This past fall, I met @mattalexand at XOXO Festival. Where so many fashion startups have failed, he and the team at NEED were doing something truly original: selling great fashion products *and* being profitable.
Now, with Foremost they're going from curating great products, to actually *making* them.
Question for @mattalexand: you have an "editorial" way of presenting the products you sell. Where did that come from? Why do you think it works?
@mijustin When I originally had the idea for Need, a lot of what was driving me was the notion that men respond to fewer variables and a strong sense of opinion.
The vast majority of shops show straightforward images and uninspired copy, which does little for people when shopping. They land on the site and, although they might recognize good things, they don't know the "why" of the matter.
Editorial allows us to convey the wisdom and direction for these people.
With Foremost, we saw an opportunity to carry that a step further with an interview series. It means that, even after we sell out, there's good reason for people to be visiting the site. And, for the people shopping, they can see the products in better detail, as well as in the photography.
Long-winded answer (again), but I think it's important to make a transaction memorable. You don't remember spending $50 at H&M, but you might remember it with Need or Foremost.
@zkahn94 There are two sound methods:
1. Hire exceptionally talented people. And, when doing so, keep yourself open to non-traditional backgrounds for the job. For example, our clothing designer had never designed clothes until I hired her.
2. Whiskey.
Transistor
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