Re: stories reposts– I personally think as you’re building the brand in the earlier days it’s important to repost stories for social proof! And around launches. But it should always be done with a curated eye so that not everything is posted
Meh I still hate it as a viewer tbh! Would only make an exception around launches or if the reposted content is actually exceptional— like showing how someone styled or wore something vs. just unboxings non stop all day. Like all things, there are exceptions to the rule!
So fun! Seeing as the only clothes I’ve bought this year were from AYR (well, actually, and Quince lol) — and it was a founder podcast appearance that made me pull the trigger… and that I was excited to get their catalog for the first time to see how their free-wheeling copywriting is expressed in that medium… they get my vote! (Also have loved everything I got and have since got a few things for husband and brother from their recent-ish expansion into menswear…) Brand crush of the year.
AYR is a good one! I’m usually outpriced on brands like AYR and Negative but I own a few things from both and can admire the craftsmanship. I am tempted to get AYR jeans but frequently scared off by the price!
Was going to say Ayr and maybe pact? Feels slept on from influencers/content creators but people I know IRL really like it although I have no idea how they discovered it! Bookshop.org also, smart emails/promos and an exciting mission. This is a really good question though and I'm embarrassed not to have other brands come to mind.
Also never tried lentils plain/in a cup but am now very intrigued...
I couldn’t agree more about the reposting — it screams “people like us” rather than actually attract new interest or followers; let the original share of your brand do its work and focus on other ways to convert followers to sales.
I love your list and believe the ones I have bought (negative and quince) have nailed product superiority more than anything. Their return buyer rate must be part of their success!
Yeah it’s a pet peeve of mine even though I’ve done it myself. It just feels lazy and disconnected from the viewer. It’s a fast way for me to unfollow a brand. I agree with you on product quality!! It’s the oldest retention strategy in the book, make great stuff.
Dang I had a totally diff quince experience- ordered once and will never again. Everything seems to be made in China and ragged after a few washes or wears
Hmm— almost everything everywhere is made in China, and I don’t think made in China is a fair euphemism for low quality. Quince notably works with the same manufacturers as the ones who make the products their items are “inspired by” so presumably those too are made in China, and no worse for it.
I’m sorry you had a bad experience, though!! I own lots of pieces from them that have stood the test of time, though any brand is likely to miss on a SKU or two once in a while.
Yikes — maybe it depends what you buy, but now I’ll be weary. It’s only been sweaters for me, and my bar is sadly so low because everything from Jenni Kayne (the worst!) to J. Crew price points all look bad after one season.
Recently I've been a huge fan of Goodles. The packaging seriously stands out on the shelf and I love that I can buy it at Whole Foods and Target. It tastes great too! I feel "healthier" eating it vs other noodles but that could just be really F&#%ing good marketing.
I really enjoy Quince! I pretty much *always* am waiting for a sale at other stores, but happily buy things from Quince without needing a discount. Mostly because their pricing seems fair and the quality is good (from my experience). They do offer some rewards points if you write reviews, so those can build up to a nice discount, but I shop without a code regularly either way.
Really enjoyed this! The first time I saw Nori was in the middle of traveling back and force between US and EU and having already disposed of several small steamers, and thought it was genius. Will try when I’m on the road again!
My two year olds favorite song is JOSIE’S!“Mommy play Josies!!” So yes, I listen to that song a lot too!
My sister will die on the cross for Quince. She loves their quality. I got her a gorgeous leather Quince purse for Christmas and I think she will use it forever.
Re: stories reposts– I personally think as you’re building the brand in the earlier days it’s important to repost stories for social proof! And around launches. But it should always be done with a curated eye so that not everything is posted
Meh I still hate it as a viewer tbh! Would only make an exception around launches or if the reposted content is actually exceptional— like showing how someone styled or wore something vs. just unboxings non stop all day. Like all things, there are exceptions to the rule!
Tried lentilful for the first time this really liked the flavor and convenience of the soups.
So fun! Seeing as the only clothes I’ve bought this year were from AYR (well, actually, and Quince lol) — and it was a founder podcast appearance that made me pull the trigger… and that I was excited to get their catalog for the first time to see how their free-wheeling copywriting is expressed in that medium… they get my vote! (Also have loved everything I got and have since got a few things for husband and brother from their recent-ish expansion into menswear…) Brand crush of the year.
AYR is a good one! I’m usually outpriced on brands like AYR and Negative but I own a few things from both and can admire the craftsmanship. I am tempted to get AYR jeans but frequently scared off by the price!
re : rose los angeles— here’s their other ig! https://www.instagram.com/rose_losangeles?igsh=MTZoZXB3a2NjMnYzZw== i’m not sure i’ve ever seen the one you linked 😅😅
Ahah! This makes much more sense! The one I linked is hooked up to their ad account.
I love my Quince scarf/wrap but then I read this and paused (but maybe buying non cashmere is fine...) https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/16/opinion/holidays-environment-cashmere.html
Was going to say Ayr and maybe pact? Feels slept on from influencers/content creators but people I know IRL really like it although I have no idea how they discovered it! Bookshop.org also, smart emails/promos and an exciting mission. This is a really good question though and I'm embarrassed not to have other brands come to mind.
Also never tried lentils plain/in a cup but am now very intrigued...
My favorite book ever does an insane chapter on cashmere: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/43212626-inconspicuous-consumption
I couldn’t agree more about the reposting — it screams “people like us” rather than actually attract new interest or followers; let the original share of your brand do its work and focus on other ways to convert followers to sales.
I love your list and believe the ones I have bought (negative and quince) have nailed product superiority more than anything. Their return buyer rate must be part of their success!
Yeah it’s a pet peeve of mine even though I’ve done it myself. It just feels lazy and disconnected from the viewer. It’s a fast way for me to unfollow a brand. I agree with you on product quality!! It’s the oldest retention strategy in the book, make great stuff.
Dang I had a totally diff quince experience- ordered once and will never again. Everything seems to be made in China and ragged after a few washes or wears
Hmm— almost everything everywhere is made in China, and I don’t think made in China is a fair euphemism for low quality. Quince notably works with the same manufacturers as the ones who make the products their items are “inspired by” so presumably those too are made in China, and no worse for it.
I’m sorry you had a bad experience, though!! I own lots of pieces from them that have stood the test of time, though any brand is likely to miss on a SKU or two once in a while.
Yikes — maybe it depends what you buy, but now I’ll be weary. It’s only been sweaters for me, and my bar is sadly so low because everything from Jenni Kayne (the worst!) to J. Crew price points all look bad after one season.
I am a bit biased because my bff is their Director of Social & Content but I am a sucker for Snif!
Also, very much looking forward to trying the Lentiful variety pack I just ordered!
Excited to hear what you think!! snif has a good try before you buy model. I like their holiday candles :)
Tombolo 👌🏾 Have fun with it.
Seriously… they just have a good time and you can tell!
Some of these brand emails are so 🥱 Praying I find a client who lets me enjoy myself on the job.
Recently I've been a huge fan of Goodles. The packaging seriously stands out on the shelf and I love that I can buy it at Whole Foods and Target. It tastes great too! I feel "healthier" eating it vs other noodles but that could just be really F&#%ing good marketing.
Loved this post, even as an agency employee (haha)
I really enjoy Quince! I pretty much *always* am waiting for a sale at other stores, but happily buy things from Quince without needing a discount. Mostly because their pricing seems fair and the quality is good (from my experience). They do offer some rewards points if you write reviews, so those can build up to a nice discount, but I shop without a code regularly either way.
Really enjoyed this! The first time I saw Nori was in the middle of traveling back and force between US and EU and having already disposed of several small steamers, and thought it was genius. Will try when I’m on the road again!
you nailed this
My two year olds favorite song is JOSIE’S!“Mommy play Josies!!” So yes, I listen to that song a lot too!
My sister will die on the cross for Quince. She loves their quality. I got her a gorgeous leather Quince purse for Christmas and I think she will use it forever.