For decades, a handful of brands dominated consumer retail in the United States. Whether Kodak in cameras or Gillette in razors, the top brands in more than 10 categories were unchanged from 1923 to 1983.
Reinventing the Direct-to-Consumer Business Model
Instagram ads and influencer campaigns can only take you so far.
March 31, 2020
Summary.
Over the past decade, a new breed of “direct-to-consumer” startups including Warby Parker and Casper helped forge a new business model. But lately that business model is faltering as the advantages that early entrants enjoyed have evaporated. To retool, DTC companies will need to embrace an omnichannel strategy, create tighter ties with their communities, and vertically integrate to increase margins.
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New!
HBR Learning
Sharpening Your Business Acumen Course
Accelerate your career with Harvard ManageMentor®. HBR Learning’s online leadership training helps you hone your skills with courses like Sharpening Your Business Acumen. Earn badges to share on LinkedIn and your resume. Access more than 40 courses trusted by Fortune 500 companies.
Take your career to the next level by learning business and finance basics, and developing an enterprise mindset.