These days, more and more shoppers are opting to browse and make purchases online. Because of this trend, online brands are becoming incredibly popular, and many companies have grown into lucrative businesses, without the immediate help of a brick-and-mortar storefront.

Beauty lovers have heard of the makeup, skincare, and wellness brand Glossier. Even without any independent stores of its own, Glossier has skyrocketed to success. In fact, as of February 2023, Glossier is available in-store and online at Sephora, one of the most popular beauty stores in the United States.

Decades ago, it was nearly impossible to develop a successful brand of Glossier's caliber without having a storefront, but things have changed. Here are a few companies that have grown their following online:

Warby Parker

Known for its unique glasses, the brand Warby Parker began online. Its customers gravitated to the company because Warby Parker lets its customers try on their glasses before committing to buying them.

This eliminates having to go to a physical storefront to try on glasses, which is appealing to customers who want to try on glasses with different outfits or makeup looks in the comfort of their own homes. Today, Warby Parker has stores in the United States and Canada, and some even perform in-house eye exams.

Allbirds

Allbirds offers stylish footwear for men, women, and kids. The shoes that are developed by Allbirds are sustainable, and they're catered towards individuals who like to run, hike, or lounge. Allbirds, too, began online, and now the store has several brick-and-mortar locations.

Bonobos Socks

There's nothing more important than having a reliable, basic pair of socks that you can always default to wearing. Bonobos works to provide customers with the perfect everyday sock that can be worn to work, to school, or to run errands. Although the company is largely known for its socks, the company sells all kinds of clothing and operates several physical stores, which emerged after its online store took off.

Cotopaxi

Cotopaxi serves its customers by providing them with colorful outdoor wear. Like Allbirds, Cotopaxi is committed to sustainability. As Cotopaxi works to create sustainable and stylish activewear, the company has garnered attention from large brands, like Dick's Sporting Goods. Not only is Cotopaxi stocked at places like Dick's Sporting Goods, but it's also stocked at independent Cotopaxi stores.

Indochino

Suiting is crucial if you're preparing for a special event or a job interview, and Indochino makes suiting affordable, fashion-forward, and tailored to each wearer's body. With showrooms in states like Delaware, Colorado, Virginia, and California, there are successful Indochino storefronts all over the country.

Universal Standard

Universal Standard offers clothes in sizes ranging from 00-40. Whereas many retailers exclude plus sizes, Universal Standard makes it the standard to make clothing for people of all sizes. At Universal Standard, there are luxury cashmere sweaters, jeans, loungewear, and more. Because of stores like Universal Standard, everyone can find stylish, well-fitting clothes.

Universal Standard, along with the other ethical brands that are discussed here, are great examples of companies that have found success, because of their online platform. Even if you love to shop online, it's undeniable that there's something exciting about shopping in-store.

Between being able to try on clothes and being able to instantly take home your new purchase, brick-and-mortar stores still have their merits. So, now that you're familiar with these companies, you can check out their in-person stores—you'll like what you see when you visit these retailers.

NYC - Where The World’s Brands Come Together

Companies with a strong brand presence tend to be found in large metropolitan areas, and there’s no greater city than New York for these and more to come together. Whether your business targets these brands, or you simply want to be near the action, locating your business in Midtown Manhattan is a great career and lifestyle move! Broadway suites can assist with two premium locations at lease prices that can’t be beat. Contact us to learn more!