D2C Business Model: A Rising Trend
It’s no secret that 2020 changed how customers handle their shopping needs as COVID-19 has had a massive influence on how they purchase products. In 2021, many businesses adopted various e-commerce strategies, however a notable trend that many startups previously deployed and later adopted by big giants is the shift towards Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) business model. What is Direct-to-Consumer (D2C)? Direct-to-consumer is the sale of products or services directly to consumers. D2C brands typically bypass third-party retailers, wholesalers, or agents and only sell online, although some D2C brands have created pop-up shops or other physical locations to complement the multichannel journey that consumers expect today. Brands, including Nike, Nespresso and D2C startup Bloom & Wild have leveraged the direct-to-consumer e-commerce model to their advantage by developing slick websites supported by edgy and effective marketing. The pandemic has fueled the D2C trend, with big brands like H