10 DTC Brands to Keep an Eye on in 2020

Direct to consumer brands have been getting a great deal of attention as of late. This is likely because they are growing so quickly. When they first entered the scene, many people did not pay them much attention. Many felt that it would be a passing trend and that they could not possibly compete long term with the major players in each industry. It certainly appears that those feelings were misguided. There are quite a few DTC brands that are proving to be a major force to be reckoned with. No longer are these small businesses with an even smaller falling. They are now recognized as a specialized niche in the market all to themselves. They have established a loyal customer base and they continue to grow. In fact, many of the DTC brands in operation today started in a basement or a kitchen. Now they are really growing and thriving businesses within a competitive global marketplace. With all of this in mind, continue reading to learn about 10 DTC brands that you really should keep an eye on as we approach 2020.

SmileDirectClub

This is a company that was founded back in 2014. With its headquarters in Nashville, it is a business that sells dentistry products directly to clients around the country. The aim is strengthen and straight a person’s teeth. These products have been proven to be highly effective, and many customers are beginning to purchase the products online and have them shipped directly to them. Cutting out the third party reduces the cost and allows more people to take advantage of straighter teeth, leading to a more confident smile.

DoorDash

This is a company that was actually founded back in 2013, but the last several years have really seen demand soar. It was founded in San Francisco, where many people were finding it difficult to find the time to cook and eat healthy meals each day. DoorDash is meant to be an on demand service where prepared food is delivered directly to the consumer. There is no need to find a place to pick up dinner, nor do you have to worry about what to cook. The entire meal is delivered ready to eat. This is a service that has now expanded to many other locations throughout the United States, so it is certainly a DTC brand that you will want to keep your eye on in 2020.

23andMe

More and more people are becoming interested in their own genetic history. At the same time, it is expensive to go to a geneticist to have the type of tests run that can determine genes and other aspects of one’s DNA. This company was founded in Sunnyvale, California back in 2006. Chances are good that you have seen them advertising on television. This is the perfect DTC brand because it is all available by mail. The kits are mailed to the consumer and then the consumer will mail them back to the company. The tests can then be run and the results delivered at a fraction of the cost that was typically available otherwise.

Poshmark

You would think that there is not room for another clothing retailer in the world, but Poshmark proves that DTC is made for this industry. They sell used and new clothing via social media outlets. You can both buy and sell from them, with everything power online and via delivery services. The company was founded in 2011 and is headquartered in Redwood City, California.

UNTUCKit

This is another clothing store and is a DTC brand that is on the move. This one specializes in casual men’s apparel. As its name implies, the focus is on shirts that do not need to be tucked in. This is a special niche that the company has capitalized on and has done quite well. It is located in New York City and has been in operation since 2011.

Touch of Modern

This is another site that is focused on men. In the past, many retail outlets did not focus specifically on males, but that is changing with many DTC brands now catering specifically to them. Touch of Modern is a business that is focused on selling its products to members only. The products are offered are in the men’s lifestyle genre and include watches and a variety of electronics.

Hims

As its name implies, here we have another DTC brand that is catering exclusively to males. This one offers a variety of personal care products, including hair and grooming items. It also sells vitamins. It is located in San Francisco, California. It was founded in 2017 and already has quite a substantial following.

Casper Sleep

This is a unique DTC brand that offers the consumer a variety of sleep related products, including mattresses. It is unique in the fact that it has formed a partnership with Target, which does help to explain its explosive growth. It has been in business since 2014 and is currently located in New York City.

Stitch Fix

If you are looking for a personal stylist, Stitch Fix is a DTC brand that you will want to know about. It continues to grow and was just recently lists on the NASDAQ. It is all online and offers a styling service for men, women, and children of all ages.

ThirdLove

This is another DTC brand worth watching in 2020. It is a company that sells women’s underwear, bras, lounge wear, and nightwear. This company is expanding rapidly and has excelled at press releases and social media advertising. It was founded back in 2013.

You will find a common element in each of these ten brands in that they are all founded within the last decade. They continue to grow in the absence of selling their products in major retailers. They sell directly to the consumer. They advertise. They are noticed. They have a noticeable presence on social media. The list goes on and on. It will be interesting to see how each of them continues to grow in the coming year, and what other DTC brands emerge as major players within the marketplace as well.