Ella Peinovich’s Post

Big retail brands have abused the marketplace model. They have prioritized price over quality. SHEIN rewards mass production and cheap sourcing on their marketplace. They have driven a race to the bottom.  It's not just #SHEIN, I agree with Ken Pucker.  Thankfully, we've seen a negative reaction to the SHEIN model, with consumers demanding an alternative to fast fashion: independent retail. In response, discerning retailers are introducing marketplace offerings with discretion. They’re curating values-oriented products, which builds their brand capital. At #PoweredbyPeople, we have seen the upside of marketplaces done right. Source to Consumer #S2C, or Factory to Consumer #F2C (aka #Dropship), models can: ⤷ offer more efficient logistics - and environmental benefits ⤷ consolidate payments - saving costs across the board ⤷ open market access - bringing buyers more diverse, unique products with a story Independent brands by nature are more diverse, more environmentally and socially responsible.  Marketplaces are where independent brands can truly compete and win. What signals are you seeing drive shifts to more #sustainableretail?

My latest tour across the U.S. and Canada, kicked off with Collision Conf in Toronto and ended with a visit to some retail partners in New York and Brooklyn. At Collision Conference, the Powered by People (PBP) team joined start-ups and investors to exchange ideas and explore opportunities. We learned from thought leaders on stage, in masterclasses, met start-ups at the exhibition hall and we even led a roundtable discussion at The Gathering by #InvestBrampton. Here’s the top three things I learned about the state of retail tech: ↳ AI is all the rage this year. AI & Climate/Sustainability Tech startups are getting the most funding. But this might not last. ↳ Investors are shying away from Fintech and Marketplaces. Right or wrong, investors are impatient. They’re looking for faster returns before Marketplaces and platforms can fully mature. They want a leading product that’s profitable and proves its ability to monetize the network. ↳ The retail sector is moving from first-party to third-party Marketplaces, consolidating and partnering with independent brands. This is to save money while sharing unique stories. Do you agree with these trends in retail tech? ↓ At Golden Camp all day with Golden Ventures’ community of start-ups, investors and executives. Right before the best party at Collision.

For those who have been asking, ‘Where can I buy the Powered by People (PBP) product online!?’ Well, this is now easier than ever, with the expansion of our Dropship program, PBP has partnered with several premier online retailers & brands to make #Sustainable, #Artisanal products from around the world more accessible than ever. I have compiled some of my favorites here! just in time for big savings. 🤩 Top Memorial Day Sales Deals this Year Save big on products from Powered by People (PBP) over the Memorial Day shopping season. 💫 Stock up on house & heart warming gifts at Lulu and Georgia, 20% off Site wide https://lnkd.in/eyYtFmH8 https://lnkd.in/emhj3tJK https://lnkd.in/enV9decW https://lnkd.in/exR5M3J9 💫 A go-to for ethical sourcing, refresh any living and bedroom décor with 10% off at B-Corp brand AvocadoGreen. https://lnkd.in/evyXTn22 💫 Pick up a soy wax candle in a reusable jar at 10% off at Maisonette: https://lnkd.in/eHAuXDZX 💫 These unique Baskets compliment any style and budget at Cove Home with 20% off Site wide. https://lnkd.in/eKa97qTg 💫 Dress up any bedroom with a beautiful laundry basket at Joss & Main get 20% off with code 'Take20'. https://lnkd.in/eqjejW35 https://lnkd.in/eW2yuabG 💫 Planning a Summer Party? Elevate any table with woven table runners & stoneware pitcher at Sur La Table with Free shipping over $75 https://lnkd.in/euvbX3Qu

Great read for anyone looking to understand the necessity and complexity of unlocking the incredible potential for #women-led #SMEs from emerging economies. Let's start a conversation. #inclusion Thank you Kenfield Griffith & Letwin Mazarura

What a powerhouse group of brands. Congratulations Wandia Gichuru

Dear Friends, I am overwhelmed with gratitude and emotion as I extend a heartfelt thank you to each and every one of you who have generously supported the Siafu Workshop. Your contributions have not only helped us to exceed our fundraising goal, but your kindness and generosity have woven a thread of solidarity that spans continents. Together we have raised over $12,000! (including some direct contributions) with 100 donations, from over 5 continents. This has already gone a long way to getting the workshop set-up, within a new facility and 14 operational looms! I know personally, I cannot wait to hear the hum of looms at work, they are the heartbeat of productivity and purpose. Rightfully named, Siafu was named after the Swahili word for “ant” as a call out to all the women who lift 10 times their weight in a community. There is no one I have met who is more willing and capable of uplifting more than her own weight than Gladys Macharia. I am blessed to call you a friend and colleague. As we close the campaign, I thank you all wholeheartedly and look forward to following Siafu's rise together. Warmest, Ella

It is our turn to support Siafu Home & Gladys Macharia to rebuild her workshop and put her team of 38 Kenyan artisans back to work, after an disastrous flood destroyed their workshop and the 12 handlooms on which they rely. Gladys is a dear friend, and colleague, and we are proud to call her part of the Powered by People (PBP) family. She is always giving her time to support those around her, hire and train others from her community, and supporting creatives to realize their true potential. I am asking you to show up for her now and give your words of support, and donate to building back the 12 looms which were lost. Artisans give so much to lift up humanity each day, their creativity and ingenuity test the limits of our imagination and inspire us to see the beauty in the world and in one another. It is our turn to give back. https://gofund.me/f4dd10b3 #climatechange #poweredbypeople #empowerment #collectiveconsciousness