DTC’s Daily Digest brings you the latest news on the world’s fastest growing direct-to-consumer brands. In today’s edition: Bloomscape partners with West Elm; SmileDirectClub launches in Hong Kong; and Perdue Farms turns to DTC

Bloomscape partners with West Elm

Bloomscape, the direct-to-consumer online plant shop that delivers plants directly from the greenhouse to consumers’ front doors, has announced a partnership to sell houseplants through West Elm online. 

The partnership is Bloomscape’s first with a major retailer and will serve as West Elm’s exclusive e-commerce potted plant partner, complementing its assortment of original, modern designs for the everyday.

Bloomscape has the capability to ship a full range of plants anywhere in the continental United States with its patented packaging technology. Made from recycled materials, Bloomscape’s packaging is designed to hold the plant and pot securely in place, preventing damage and decreasing soil spillage.

Houseplants have been trending upward in popularity and becoming a staple in millennial design. According to the National Gardening Association, houseplants sales in the U.S. increased 50 percent to USD$1.7bn in the past three years. Following its USD$7.5m Series A funding in late 2019, Bloomscape has seen fast-paced growth with more than 100,000 plants sold since launch to more than 30,000 unique customers.

SmileDirectClub launches in Hong Kong

Teledentistry pioneer SmileDirectClub has announced its expansion into Asia, bringing doctor-directed remote clear aligner therapy to Hong Kong. The company has opened two SmileShops in Hong Kong, located in Sheung Wan and Tsim Sha Tsui.

Since launching in the U.S. in 2014, SmileDirectClub has become one of the fastest-growing health technology companies, helping over 750,000 customers around the world. In 2018, SmileDirectClub expanded its reach beyond the U.S., building on its network of more than 250 affiliated dentists and orthodontists to serve customers in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, and the UK.

According to the company’s research, approximately 70% of people in Hong Kong would feel more confident if they had a straighter smile. The study also found that the leading barrier preventing Hongkongers from straightening their teeth is cost. Priced at up to 60% less than traditional braces, with an average treatment length of only 6 months, SmileDirectClub’s direct-to-consumer clear aligner therapy helps bridge that gap.

Perdue Farms turns to DTC

With nearly half or more of all shoppers buying perishables such as meat, produce and dairy items online, Perdue Farms has launched a new e-commerce website that will offer a selection of its family of brands for sale directly to consumers. 

The site will initially offer an assortment of frozen items across some of Perdue Farms' most popular brands including PERDUE, Niman Ranch, Coleman Natural, Sonoma Red and Skagit Red, with plans to add additional offerings over time as demand increases.

"As both online shopping and the demand for convenience show no signs of slowing down, we felt it was important to be in this space," said David Zucker, Perdue Farms senior vice president of e-commerce and new ventures. All packaging from online orders is 100% recyclable. The foam insulation is made from water-soluble cornstarch, which can be composted or even disintegrated under running water and safely rinsed down a kitchen sink.

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