in 2013 alone,
and opened its 47th location this June. Barely a blip on
McDonalds radar today, but its worth recalling Chipotles rise
from fewer than 20 locations in 1998 to more than 1,500 a
decade later. Leading consumer private equity firm, Alliance
Consumer Growth, invested in Shake Shack in early 2013,
saying, No restaurant is more innovative or game changing.
Keeping an eye out for you. To help New Yorkers plan their
daily burger schedule, the Shack Cam vigilantly watches over
absurdly long lines at the original Madison Square Park
location. Pro-tip: skip the the lines at Madison Square and stop
by the Upper East Side location. Enjoy your burger (and the
much shorter lines) outside the American Museum of Natural
History.
Blue Buffalo
E J V m
SUBSCRIBE
$1 an issue
3 of 28 7/30/2014 11:16 AM
Image credit: Blue Buffalo
Why? For setting a new standard in healthy dog and cat food.
Who? Bill and Jackie Bishop took a serious interest in pet
nutrition after their large and loyal dog, named Blue, suffered
from several health problems.
What theyve built? After meeting with several leading experts
in canine and feline nutrition, Blue Buffalo rolled out BLUE dog
and cat foods. All BLUE pet foods contain LifeSource Bits, a
precise blend of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that help
support pets immune systems. Industry insiders estimate the
brands sales at north of $600 million -- and its growing into a
category big brands have a roaring appetite for. (2013
CircleUp25 winner Zukes, another pet food company, was
acquired by Nestl earlier this year.)
The Rescue Waggin. Blue Buffalo is a proud supporter of the
Petsmart Rescue Waggin', an initiative thats led to the rescue
and adoption of more than 65,000 dogs.
Corsair Distillery
E J V m
SUBSCRIBE
$1 an issue
4 of 28 7/30/2014 11:16 AM
Image credit: Corsair Distillery
Why? For defining a new standard of quality and taste with its
small batch, ultra-premium whiskey.
Who? Childhood friends Darek Bell, Andrew Webber and Amy
Lee Bell began homebrewing out of their garage. They started
with beer and wine but after trouble with a prototype
bio-diesel plant, they decided to give whiskey a try. And
whiskey they made. Lots of it.
What theyve built? Makers of whiskey, absinthe, gin, vanilla
bean vodka and spiced rum, the Tennessee distillery recently
took home the American Craft Distiller of the Year, award at
the annual Wizards of Whisky, with its signature Nashville
Bourbon and Quinoa Whiskey claiming gold medals.
The company is primed for growth: domestic sales of bourbon
and Tennessee whiskey grew 10.2 percent in 2012 to $2.4
billion. (Think about that: there arent that many markets as old
as whiskey growing 10 percent per year.) Not to mention
international opportunities: exports of whiskey are growing at
a torrid pace and passed the $1 billion mark for the first time in
2013, according to the Distilled Spirits Council (DISCUS).
Everlane
E J V m
SUBSCRIBE
$1 an issue
5 of 28 7/30/2014 11:16 AM
Image credit: Everlane
Why? For promoting radical transparency in its manufacturing
standards and helping cement social good as a value for
startup clothing companies.
Who? Michael Preysman, 25 at the time, left a career in private
equity to start Everlane in the fall of 2010. The impetus? His
love for quality and simplicity -- and frustration with the lack of
innovation in retail.
What theyve built? A sophisticated brand thats gaining
traction among celebrities and college students alike for its
high-quality, affordable basics. And lest we forget, insanely
comfortable sandals. Since raising $1 million from consumer-
focused venture capital firms Maveron and betaworks and a
host of individual angel investors, Everlane has grown to more
than 400,000 active members. More investors may want in
(desperately), but Everlane hasnt had it -- opting instead for
organic growth over the monster follow-on rounds common
amongst its ecommerce peers. Maverons Jason Stoffer shared
their motivation for investing: Michael Preysmann is a special
entrepreneur who is building a brand perfectly suited to this
next generation of shoppers.
Picture perfect. Everlanes clean lines and minimalistic
aesthetic is an Instagram darling -- IG masters such as
@alice_gao, @emmatheyellow and @cloudsandcoffee are
often found hobnobbing the brand.
Poler
E J V m
SUBSCRIBE
$1 an issue
6 of 28 7/30/2014 11:16 AM
Image credit: Poler
Why? For supplying and clothing the explorer in all of us.
Who? Portland-native Benji Wagner founded Poler out of his
garage to make accessible outdoor gear for the everyday
adventurer. Less Bear Grylls, more couchsurfers and
road-trippers.
What theyve built? A camping and travel gear brand aimed at
urban-based adventurers. Launching in 2011 with a debut line
of tents, T-shirts and bags, its continued to grow through
creative product design, beautiful storytelling and strategic
partnerships, including a design collaboration with Nike and a
distribution deal with Urban Outfitters.
Cult following. Customers obsess over the companys
wearable sleeping bag (it's exactly what it sounds like. Check it
out.). Were convinced anyone who ever lays eyes on one will
want one -- immediately (seriously).
Patagonia
E J V m
SUBSCRIBE
$1 an issue
7 of 28 7/30/2014 11:16 AM
Image credit: Patagonia
Why? For innovation that results in extraordinary brand
loyalty.
Who? Founder Yvon Chouinard has always strived to
communicate his passion for the natural world into his line of
technical, rugged outdoor clothing.
What theyve built? A global apparel brand thats proving
profits and purpose can, and should, align. Founded in 1973,
the iconic brand may be more mature than its younger
upstarts, but tired it is not. Between 2008 and 2013 profits
more than tripled as revenues surpassed $600 million. Most
brands that get to that level just rest -- Patagonia
doesnt. Growing through a recession is easier when
customers love who you are and what you stand for, not just
what you make. Its one reason many of its larger competitors
are jealous of the extreme brand loyalty Patagonia commands.
Not your typical boardroom. The 75-year old Chouinard, a
true renaissance man, surfs, climbs, kayaks, fly-fishes and
falcons between board meetings.
Tory Burch
E J V m
SUBSCRIBE
$1 an issue
8 of 28 7/30/2014 11:16 AM
Image credit: Tory Burch
Why? For weaving sensibility into style, and never letting
growth compromise authenticity.
Who? Tory Burch worked for many of the worlds most
influential designers, including Ralph Lauren and Vera Wang,
before starting her eponymous brand in 2004. A CEO,
designer, philanthropist and mother, Forbes ranked Burch as
the 79th most powerful woman in the world in 2014.
What theyve built? A tech-forward, boho-chic empire of
versatile and fashionable womens accessories and apparel
with high-profile clientele. From its single store nestled away
in Manhattans Nolita neighborhood, Tory Burch has grown to
more than 120 freestanding boutiques, and can be found
across more than 3,000 department and specialty stores
globally. The brand has diversified into many new product
categories, including eyewear through a partnership with
Luxottica, fragrances through collaboration with Este Lauder,
and on deck are timepieces with Fossil in 2014.
Giving back. Elizabeth Street Capital, an initiative within
Burchs foundation, provides low-interest loans, networking
opportunities and mentoring to female entrepreneurs.
Blue Bottle Coffee
E J V m
SUBSCRIBE
$1 an issue
9 of 28 7/30/2014 11:16 AM
Image credit: Blue Bottle Coffee
Why? For attempting to upend Starbucks market domination
by choosing quality over quantity, with no compromises.
Who? Model Californian James Freeman -- freelance musician
and coffee fanatic -- longed for a time before peppermint
spiced lattes and caffeinated milkshakes. He vowed to make,
serve and sell only real, fresh-roasted coffee, serving his first
cups of Blue Bottle out of a kiosk in 2005. Freeman was joined
by Bryan Meehan in 2012, the entrepreneur behind Fresh &
Wild, a chain of organic markets that sold to Whole Foods.
What theyve built? Arguably the most recognizable cup in
San Franciscos coffee-congested culture. The now bi-coastal
Oakland-based roasters bleed their beans no more than 48
hours after roasting. Raising $25.75 million in January this year
from an eclectic group of investors including Google Ventures
and Tony Hawk (on top of $19.7 million raised in 2012), the
company is flush with cash and primed to grow. It recently
expanded into Los Angeles with the acquisition of L.A.s
Handsome Coffee Roasters, and its acquisition of the coffee
subscription service Tonx brings it one step closer to
distributing premium Blue Bottle coffee to anyone, anywhere.
Pressed Juicery
E J V m
SUBSCRIBE
$1 an issue
10 of 28 7/30/2014 11:16 AM
Image credit: Pressed Juicery
Why? For cutting through the confusion and condescension of
health trends.
Who? Co-founders Carly Brien, Hayden Slater and Hedi Gores
started Pressed Juicery in 2010 out of a 22-square-foot L.A.
storefront.
What theyve built? A dynamic online and offline brand thats
now distributing its subscription-based juicing program
nationwide. With 19 real-world locations (at the time of this
writing) and a bustling ecommerce operation, its attacking the
cold-crafted juice and smoothie category, a growing market
that Starbucks recently sized up at $3.4 billion.
Speaking of Starbucks. Juicing is here to stay. Starbucks
validated the category and went all in with its purchase of
Evolution Fresh for $30 million in 2011, with plans to
aggressively grow Evolution locations nationwide.
FitBit
Image credit: Fitbit
Why? For leading the small but growing wearables market,
and getting office workers everywhere to ask, Whats your
number?
E J V m
SUBSCRIBE
$1 an issue
11 of 28 7/30/2014 11:16 AM
design before being able to ship a product at the end of 2009.
What theyve built? A collection of wearable fitness bands
that measure everything from steps taken, calories burned to
sleep quality. FitBits range from $60 to $130. The genius isnt
just in the product, but the subscription. Customers pay $50 a
year to view and manage key health metrics. Research firm
Canalys estimated FitBit owned 50 percent of the wearables
market in early 2014 -- predicting the smart-band category will
grow from 8 million units in 2014 to more than 47 million by
2017. Wearables may take some time to hit their stride, but it
will be a major market. And few are better positioned than
FitBit.
TRX
Image credit: TRX
Why? For re-imagining how, where and why we workout.
Who? Founder Randy Hetrick, a 14-year Navy Seal veteran and
Stanford MBA, began developing the Total Resistance
eXercises as early as the 1990s, but didnt begin marketing the
product until 2005.
What theyve built? TRX has designed one of the most
versatile pieces of exercise equipment in the world. Its flagship
product, a suspension workout system, is decidedly simple,
and leverages gravity to deliver full-body workouts anytime,
E J V m
SUBSCRIBE
$1 an issue
12 of 28 7/30/2014 11:16 AM
hundreds of workouts for everything from high-intensity
strength training to injury rehabilitation. In an industry
notorious for fads, TRX has not only stayed relevant, but also
helped lead the market.
Work hard, play hard. TRX hosts four exercise classes every
day for employees.
Flywheel
Image credit: Flywheel
Why? For making indoor cycling epic.
Who? Ruth Zuckerman opened one of the first exclusive
indoor cycling studios in New York City before teaming up
with Jay Galluzzo to co-found Flywheel in 2010.
What theyve built? Flywheel is one of the fastest growing
fitness concepts in the country. Since opening its first location
four years ago, its grown to 25 studios. According to
investment bank Piper Jaffray & Co, fitness studios are the
fastest growing segment of the U.S. health-club industry,
growing more than 450 percent a year since 2010. The
company has heavily invested in technology to elevate the
Flywheel experience. Its TorqBoard technology powers
in-studio displays that measure riders' real-time performance
data. Riders can access their individualized and relative data
online or through the companys mobile app.
Hello, world. Flywheel has global ambitions and recently
opened its first international studio in Dubai.
NatureBox
E J V m
SUBSCRIBE
$1 an issue
13 of 28 7/30/2014 11:16 AM
Image credit: NatureBox
Why? For marrying food with tech to make healthy eating
easy, affordable and delicious.
Who? Meeting during undergraduate studies at Babson
College, Kenneth Chen and Gautam Gupta re-united after
careers in financial services to found NatureBox in early 2012.

What theyve built? Naturebox is an online service that
home-delivers an assortment of healthy snacks to consumers
on a monthly basis. With more than 100 unique products, it
ships to all 50 states (and Canada) and are attacking the $64
billion snack-food category. Coming off an $18 million Series B
led by Canaan Partners, the company aims to double its
deliveries to 3 million boxes in 2014, priced between $20 to
$50 each. Talk about breakneck growth: hitting its goal will
clock growth at an astounding 5,900 percent over 2012, when
it delivered its first 50,000 boxes.
Do good by doing well. For every box it delivers, NatureBox
donates one meal through Feeding America.
Related: Innovation: Small Businesses Live It, Big Businesses Buy It
ThinkThin
E J V m
SUBSCRIBE
$1 an issue
14 of 28 7/30/2014 11:16 AM
Image credit: ThinkThin
Why? For fueling a healthy, energetic lifestyle, and making it
taste darn good too!
Who? Mother of two Lizanne Falsetto founded ThinkThin to
fulfill her desire for easy and nutritious food on the go.
What theyve built? Denouncing refined sugars, ThinkThin
makes gluten-free protein bars in a variety of decadent flavors.
Forbes estimated the companys revenue at more than $70
million in 2012. With the snack-bar category alone sized at
$5.9 billion by Euromonitor, it has enormous room to grow.
The snack and protein bar market is crowded, but also
massive, and has seen few products that are truly nutritious
and good tasting. Falsetto and her financial backers, TSG
Consumer Partners, have broader ambitions, however. Expect
to see expansion well beyond protein bars.
Viva Italia. Falsetto grew up in a large Italian family and spent
her early years in Seattle before setting out on a 14-year
international modeling career. She began tinkering with
recipes when she returned to the states, and found her first
corporate buyer for ThinkThin at Trader Joes in 1999.
Hampton Creek
E J V m
SUBSCRIBE
$1 an issue
15 of 28 7/30/2014 11:16 AM
Image credit: Hampton Creek
Why? For asking, Why not?, and innovating a fundamentally
new way of food production thats better for humans and
animals alike
Who? Friends Joshua Tetrick and Josh Balk founded Hampton
Creek in 2011. Coincidentally, each had promising collegial
athletic careers prematurely ended by injury.
What theyve built? Hampton Creek is a food company with
the mission of developing new plant-based foods that are less
expensive, healthier and more sustainable industrial-
production alternatives. Its currently selling its first two
products -- Just Mayo and Just Cookies -- through many of the
countrys largest retailers, including Costco and Safeway, and
recently struck partnerships with Krogers and Amazon.
The future of food. Bill Gates listed Hampton Creek as one of
the three most exciting companies in the world that are
pioneering the future of food. Gates isnt the only billionaire
crazy about Hampton Creek -- Asias wealthiest man, Li
Ka-Shing, led the companys latest $23 million financing.
Justin's
E J V m
SUBSCRIBE
$1 an issue
16 of 28 7/30/2014 11:16 AM
Image credit: Justin's
Why? For never compromising on quality, and mixing
community and sustainability into every product it makes.
Who? Leggo my peanut butter! Yearning for an alternative to
sugary energy gel packs, Founder Justin Gold began making
his nut butter in 2002. His roommates couldnt keep their
hands off it so he started writing labels on his nut butter. His
scribbled signature lives on as the companys logo.
What theyve built? A local farmers market in Boulder
welcomed Justins first sales. The companys 12 employees
now manage 12 varieties of nut butters as well as dark and
milk-chocolate peanut butter cups. Sales were last reported at
nearly $20 million in 2012, up from $2.9 million just three
years prior. Sustainability is at the heart of the companys
mission. Its line of nut butters uses 100 percent post-consumer
recycled plastic, and it sources ingredients exclusively from
organic farms.
Full speed ahead. Justins sold a minority stake in the
company last October to California-based private equity firm,
VMG Partners. Justins joins other high-growth consumer
product brands in VMGs portfolio, including KIND,
BabyGanics and Mighty Leaf Tea.
Aden + Anais
E J V m
SUBSCRIBE
$1 an issue
17 of 28 7/30/2014 11:16 AM
Image credit: Aden + Anais
Why? For simplifying the lives of parents and caregivers, and
making beautiful products that keep babies safer and more
comfortable.
Who? When Raegan Moya Jones moved to the U.S., she
couldnt find the muslin swaddles used by mothers across her
native Australia. Pregnant with her first child in 2006, she
decided to be the solution. Partnering with Claudia Schwartz,
Aden + Anais was officially born in 2006.
What theyve built? Aden + Anais sells infant and
toddler-wear. Its signature muslin products have been widely
acclaimed for improving comfort and breathability. Founded in
Brooklyn, NY, the companys products can now be found
across thousands of locations in 63 different countries.
The Kate Middleton effect. Prince George left the hospital
wearing none other than Aden + Anais signature muslin
swaddle blanket. Within a day of fashion bloggers surfacing
the photo, the companys site came to a grinding halt under
the pressure of skyrocketing traffic. Sales spiked more than
600 percent over the next 10 days.
GoldieBlox
E J V m
SUBSCRIBE
$1 an issue
18 of 28 7/30/2014 11:16 AM
Image credit: GoldieBlox
Why? For re-imagining toys, and inspiring a new generation of
female engineers.
Who? Engineering was an alien field to founder Debbie
Sterling until a high school teacher recommended she choose
it as a major. She graduated four years later with a degree in
mechanical engineering from Stanford, and set her sights on
the overwhelming gender imbalance in the field -- where
nearly 90 percent of professionals are men. Starting
GoldieBlox in 2012, she hopes to give girls inspiring and
hands-on engineering experiences that she never had.
What theyve built? GoldieBlox is more than a toy, its an
experience. Aimed at girls between the ages of 5 and 9, it
includes a storybook and construction kit. Girls encounter
engineering challenges as they progress through the story
(available as a book or iPhone/iPad app), and are encouraged
to tinker away at creative solutions. The companys initial sales
were direct-to-consumer. It opened its first major retail doors
with ToysRUs in 2013. At last year's Google Zeitgeist, an
invite-only gathering of influencers from around the world,
Sterlings presentation on Goldieblox received a booming
applause from a captivated room.
Kickstarted. Looking to validate her idea before investing in
production, Sterling launched GoldieBloxs Kickstarter
campaign in September 2012. She set a goal of $150,000 and
in less than three weeks pledges (mostly in the form of
pre-orders) reached $285,881.
DreamDry
E J V m
SUBSCRIBE
$1 an issue
19 of 28 7/30/2014 11:16 AM
Image credit: DreamDry
Why? For creating the premiere destination for blowouts in
NYC, helping women make every day glamorous.
Who? Celebrity designer, stylist and editor Rachel Zoe teamed
up with Creative Artists Agency Executive Robin Moraetes to
found DreamDry in 2012.
What theyve built? Young and growing, DreamDry is an
innovative blow-dry and styling concept. The company
debuted its first location in NYCs Flatiron neighborhood in
2013 and quickly expanded to a second location in Columbus
Circle. Each location is now doing roughly 4,000 blowouts a
month, up more than 150 percent year over year. Its top
customer is nearing her 300th blowout. While NYC will always
be the companys home, the founders say, the duo has global
ambitions.
On trend. DreamDry debuts new styles every season. Its latest
creation is the messy and chic Stevie.
Too Faced Cosmetics
Image credit: Too Faced Cosmetics
E J V m
SUBSCRIBE
$1 an issue
20 of 28 7/30/2014 11:16 AM
into the cosmetics industry, Jerrod Blandino and Jeremy
Johnson became the two faces behind Too Faced in 1998.
What theyve built? A complete line of cosmetics ranging from
shadows and glimmers to foundations and blushes. With
distribution in more than 1,800 stores, the company is
aggressively growing its international presence (500 doors at
last count), and has plans to move into new product
categories.
Bootstrapped. After racking up more than $250,000 in credit
card debt to get the brand off the ground, Blandino and
Johnson brought on Weston Presidio as equity partners to
aggressively scale. Weston Presidio partner, Jeff Mills,
recounted its investment thesis to GCI Magazine: Too Faced
embodies what we look for in cult brands: an extremely loyal
consumer following, a high-quality product and a
differentiated, emotionally connected brand.
Sweetgreen
Image credit: Sweetgreen
Why? For providing a fusion of tasty food and sustainable
design to those living a healthy lifestyle.
Who? Georgetown alums Nicolas Jammet, Jonathan
Neman and Nathaniel Ru founded Sweetgreen in 2007.
What theyve built? A farm-to-table salad chain thats
expanded its fast-casual concept to 25 locations up and down
E J V m
SUBSCRIBE
$1 an issue
21 of 28 7/30/2014 11:16 AM
Revolution Ventures, late last year to fund its ambition of
becoming the Chipotle of Salads.
The sweet life. The founders are also big fans of good music.
In 2010, they debuted the Sweetlife Festival, an annual concert
featuring musical artists such as The Strokes, Kendrick
Lamaar and Avicii.
Asian Box
Image credit: Asian Box
E J V m
SUBSCRIBE
$1 an issue
22 of 28 7/30/2014 11:16 AM
sustainable ingredients.
Who? FK Restaurants & Hospitality CEO Frank Klein shares an
affinity for freshly prepared Vietnamese cuisine with executive
chef Grace Nguyen. Chad Newton, Kleins business partner,
joined as culinary director, advancing the Boxs mission of
creating bridges to local farmers and vendors.
What theyve built? Asian Box is a fast-casual gluten-free
concept serving up authentic Asian street food. Whats your
Box? goes the tagline. Menu items start at around $7 and
diners choose from a variety of southeast Asian flavors and
toppings to create a customized box. The company has
added three new California locations since opening in Palo
Alto and has plans to open a fifth store in Los Angeles later
this year.
Serena & Lily
Image credit: Serena & Lily
E J V m
SUBSCRIBE
$1 an issue
23 of 28 7/30/2014 11:16 AM
Who? Coming from different backgrounds, the dynamic duo of
Serena Dugan, a freelance artist, and Lily Kanter, a serial
entrepreneur, came together through the shared vision of
re-imagining the nursery, a vision they brought to life in 2003.
What theyve built? Serena & Lily designs and sells furniture.
From its first collection of nursery cribs, the company has
expanded its product line to furnish every room in the house.
With a bustling catalogue business reaching more than 1
million households and a strong ecommerce presence, the
company closed a $10 million credit facility with ORIX Ventures
and made its foray into brick and mortar with its first location
in the summer of 2013. The brand doesnt disclose sales
figures (it's estimated at well over $10 million) but it does say
revenue is growing at more than 70 percent a year.
Adios wholesale. In 2013, the company abandoned wholesale
altogether, going 100 percent direct to consumer. It couldnt
have been an easy decision. It took them out of more than 650
retail doors, including prime real estate at Bloomingdales. But
the deliberate move positions them to build more direct and
meaningful relationships going forward.
Paper Source
Image credit: Paper Source
Why? For inspiring us to Do Something Creative Every Day,
and bringing out the artist in all of us.
Who? Sue Lindstrom traveled the world collecting high-quality
artisanal papers. She began selling them in Chicago in 1983 --
and so began Paper Source.
What theyve built? Paper Source sells a unique selection of
fine and artisanal papers, invitations and announcements,
personalized and distinctive gifts, gift wrap, greeting cards,
custom stamps and a custom collection of envelope and cards
through its company-owned retail stores.
E J V m
SUBSCRIBE
$1 an issue
24 of 28 7/30/2014 11:16 AM
to Los Angeles-based private equity firm Brentwood
Associates in 2007. Sales grew more than 25 percent annually
under Brentwoods ownership to about $110 million before
Brentwood successfully exited its investment in a sale to
Investcorp in 2013. The Bahrain-based alternative-investment
firm intends to triple the retailers store count to 250 units
over the next five years.
Ancient Harvest
Image credit: Ancient Harvest
Why? For introducing the U.S. consumer to quinoa and other
innovative ancient grains, way back in 1983.
Who? Current CEO Blake Waltrip joined Ancient Harvest in
2013.
What theyve built? Residing in Boulder, Colo., Ancient
Harvest (a Quinoa Corporation brand) was the first company to
bring quinoa to the United States. Thirty years later it remains
the premier brand selling organic, non-GMO, Royal Bolivian
quinoa products. The company produces a variety of product
lines: quinoa grain, pastas, flour, flakes, ready-to-eat
polentas and macaroni and cheese. In 2014, the company
launched hot breakfast cereals and flavored side dishes.
For years the company grew modestly and predictably,
fulfilling demand mostly from boutique supermarkets and
health-food stores. That all changed five years ago. The
product it introduced to the U.S. consumer -- low-calorie,
gluten-free and high-protein -- exploded in popularity as
awareness of its health benefits grew. Major retailers came
knocking, and Ancient Harvest has been playing catch up with
demand since.
Prevent Magazine awarded Ancient Harvest with Best
E J V m
SUBSCRIBE
$1 an issue
25 of 28 7/30/2014 11:16 AM
Fans Choice Award
These five companies received phenomenal support from their fans
online. (These are also companies that we currently do not have a
formal relationship with here at CircleUp.)
1. illuMask. La Lumire, LLC, the company behind illuMask, has
a mission to democratize advanced skin-care technologies for home
use. illuMask is an anti-acne light-therapy mask that uses blue and red
light to fight the bacteria that causes acne. The company has multiple
retail partners, including Walmart, Ulta Beauty and Target.
2. Awake Chocolate. Friends Matt Schnarr, Dan Tzotzis and Adam
Deremo introduced their caffeinated chocolate to Canadian
consumers in August 2012. The companys Awake chocolate bars are
packed with as much caffeine as a cup of coffee (or a 250ml energy
drink). They sell two flavors -- milk chocolate, or milk chocolate with a
gooey, caramel center -- and come in two varieties, snack-size bites or
bars.
3. Bohemian Guitars. Inspired by the resourcefulness of musicians in
their hometown of Johannesburg, South Africa, brothers Adam and
Shaun Lee began making electric guitars from repurposed oil cans in
2012. A less expensive and unique alternative to traditional guitars,
Bohemian Guitars are now available in both branded and vintage
styles on the companys website. Bohemian is a repeat winner, taking
home a Fans Choice Award in 2013 as well.
4. 41Olive. This company is a young and growing olive oil retail
concept in California. It prides itself in its extensive selection of flavors,
from traditional to exotic, and invites consumers to try before they buy.
Each of the companys three locations host weekly cooking classes
and demonstrations to educate consumers on the health benefits of
olive oil, and how it can be mixed into their diet in fun, creative and
delicious ways (all for free!). Never be bored in your kitchen again.
5. Tie Society. Tie Society is the Netflix of ties. A monthly
subscription service for designer menswear accessories, it was
founded on the belief that looking good should made be easier and
more affordable. Through its website, customers can rent menswear
accessories -- specifically high-quality neckties, pocket squares, tie
bars and cufflinks -- wear them as long as theyd like, and exchange
E J V m
SUBSCRIBE
$1 an issue
26 of 28 7/30/2014 11:16 AM
Congratulations to all of the winners.
Our process was comprehensive. But with more than 1.4 million
privately-held consumer product and retail companies in the U.S., its
likely we missed a few. Let us know who in the comments, and we'll
include them as nominations next year.
Related: 10 of the Most Innovative and Bizarre of the Top 100
Crowdfunded Companies
Innovation Consumer Fashion Food Businesses Retail Businesses
R CLICK HERE TO ADD A COMMENT
140
J
218
V
136
m + Q
E J V m
SUBSCRIBE
$1 an issue
27 of 28 7/30/2014 11:16 AM
Company
Advertise
Brand Licensing
Contact Us
Staff
Events
Winning Strategies
Growth Conference
Products
Business Books
Reprints &
Licensing
eServices
International
Editions
China
Middle East
Mexico
Philippines
South Africa
Follow
Entrepreneur
J Facebook
V Twitter
m LinkedIn
@ Google+
Pinterest
Instagram
@ YouTube
| Tumblr
m RSS
Free Trial Issue
Gift Subscriptions
Subscriber Services
Digital Editions
iOS Android
Kindle
Copyright 2014 Entrepreneur Media, Inc. All rights reserved.
Terms of Use Privacy Policy Site Map
E J V m
SUBSCRIBE
$1 an issue
28 of 28 7/30/2014 11:16 AM

The 25 Most Innovative Consumer and Retail Brands - Entrepreneur

Transféré par

Informations du document

Titre original

Copyright

Formats disponibles

Partager ce document

Partager ou intégrer le document

Options de partage

Avez-vous trouvé ce document utile ?

Ce contenu est-il inapproprié ?

Droits d'auteur :

Formats disponibles

The 25 Most Innovative Consumer and Retail Brands - Entrepreneur

Transféré par

Droits d'auteur :

Formats disponibles

TODAY'S MOST READ

Vous aimerez peut-être aussi