Mall Santas, Chicken Fingers, and Why Focus Wins | Mostly Growth

Dec 13, 2025

Discover the fascinating evolution of mall Santas and the changing atmosphere of modern mall visits. Explore how niche brands like Untuckit and Raising Cane's thrive through a laser focus on their core offerings. Delve into the complex dynamics of competition, and why chasing rivals can be counterproductive. Examine the resurgence of cold calling in B2B growth, and unravel the quirks of algorithmic pricing. The conversation is packed with insights that illuminate the intriguing mechanics of business and consumer culture.

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ANECDOTE

Mall Santa Moment Shift

CJ walked up to a mall Santa with no line and took a free photo on his phone while they handed out candy canes.
He noted malls abandoned the old monetized photo setup and now expect visitors to use their own phones.

INSIGHT

Point Solution Can Become A Platform

Untuckit succeeded by obsessing over one simple problem: shirts that look good untucked.
Point-solution focus can scale into a platform if the company extends thoughtfully from that core.

ANECDOTE

Raising Cane's Single-Item Obsession

CJ cited Raising Cane's as a company that only sells chicken fingers and fries yet generates billions in revenue.
He argued obsession with a single craft drove higher margins and operational excellence.

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