Since b8ta opened its first store they have become the poster child for third-party matchmaking that brings emerging digital native brands to life in their tech and data-infused storefronts.

Transparency in sourcing and manufacturing has become table stakes in the minds of over two-thirds of 18 to 35-year-olds. Where something is made, under what kinds of working conditions, and environmental sustainability across the entire distribution chain are now all a part of the decision-making process.

Third-Party, Retail as a Service (RaaS) Proliferates

2-DIGITAL MEETS PHYSICAL: Balancing Convenience and Connection

Another new player on the RaaS scene is ShopFulfill which will open their first Anchor Shops concept in downtown Philadelphia in the second quarter of 2020. Anchor Shops focuses on giving digital native brands the necessities to gain traction offline by providing both space as well as logistics and infrastructure that otherwise would not be afforda... See more

First described as the “store with no inventory” when introduced in late 2017, it is indeed very much more. The store is built around three key offerings: online order pickup and return, styling services, and tailoring and alterations. Other services vary by location but include nail services, bars, gift wrapping, even stroller cleaning...For Nords... See more

5-THE LINCHPIN: Data and Technology

1- NICHE RICH: Continued Customer Segmentation Refinement

Digital has led to market fragmentation in nearly everything. Reduced opportunity costs have spawned a plethora of Direct to Consumer (DTC) brands which will continue for the foreseeable future. Small niche startups will continue to build followings and “tribes” in ways that couldn’t have been imagined in the pre-internet era.