Success Stories in Small Business Marketing

In the summer of 2008, I returned to Cambridge after 6 months in NYC and decided to bring some urban street style to 02138 (that's Cambridge folks). Our zip code has some of the biggest brains on the planet, but it was time somebody showed them how to dress.

The Design Hive was born. As a retail collective featuring 60+ emerging designers, events, and a live DJ each month, we hit the ground running:

• Over 1,500 shoppers
• 1200+ fans on Facebook
  
• 2K email newsletter subscribers
  
• 10K unique visitors/month to our web site
• $100,000+ in revenue at each event!

We accomplished all this without spending a dime on advertising.

How? (You're not the first to ask!) We connected with our audience,  women 18 - 34 yrs, through online channels like Facebook and generated exposure through local press (online and offline) and local fashion & design bloggers. This generated buzz and once shoppers came to our event and/or site, we grew our email list. Now it's all about executing really engaging events - and email newsletters - that get women coming back and telling their friends.

It's not always been easy, but it's been extremely rewarding to build a retail experience with brand recognition in under 6 months!

Val Fox

Principal, Red Valise

Founder, Design Hive Market

“We partnered with Red Valise to launch our new line of upcycled apparel at a fashion show. Their expertise in generating online awareness drove over 1,000 shoppers and record sales for us at the event. We’re thrilled to have their help in building ongoing buzz for our products.”

          Heatherjean MacNeil

          Founder, Fashion with Impact