Business Wars

Allbirds: The Rise and Fall of Direct to Consumer | 5

7 snips
Apr 18, 2024
Ann Gehan, a retail reporter at The Information, and Elizabeth Segran, a senior staff writer at Fast Company, delve into the rise and fall of Allbirds, the sustainable shoe brand once valued at $4.1 billion. They discuss Allbirds’ innovative approach to comfort and sustainability, its battle against Nike, and the challenges of declining sales post-IPO. The conversation explores the broader struggles faced by direct-to-consumer brands amidst economic shifts and digital marketing pressures, raising questions about the future of retail.
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ANECDOTE

Allbirds Origin

  • Tim Brown, a former soccer player, co-founded Allbirds.
  • He was inspired to create comfortable, sustainable shoes after experiencing clunky cleats.
ANECDOTE

Co-founders

  • Tim Brown partnered with Joey Zwillinger, an engineer, to develop Allbirds.
  • Their wives, who were college friends, introduced them.
ANECDOTE

Kickstarter Success

  • Allbirds launched a successful Kickstarter campaign, raising almost $120,000.
  • Donors could name a sheep and get a pair of prototype Wool Runners.
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