Developing and launching Direct-To-Consumer (D2C) brands has become increasingly popular in recent years, with more and more consumers especially turning to the internet to purchase goods and services. As we move into 2024, there are a number of consumer brands (E-Commerce brands in particular) that have been doing well in the past years, and are worth keeping an eye on – especially if you are looking for references for how a good brand looks like. Some of the brands in the list have indeed been suffering on the stock market since the beginning of 2022, but that doesn’t change the fact that these have been through a fantastic growth journey in the past years, and are good references for how a brand should look and be positioned in order to be desirable. In this article, we will take a look at the top direct to consumer brands to follow in 2024. For insights on which megatrends to follow in 2024 in order to understand what will have an influence on prospective direct to consumer brands, please refer to the following article: The 10 Most Important Megatrends in 2023.
1. Glossier
Glossier is an iconic beauty brand that has quickly become one of the leading names in the industry. Founded by Emily Weiss in 2014, Glossier has taken the world of beauty by storm with its bold and empowering approach to self-expression. The brand’s philosophy is simple: celebrate your individuality and embrace who you are. You won’t find any drastic makeovers or heavy coverage here – just products that enhance your natural beauty. Their range includes everything from makeup to skincare and haircare, all designed with a focus on simplicity and effectiveness. What really sets Glossier apart from other brands is its commitment to transparency – they only use safe, non-toxic ingredients in their formulas, without any fragrance or synthetic fillers. They also offer full product information so customers know exactly what’s in each product before they buy it. Glossier has revolutionized the way we look at beauty, challenging traditional notions of perfection and celebrating personal style instead. With its range of easy-to-use products and refreshing outlook on beauty, Glossier continues to carve out a unique space for itself as a go-to source for effortless glamour. They began as ‘Into The Gloss’ – a celebrated website where people could share their favorite cosmetics and inspire others in the process. Since then, they’ve grown into what you know them as today – delivering uncompromising quality at every turn! Glosser is definitely one of the top direct to consumer brands to follow in 2023.
2. Allbirds
Allbirds is a sustainable, B-Corp certified shoe brand that has gained a following for its comfortable and eco-friendly shoes. The brand was founded in 2016 by Tim Brown and Joey Zwillinger and is known for its comfortable and eco-friendly shoes, which are made from natural materials such as merino wool and eucalyptus tree fibers. Allbirds has gained strong traction for its focus on sustainability and its commitment to creating high-quality and stylish shoes. They offer a wide range of shoes, including sneakers, loafers, and sandals. The brand is popular for its minimalistic design and its focus on comfort, making it perfect for everyday wear. Allbirds products are available online, and they also have a few physical stores in the US and abroad. As more consumers become conscious of the impact their purchases have on the environment, Allbirds is expected to continue to have a strong position in the market in the coming years.
3. Warby Parker
Warby Parker is an eyewear brand that has gained traction for its stylish and affordable optical glasses and sunglasses. The company focuses on classic silhouettes and modern designs for both men’s and women’s collections. They also use innovative technology to ensure that their glasses always look great on every face shape. Warby Parker’s virtual try-on tool allows customers to see how different frames will look on them before they even leave their house – making it much easier to find the perfect pair of glasses quickly and easily. In addition to stylish eyewear, Warby Parker is committed to giving back. The company believes in social responsibility and has created a number of initiatives that focus on various causes around the world. They also donate one pair of glasses for every pair sold as part of their Buy A Pair, Give A Pair program, which helps give vision care to those who need it most. The company started as an online D2C brand but now boasts around 160 physical retail store locations across North America. Ninety percent of their sales are conducted through these brick-and-mortar stores.
4. Peloton
Peloton is the ultimate home fitness experience. Offering a range of workout classes and instructional videos, Peloton makes exercise accessible to all. With everything from yoga and strength training to running classes, you can get an effective workout without ever having to leave your home. Peloton also provides a range of smart equipment designed to make your workouts more efficient and enjoyable. Their signature interactive bike allows you to follow along with live instructor-led classes, while their innovative treadmills come with touchscreens that let you join in on different activities like virtual races or interactive workouts. In addition to their equipment and video classes, Peloton provides a range of additional services such as nutrition tracking and personal coaching. The app also lets you track your progress over time so you can see how far your workouts have taken you. Although the brand have struggled on the stock market throughout 2022, the brand is well positioned as more people look to improve their health and fitness through home gym equipment.
5. ThirdLove
ThirdLove is a revolutionary lingerie brand that designs and manufactures bras, underwear, and loungewear with comfort and fit as its top priority. Founded in 2013 by Heidi Zak and David Spector, ThirdLove has revolutionized the lingerie industry with its use of innovative technology to design products based on a woman’s individual body shape. Using state-of-the-art FitFinder Technology, customers can take a 60-second quiz to find the perfectly fitted bra for their unique body type. The quizzes are quick and easy, covering size and shape preferences – such as band size, cup size, coverage levels and skin tone – so customers can get an ideal fit without ever having to try on anything. The company is expected to continue to expand in 2023, as more consumers look for comfortable and well-fitting lingerie options.
6. Oura
Oura is a revolutionary health and wellness brand that is making waves in the industry. Founded in 2013, Oura has worked to create products that make it easier than ever for people to take control of their health and well-being. The key to Oura’s success lies in its innovative technology – the company has developed a range of wearable rings that are equipped with sensors to track your vital signs. These rings provide valuable insights into your health, from sleep patterns and activity levels to heart rate and respiration rate. The data collected by these rings is then analyzed using AI algorithms to create personalized insights about your health and lifestyle. With this data, Oura can give users actionable tips on how to improve their overall performance, as well as advice on how to maintain good habits for optimal wellbeing. What sets Oura apart from other fitness trackers on the market is its comprehensive approach – rather than simply tracking steps or calories burned, it looks at the whole picture when it comes to our health and provides valuable insights tailored specifically for each user. With its cutting-edge technology, Oura is revolutionizing the way we manage our health!
7. Rent the Runway
Rent the Runway is a unique online service that helps consumers look fabulous without having to spend a lot of money. This innovative company offers a wide range of designer apparel and accessories for both women and men, with items available to rent for anywhere from four days to eight weeks. Rent the Runway has revolutionized how people shop for special occasions. The website features collections from some of the world’s top designers in everyday fashion as well as luxury pieces for formal events. Customers are able to search by occasion, color, size, length, price and more, making it easier than ever to find the perfect outfit. They also provide styling tips and recommendations so you can be sure your outfit will turn heads wherever you go. As more people look for sustainable and cost-effective fashion options, Rent the Runway is positioned well for the years to come.
8. Kylie Cosmetics
Kylie Jenner created a buzz with the launch of her cosmetics business, Kylie Cosmetics. On November 30th 2015, she started selling out liquid lipstick and lip liner kits known as “Kylie Lip Kits.” After its initial success, the company was rebranded to Kylie Cosmetics – quickly becoming an award-winning beauty line that continues to expand into new territories around the world. In 2018, Forbes estimated the company’s worth to be around $800 million. However, one year later that number had grown to $900 million; Coty Inc. then stepped in and purchased a majority stake of 51%, valuing the company at an impressive amount of just under 1.2 billion dollars! Unfortunately, recent documentation from their deal with Coty exposed Kylie Cosmetics as having overvalued themselves by quite a bit – according to what was reported by Forbes early this year.
9. Hims
Hims is a men’s health and grooming company. Founded in 2013, their goal was to make it easier for men to access the services they need without having to leave the house. Their product line includes products such as hair loss treatments, skincare, vitamins, sexual health products, and more. They offer a subscription model that allows users to get their products automatically delivered each month. They also have an online store where customers can buy individual items. Hims provides easy-to-follow instructions on how to use their products correctly, as well as informative articles on various topics related to male health. Its impact goes beyond physical enhancements – Hims has the potential to restore confidence as well! It’s in their DNA to treat peoples self-esteem as part of their overall wellbeing too.
10. Chamberlain Coffee
Behind the success of YouTube star Emma Chamberlain, lies a sustainable coffee brand with impeccable quality – Chamberlain Coffee – a brand that can absolutely been seen as a top direct to consumer brand to follow in 2023.. Sourced organically and locally in California without any pesticides included. This unique roasting process only adds to its distinct taste available either as single-serve bags, instant sticks or both ground and whole bean options. Best of all is that each flavor has an accompanying character representing different personalities so everyone’s cravings are fulfilled. Not only does Chamberlain Coffee offer exquisite products such as their beloved Matcha, Cocoa Grizzly Hot Chocolate and popular Chocolate Covered Espresso Beans, but they are also dedicated to secure the food security of coffee-farming families in Latin America through Food4Farmers. With their 5x sold-out Matcha blend for example, this brand demonstrates that quality is more important than quantity! The brand has been on a fantastic growth journey, and did in 2022 raise 7m USD in Series A.
11. Outdoor Voices
Outdoor Voices is an activewear brand that was founded in 2013 by Tyler Haney. The brand is known for its comfortable and stylish clothing, which is designed for a variety of activities such as running, yoga, and hiking. Outdoor Voices has gained a following for its focus on inclusivity and body positivity, as well as its commitment to sustainability. The brand offers a wide range of products for both men and women, including leggings, shorts, t-shirts, sports bras and more. Outdoor Voices has several physical stores in the US and their products are also available online.
12. Brooklinen
Brooklinen is a bedding and home goods brand that was founded in 2014 by Vicki and Rich Fulop. The brand is known for its comfortable and affordable bedding products, including sheets, comforters, pillows and more. Brooklinen has gained a following for its focus on high-quality, affordable bedding and its commitment to sustainable practices. They also offer a selection of home goods such as towels, rugs and loungewear. The brand is popular for its simple and minimalistic design, which goes well with any bedroom decor. Brooklinen products are available online and in some physical stores in the US.
13. Rothy’s
Rothy’s is a sustainable shoe brand that was founded in 2012 by Roth Martin and Stephen Hawthornwaite. The brand is known for its comfortable and eco-friendly shoes, which are made from recycled plastic water bottles. Similarly to Allbirds, Rothy’s has gained traction for its focus on sustainability and its commitment to creating high-quality and stylish shoes. They offer a wide range of shoes, including flats, loafers, sneakers and more. The brand is also known for its customization options, which allows customers to create their own shoes by choosing a color, print and other options. Rothy’s products are available online, and they also have a few physical stores in the US. As more consumers become conscious of the impact their purchases have on the environment, Rothy’s is expected to continue to see strong growth in the coming year.
14. Birchbox
Birchbox is an online subscription service that delivers personalized beauty and grooming products to customers on a monthly basis. The company was founded in 2010 by Katia Beauchamp and Hayley Barna and it is known for its focus on personalization and convenience. Birchbox offers a monthly subscription service where customers receive a box of personalized beauty and grooming samples, chosen based on their individual preferences. Customers can also purchase full-size versions of the products they received in the sample boxes. The company has a wide range of products for both men and women, from skincare, makeup, haircare to grooming products. Birchbox has a strong online presence and it also has a few physical stores in the US.
15. Native
Native is a fast growing player in the skincare industry which was founded by Moiz Ali in 2015. Just two years after its launch, Procter & Gamble acquired the brand for $100 million USD. At Native, they believe that natural ingredients are the key to beautiful skin. That’s why they use only safe, non-toxic ingredients in their formulas. Their products contain powerful active ingredients that help improve tone, texture and clarity while also nourishing and hydrating skin. They started off with deodorants, but has since expanded into various skincare categories. They do now offer a range of topical solutions for all skin types, from cleansers and moisturizers to masks and facial oils. What sets Native apart from other brands is their commitment to sustainability. All of their products are made with certified organic and wild harvested ingredients that are sustainably sourced from around the world. Their packaging is also eco-friendly, using recyclable materials where possible. As more consumers become conscious of the ingredients in their personal care products, Native is well positioned to grow further in the coming years.
16. Ritual
Ritual is an innovative vitamin company that puts personal health first. They focus on ethically sourced and scientifically backed ingredients, meaning their supplements are free from fillers or artificial additives. Ritual provides its customers with an incredible range of formulas for every lifestyle. With options for women’s health, men’s health, children’s health and more, there’s something for everyone to choose from. They also have special packages available depending on your age and specific needs like brain performance or joint support. What sets Ritual apart from other brands is their commitment to transparency. All of their products are formulated with a ‘smart nutrient complex’ which means you can trust the quality of their ingredients. On top of that, they provide detailed information on their website about what goes into each formula so you know exactly what you’re taking. If you’re looking for high-quality vitamins that are backed by science and made with real food-based ingredients, then Ritual is a good option. Their scientifically backed formulas are designed to help improve overall health and wellness – giving you peace of mind knowing that your supplement choice is both safe and effective!
17. ButcherBox
Butcherbox is a meat delivery service that brings the finest quality of all-natural, humanely-raised meats right to your door. Their mission is to make it easier for everyone to access delicious, healthy and ethically-sourced proteins. All the beef, pork and chicken they offer is free from antibiotics and added hormones, meaning you can be sure that whatever you’re getting has been sustainably sourced. What sets Butcherbox apart from other food delivery services is their commitment to quality. They carefully curate every box so that each one contains only the finest cuts of meat – ensuring that you’re getting the absolute best for your money. On top of that, they now offer grass-fed options as well as wild caught seafood for those who want even more nutritious options. With their dedication to ethical practices and commitment to providing customers with only the best ingredients available, they’ve made it easier than ever for consumers to enjoy truly delicious meals.
18. Curology
Curology is a personalized skincare service that is revolutionizing the way people approach their skin health. The company provides customized formulas to meet individuals’ personal skincare needs, with each prescription crafted by their team of board-certified dermatologists. What makes Curology stand out from other skincare brands is their commitment to providing holistic solutions that work for everyone’s individual needs and goals. They offer a range of products, including cleansers, serums, eye creams and more, tailored specifically to your skin type and condition. Their mission is not only to make sure customers are using the best possible products for their skin but also help them understand the science behind skincare. All of the products they send out come with detailed information about how to use them effectively as well as an explanation of why certain ingredients were chosen for specific areas. Curology has made it easier than ever before to find tailored skincare solutions that work for you. From treating acne or reducing wrinkles to brightening uneven tone, their customizable packages have something to improve everyone’s complexion – no matter your age or skin type!
19. Florence By Mills
Florence By Mills is an innovative skincare brand that offers clean, vegan-friendly solutions to enhance and protect your complexion. Similarly to Kylie Cosmetics and Chamberlain Coffee, Florence By Mills in built by a hyped talent, this one being Millie Bobby Brown. The range is designed for young adults who are looking to take care of their skin without compromising their values. The brand’s core philosophy is simple – take care of yourself and be kind to your body. Their products are made with natural ingredients, free from parabens, sulfates, synthetic dyes and fragrances. Each formula is thoughtfully crafted with nourishing plant-based extracts like aloe vera and jojoba oil to soothe and hydrate skin while also delivering powerful results. What really sets Florence By Mills apart from other brands on the market is its commitment to honest representation and good vibes – something which comes through in every aspect of their branding. From the cheerful pastel packaging to the fun product names (think ‘Glow Yeah!’ moisturizer), it’s clear that the team behind this brand puts a lot of thought into making sure everyone feels represented and included. It’s well on its way to becoming a leader in this space as more and more customers discover how much easier it can make taking great care of their skin!
20. Wayfair
Wayfair is an online furniture brand that offers a wide selection of stylish, high-quality items for the home. With everything from sofas and beds to dining tables and chairs, Wayfair makes it easy to find exactly what consumers are looking for, for their homes. All of their products are designed with both practicality and aesthetics in mind, ensuring that the customers get something that looks great as well as being comfortable and durable. Wayfair’s prices are competitive, making it easy to furnish your entire home without breaking the bank. The website also provides useful design tools such as visualization tools so you can get an idea of how your chosen product will look in a space before the purchase takes place. The company has seen significant growth in recent years, especially during the pandemic when families all across US looked to upgrade their homes with good looking, comfortable furniture.
