One of the most revolutionary apparel firms during the last 20 years is Zara, mostly known for introducing the notion of ‘fast fashion’. By vertically integrating all the activities in the value chain, from production in A Coruña (Spain) and air shipping, to managing its own stores, the firm has managed to have a 3-week design-to-shelf delivery time.
Ole has an interesting value proposition. I wonder if this business has a significant TAM. Do consumers really have a significant desire / demand for this type of service? If so, at what cost (I'm assuming the consumer is footing the bill here). Population and store density will obviously be a driver for profitability as well.
Mike, that's a great question. I think the proof is in the puding, but the same question can be asked about Amazon prime. Do we really need anything "same day" or "next day". I would say that given the option to do that more customers will opt for it. But you are absolutely right: density is going to be key.
This is an extremely interesting concept and with great potential for reducing waste by reducing the number of returns. However, one thing I'm missing is how exactly this aims to tackle the issues of fast fashion outlined at the beginning of the article. For me, I don't feel it address fast fashion's tendency to pump out new styles with materials with questionable sustainability that fall out of vogue, or is that not the problem Ole is trying to solve? Rather, is Ole trying to fight fast fashion by making slow/local fashion more accessible?
Ole has an interesting value proposition. I wonder if this business has a significant TAM. Do consumers really have a significant desire / demand for this type of service? If so, at what cost (I'm assuming the consumer is footing the bill here). Population and store density will obviously be a driver for profitability as well.
Mike, that's a great question. I think the proof is in the puding, but the same question can be asked about Amazon prime. Do we really need anything "same day" or "next day". I would say that given the option to do that more customers will opt for it. But you are absolutely right: density is going to be key.
This is an extremely interesting concept and with great potential for reducing waste by reducing the number of returns. However, one thing I'm missing is how exactly this aims to tackle the issues of fast fashion outlined at the beginning of the article. For me, I don't feel it address fast fashion's tendency to pump out new styles with materials with questionable sustainability that fall out of vogue, or is that not the problem Ole is trying to solve? Rather, is Ole trying to fight fast fashion by making slow/local fashion more accessible?