Chris Forbes, co-founder of The Cheeky Panda, shares the journey of scaling a sustainable brand from a bedroom idea to a £15M omnichannel business. He reveals strategic decisions behind their rapid growth, emphasizing how to balance purpose with profit and effectively market sustainable products in a competitive landscape. This episode is a masterclass in building a values-driven brand that resonates with both consumers and major retailers.
Key takeaways
Sustainability alone is no longer a USP; brands must integrate fun, quality, and competitive pricing to stand out in the eco-friendly market.
Successful omnichannel growth strategies require leveraging both DTC platforms like Shopify and securing wholesale partnerships with major retailers to maximize reach and revenue.
Outsourcing non-core activities is crucial for scaling; businesses should focus internal efforts on fundamental growth drivers and brand building.
Developing a strong, memorable brand personality, even utilizing unconventional tactics like a giant panda costume, can significantly aid in securing retail deals and fostering customer loyalty.
Chris Forbes is the co-founder at Cheeky Panda, leading the bamboo revolution selling toilet paper, period products, kitchen roll and more. Founded in 2016 they now sell via multiple international Shopify sites, and a plethora of wholesale and marketplace locations. Turnover is now £15,000,000 a year, and did I mention they’re a B Corp? In this episode, Chris Forbes reveals how The Cheeky Panda turned a bold eco idea into a £15M brand loved by customers and retailers alike. From smart scaling moves to making sustainability fun, Chris shares the mindset and marketing strategies behind their incredible growth. Hit PLAY to hear: 🚀 How The Cheeky Panda grew from a bedroom idea to a £15M sustainable brand 🧠 Chris Forbes’ biggest lesson: what to focus on (and what to outsource) when scaling 🌿 Why sustainability alone isn’t a USP anymore — and what actually sells now 😂 How a giant panda costume helped them win fans and supermarket deals 🛒 The secret behind their omnichannel growth across Shopify, Tesco, and more 💡 What it really takes to turn purpose into profit — and stay ahead of the competition Key timestamps to dive straight in: [04:24] 'Sustainable Innovation with Purpose' [07:36] Expanding Bamboo Product Range [12:01] Supermarkets Prioritizing Sustainable Suppliers [13:47] Pricing and Quality Drive Success [16:12] 'Cheeky Panda: Fun & Friendly' [21:14] Channel Strategies: Pros and Challenges [22:36] Listen to Chris’s Top Tips! Full episode notes here: https://ecmp.info/569---
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Sustainability alone is no longer a USP; brands must integrate fun, quality, and competitive pricing to stand out in the eco-friendly market.
What does this episode say about retail & omnichannel?
Successful omnichannel growth strategies require leveraging both DTC platforms like Shopify and securing wholesale partnerships with major retailers to maximize reach and revenue.
What does this episode say about brand & content?
Outsourcing non-core activities is crucial for scaling; businesses should focus internal efforts on fundamental growth drivers and brand building.
What does this episode say about founder & leadership?
Developing a strong, memorable brand personality, even utilizing unconventional tactics like a giant panda costume, can significantly aid in securing retail deals and fostering customer loyalty.
