Modern Karibou Celebrates First Anniversary: Online Retail Success in a Tough Economy
A Canadian online retailer of contemporary home décor products succeeds in spite of a tough economy by focusing on a niche that was underserved in Canada, appealing to Canadian patriotism, and delivering great products and customer service.
Ottawa, ON, Canada (PRWEB) November 3, 2009 -- Today marks the first anniversary of the launch of Modern Karibou ("www.modernkaribou.ca") – an Ottawa-based online store, specifically targeted at Canadians, that features contemporary furniture and home décor products. And despite the challenging economic environment of the past year, Modern Karibou is thriving.
“We couldn’t be happier with what Modern Karibou has been able to accomplish – especially given the hard times that many traditional retailers have been experiencing,” said Carole Michaud who launched Modern Karibou with her sister Lise Michaud in November 2008. Sales have been almost double what they initially projected for the first year and they are now projecting another 100% revenue growth in year two.
The highly interactive Modern Karibou shopping experience.
The sisters share a passion for modern aesthetic and home décor and saw an opportunity to provide Canadians with the kind of inspiring online buying experience being offered by a number of U.S. web sites – and by doing so have seemingly struck a chord with Canadians.
“Canadians have a quiet but profound patriotism,” says Lise, “and the reaction so far has been one of real excitement from people finally finding a quality Canadian source for these kinds of products.” Modern Karibou works with both established and up-and-coming Canadian designers like HERO 365, Gus* Modern, FLUF, LoooLo, AGE Design, Centrifuge, Vûrv, a.j. Creation, Matthew Kroeker, and Holtzmundmetal to market their products to a cross-Canada audience.
As well, Modern Karibou searches the globe for imported products that are not readily available to Canadians that they think fit well with the Canadian sense of style. Some of their favorite imported brands include Fatboy bean bag chairs (Finland), Bilibo toys (Switzerland), DwellStudio bedding (U.S.), 7 A.M. Enfant baby bunting (France), MASHStudios furniture (U.S.), Emma Jeffs window coverings (England), ferm LIVING graphical products (Denmark), and Blomus stainless steel accessories (Germany).
One year into the journey, the sisters couldn’t be happier with the reaction that the business has received from the Canadian design community and customers alike. They have also been surprised by the number of inquiries and orders from the U.S. and Europe. As a result, they are exploring opportunities for expansion outside of Canada and are looking forward to marketing the best of Canadian design to the rest of the world.
Why has Modern Karibou prospered in such a tough business climate? The sisters feel that the key has been finding a retail niche that wasn’t being well served in Canada and then combining great products, a visually appealing online experience, and a strong customer service focus to entice new customers and develop life-long repeat customers.
For additional information, please contact Lise Michaud, Co-Founder, Modern Karibou. lmichaud@modernkaribou.ca. 1-800-650-4816. "www.modernkaribou.ca".
ABOUT MODERN KARIBOU
Inspired Canadian Living. Modern Karibou is a Canadian online retailer focused on bringing quality contemporary furnishing and home décor products to the Canadian marketplace. Modern Karibou highlights the creations of established and emerging designers and artists from around the world and champions and celebrates the home-grown, innovative talent of Canadian designers. Based in Ottawa, Modern Karibou features products from over 40 designers – both large and small – including brands such as DwellStudio, Gus* Modern, MASHStudios, ferm LIVING, and AGE Design.
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