Ep 14: Solving Inventory in 2020 with Kickstarter for Jeans - Duer Denim
DTC Podcast · with Gary Lenett & Calvin Roex · May 22, 2020 · 44 min
Summary
Duer Denim, a fast-scaling apparel brand, successfully navigated the challenges of 2020 by implementing a "Pants on Demand" system, inspired by Kickstarter. This innovative approach allows them to produce clothing based on confirmed orders, drastically reducing waste and eliminating the need for markdowns. The episode offers a blueprint for DTC brands seeking to build resilient supply chains and optimize e-commerce in uncertain times.
Key takeaways
Implement a demand-driven production model (e.g., 'Pants on Demand') to minimize excess inventory and eliminate markdowns, especially for new product lines.
Leverage crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter to validate product demand and secure pre-orders before committing to large-scale production.
Focus on core product functionality and quality to create "evergreen" items that reduce reliance on fleeting trends and frequent inventory turnovers.
Optimize e-commerce channels by understanding which platforms and strategies yield the most success for your specific product and target audience.
Proactively develop flexible distribution systems to build resilience against unforeseen market disruptions, such as pandemics.
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Gary Lenett is a fashion industry icon. He got tired of predicting trends for the new denim wash and decided to make pants that served a simple function: pants so good, you'll never have to think about pants again. Duer look great and feel great, and can be worn for any occasion. This fast scaling Vancouver brand was taking the Canadian retail, wholesale and ecom world by storm, when Corona hit. Luckily they were prepared. Gary had long been planning NEXT, a new system for product distribution modelled after Kickstarter, a platform that Duer has already been massively successful with. Pants on Demand, reduce the two biggest issues for apparel brands 1. by producing pants for people who order them you keep excess out of the landfill and 2. You'll never have to markdown goods again. We also were lucky to have Calvin Roex, the head of their ecommerce platform where we discussed their most successful channels, the launch of their new program as well as suggestions for them to improve and expand on their angles. Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signup
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Implement a demand-driven production model (e.g., 'Pants on Demand') to minimize excess inventory and eliminate markdowns, especially for new product lines.
What does this episode say about supply chain & operations?
Leverage crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter to validate product demand and secure pre-orders before committing to large-scale production.
What does this episode say about finance & fundraising?
Focus on core product functionality and quality to create "evergreen" items that reduce reliance on fleeting trends and frequent inventory turnovers.
What does this episode say about product & merchandising?
Optimize e-commerce channels by understanding which platforms and strategies yield the most success for your specific product and target audience.
What does this episode say about dtc strategy?
Proactively develop flexible distribution systems to build resilience against unforeseen market disruptions, such as pandemics.
