Nate Axvig of Aktiv shares his journey of introducing premium Scandinavian clothing brands to the US market. The episode provides a unique perspective on leveraging existing products for a new market, focusing on overcoming cultural differences in product preferences and the nuances of cold outreach to establish supplier relationships, ultimately emphasizing the importance of understanding your target market even when working with established bestsellers.
Key takeaways
When introducing established brands to a new market, conduct thorough market research to understand local preferences and adapt product offerings accordingly (e.g., US consumers prefer zippered jackets over anorak styles).
Initiate cold outreach to potential suppliers with a clear, honest, and succinct articulation of your vision and how your venture can benefit their existing brand by testing new markets.
Be prepared for rejections in cold outreach; persistence and a compelling origin story are key to securing partnerships.
Leverage the product development and market testing already completed by established brands, but be aware that their bestsellers may not translate directly to success in a new market.
Prioritize customer acquisition strategies that focus on building repeat business by offering unique, high-quality products that customers can't easily find elsewhere.
On this podcast, we talk about Aktiv’s approach of bringing Scandinavian brands to the American market, why it works, having the perspectives of 2 markets and customer types, and so much more!
When introducing established brands to a new market, conduct thorough market research to understand local preferences and adapt product offerings accordingly (e.g., US consumers prefer zippered jackets over anorak styles).
What does this episode say about brand & content?
Initiate cold outreach to potential suppliers with a clear, honest, and succinct articulation of your vision and how your venture can benefit their existing brand by testing new markets.
What does this episode say about retail & omnichannel?
Be prepared for rejections in cold outreach; persistence and a compelling origin story are key to securing partnerships.
What does this episode say about dtc strategy?
Leverage the product development and market testing already completed by established brands, but be aware that their bestsellers may not translate directly to success in a new market.
What does this episode say about dtc strategy?
Prioritize customer acquisition strategies that focus on building repeat business by offering unique, high-quality products that customers can't easily find elsewhere.
