Recognizing their notable success, legacy brands like REI and Under Armour have since expanded their DTC channels. However, not every brand that initiates this approach prospers. Here’s what it takes to thrive in the DTC landscape.
Cut out the middleman
By severing ties with retail intermediaries, DTC brands have direct control of their supply chain, allowing them to better engage consumers, provide quality customer service and build a trusted brand image that drives sales and creates loyal customers.
Warby Parker’s co-founder and co-CEO Dave Gilboa, encourages retailers to discover and leverage how customers are connecting to and interacting with, brand experiences. Gilboa speaks from first-hand knowledge after launching Warby Parker’s digital engagement strategy in 2010.
Nearly a decade later with an estimated worth of $1.75B Warby Parker has opened over 90 brick and mortar locations and with another 30 stores expected to open over the next year. Such an achievement is dubbed the “Warby Parker model,” a success story that continues to inspire DTC retailers.