Business
2021 POC Small Business Holiday Gift Guide
Published
3 years agoon
In 2020, small businesses owned by POC took a big hit. 2021 hasn’t been much better for small businesses. Small businesses owned by POC, however, have taken much of the brunt of it. This holiday season, check out some of these folks in our 2021 POC small business Holiday Gift Guide. Give them some support and give some pretty delightful gifts!
Don’t forget to check out our other Holiday Gift Guides!
Skincare
1. Hero Cosmetics
Ever have a “pimple emergency?” Of course you have. If you need a hero (get it?) for your skin, look no further than Hero Cosmetics. With a multitude of options at your disposal, never worry that your skin is going to look ratched at the wrong time.
They’re also having a limited edition holiday kit – up to 49% savings on pre-built bundles.
2. Lovinah
Sometimes the traditional way works best. Lovinah is a true celebration of centuries-old traditional African remedies used to treat skin – with a dash of modern technology. Their mission is to make gentle, yet effective luxurious beauty ritual treatments. Made with ethically sourced, fair trade, certified organic ingredients, Lovinah is tradition done with care.
3. Pink Moon
You love yourself best when you take care of yourself. Pink Moon is an inclusive wellcare and community oasis created by women, for all women. They provide a communal sanctuary that can’t help but inspire sustainable living and genuine self-love. When you think of Pink Moon, you just don’t think of quality beauty products, you think of female-led sustainability and ethically-minded brands that foster community, inclusivity, purpose, and self-love.
4. Oui the People
Aside from a super cute name, Oui the People takes the iconic, classic razor design and puts a modern spin on it. While ads from half a century ago go with a “you’re not loveable unless…” message, Oui puts the power into the hands of women who want to feel beautiful for themselves. They want you to feel comfortable in your own skin, as you should.
5. Klur
Who doesn’t love a company with values of clean, ethical, and inclusive beauty? Klur was founded on expert training and hands-on experience. They are more than just quality products and a conscious ethos – it’s about a human connection.
Sustainability not only means addressing the long-term impact on our ecosystem. It also means that the products Klur makes meet the beauty demands of daily life. And they do.
6. Strange Bird
Strange Bird is plant-powered and crystal-charged. We all know that when it comes to beauty and wellness all you need is a pretty rock. I’m kidding! Everyone has their own skincare and beauty routine that means something to them. If a pretty rock helps you feel confident and beautiful, then ride with it, ya dig?
1% of Strange Bird’s sales go towards supporting women’s mental health. Strange Bird is spreading the light by partnering with nonprofits around the world.
https://strangebirdbeauty.com/
7. Circumference
Circumference’s plant-powered formulas are designed to deliver the highest level of efficacy for deep skin nourishment. Every product they make is a meticulous blend of potent, plant-derived actives proven to be highly effective, safe, and stable.
https://www.circumferencenyc.com/
Home Goods
1. Material
My mother taught me that, when planning a dinner party, it’s about “setting a mood.” Material understands how to set that mood with their beautifully and thoughtfully designed kitchenware for the discerning home cook. Save the simple moments with stunning, quality kitchenware.
2. Lo & Sons
Here’s a smarter, more stylish way to travel. This family-owned business creates quality travel products that are designed thoughtfully, made sustainably, and brought to you by good people.
3. Grounded
Grounded’s mission is to bridge the gap between owning houseplants and their natural therapeutic benefits for both your mental and physical space. Their catalogue is mindfully curated to boost your creativity, reduce stress, and purify the air. Don’t just have houseplants, live with them.
4. Jade Purple Brown
Jade Purple Brown is visually striking, colorful, and optimistic art. They create prints for beach towels, postcards, blankets, or just a print of what will surely brighten your space’s vibe. I dare you not to get mesmerized by the familiar yet unique style that is Jade Purple Brown.
https://shop.jadepurplebrown.com/
5. Folkus
Folkus is here to expand how we celebrate, cope, and connect through the prism of Black inventiveness, culture, and environmental stewardship. They produce eco-friendly stone paper products proudly inspired by Blackness.
6. Dear Sunday Co.
Sunday is a special day for many of us. It’s a day to take time to ourselves and feel special. Why not add a Dear Sunday Co. candle? If you’re into a space focused on self-care, relaxing, and full of love and gratitude, these are the candles for you.
7. Wing on Wo and Co.
We have an icon here, folks. Since its founding in the 1890s, Wing on Wo and Co. has been breathing new life into culture craft. The oldest continuously operating store in Manhattan’s Chinatown is one of the few remaining specialized porcelain ware and cultural goods store in the world. This is something very special.
8. Blueland
Blueland is one of the best reusable cleaning bottles and tablets you can find on the market. For one, their cleaning tablets smell fantastic. For another, their design is sleek and modest. No more Mr. Clean bottle after bottle. This is a one and done kinda deal. If anything goes wrong, Blueland has excellent customer service.
9. Silk + Sonder
It’s never been more important to take care of your mental health. Silk + Sonder is a monthly journal and self-care membership that makes daily mental wellness easy and fun. Through a suite of analog, digital, and experimental tools, their holistic approach has empowered tens of thousands of members to live more meaningful, intentional, and productive lives — all from the comfort of their homes.
https://www.silkandsonder.com/
Clothing
1. Okko
We’re always here for a body positive company. Okko is all about deliberate consumption, combining form with function, and encouraging all women to be unapologetically themselves and comfortable in their own skin. Transform your top drawer, ladies.
2. Wasi Clothing
You can stick Wasi Clothing on the top of the recycling queen list. Sustainable, ethical, and slow fashion, Wasi Clothing creates low production quantities while also being low waste. Scraps of fabric are kept to recycle and reused for future creative purposes. If you’re a fan of utilizing as much of the material as possible, this is the brand for you.
3. The Tiny Closet
Getting dressed for the day starts with a well-curated closet. The Tiny Closet is handmade in Los Angeles and makes a noticeable effort to minimize her carbon footprint. Responsible for manufacturing and selling new clothing made from outsourced and dead stock fabrics. With made-to-order production, you can count on zero waste from The Tiny Closet.
https://www.thetinyclosetshop.com/
4. Jane Dottie Vintage
Created in an effort to combat fast fashion, Jane Dottie Vintage brings quality sustainable styles to the community while giving back to women in need. They aim to create a platform that not only involves all things eco-friendly but all things women empowerment.
5. Autumn Adeigbo
Autumn Adeigbo designs colorful, fashion-forward clothing for women who like to stand out in a crowd. From sourcing to delivery, Autumn embraces sustainable practices by purchasing in limited quality and producing only what is ordered minimizing fabric waste, excessive manufacturing and surplus stock. Her collection is not only eco-friendly, but exclusive, y’all.
6. Warren Steven Scott
Here is a true fashion artist. Warren Steven Scott is a contemporary accessory designer, fashion designer, tailor, and craftsperson. His debut collection, Sissy, will take place as part of the inaugural Indigenous Fashion Week Toronto. His collection bridges the Western concept of luxury fashion with his ancestral worldview on ethics, craft, and aesthetic sensibility, representing a distinct contribution to a genuine Canadian fashion.
https://warrenstevenscott.com/
7. Pepper
Pepper isn’t about pretending small boobs are bigger. Stuff your bra with that girl Victoria. Pepper has something grander in mind. Their mission is to empower women to feel extra special, supremely confident, and proud of their small boobs. Ultimately, they intend to change the world’s view of body standards.
Food
1. Golde
Golde makes superfood blends to boost your daily routine. From matcha to mushroom, you can count on Golde for products that are easy, fun, and actually delicious. Feel like your best self and discover your new routine today.
2. Càphê Roasters
Càphê Roasters is the first and only Vietnamese specialty coffee roastery in Philadelphia, operating in the Kensington neighborhood. Their mission is to bring communities together as inspired by the common Vietnamese expression “đi uống cà phê,” meaning “let’s get coffee.” Which, in Vietnamese culture, signifies community engagement.
https://www.capheroasters.com/
3. Mason Dixie
Baking at home is both an art and a science. Screw that, says Mason Dixie. They make the most buttery, crumbly, gooey, baked goods by taking the highest quality natural ingredients out there and mixing them with ice-cold butter and fresh-from-the-cow buttermilk. Pop them into the oven and bite into joy.
4. Indifix
If you haven’t had the delight of an Indian snack, do yourself a favor and try Indifix. They spent time selecting 200+ Indian snacks and treats. It’s a box filled with authentic Indian goodies delivered to your door. Every box you purchase allows Indifix to feed a malnourished child in need.
5. Emishka
Finally, a Thai tea without all the sugar and additives. Shake well and pour hard, that’s what a nitro beverage is all about. It’s a hint of sweet but creamy and smooth. Emishka’s Thai tea gives notes of spice and a smoky flavor with just a touch of vanilla. Plant-based, dairy-free, 100% all-natural.
6. Malai
Malai figuratively means “cream of the crop,” in a North Indian language. They are inspired from globally sourced whole ingredients, aromatic spices, and unexpected twists on old classics. All their ice cream is eggless, handcrafted, and churned with very little air, resulting in purer, more robust flavors, as well as the creamiest textures you can find.
7. Rae’s Roots
A healthy mind starts with a healthy gut. Self-care is not once and done. It takes a lot of little changes and differences that add up over time so that they become a part of your life. A daily cup of Rae’s Roots adaptogen tea can help give you exactly what you need.
Do you know of any businesses or companies we didn’t include in our POC small business Holiday Gift Guide? Comment and let us know!
Chris Blondell is a Philadelphia-based writer and social media strategist with a current focus on tech industry news. He has written about startups and entrepreneurs based in Denver, Seattle, Chicago, New Haven, and more. He has also written content for a true-crime blog, Sword and Scale, and developed social media content for a local spice shop. An occasional comedian, Chris Blondell also spends his time writing humorous content and performing stand-up for local audiences.
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Business
Omnichannel Marketing Platforms: Definition, Examples & Tools
Published
2 weeks agoon
August 22, 2024By
Kai KelisOmnichannel has become a recent buzzword online. That’s because the business landscape has shifted most of their marketing efforts into virtual communication. Advertisers are always looking for new ways to boost online connections with audiences while increasing sales. This is how “omnichannel” sprouted quickly and into every marketer’s arsenal. But what is omnichannel, and what are some omnichannel marketing platforms that do the job? Read on to find out.
What is Omnichannel Marketing?
The concept of omnichannel is simple. It aims to provide marketers a quick way to communicate with their customers and get as much engagement and conversion as possible from one go. Their objective is for customers to enjoy a seamless shopping experience on multiple brand channels, including online, mobile, or in-store. This means, marketers would have to show customers the same pricing and promotions across all brand channels.
However, it also goes beyond that. You have to ensure that customers can navigate through different channels with ease. This means customers can switch between your brand channels without any roadblocks. For instance, a customer can order from your online store and have the option to pick it up from your physical location. One way to increase sales is by offering customers additional items to boost order value.
Why is Omnichannel Marketing Important?
Omnichannel marketing is crucial these days since most people have shifted to online browsing and shopping. Moreover, if advertisers market on three or more channels, this could result in a 90 percent higher retention rate compared to using a single-channel campaign.
Additionally, omnichannel marketing also strengthens your brand messaging since campaigns are consistent across all platforms. But what are the primary reasons why advertisers focus on omnichannel marketing?
- Brands will get high customer retention
- Gains customer loyalty
- More personalization in the customer’s journey
- More integrated business
- Better customer insight
- Smooth and enjoyable customer experience
How Does Omnichannel Advertising Work?
An example of omnichannel marketing is when a sports retail store sends its prospects an email containing a recent promotion on its newly launched running shoes. The email content shows the link to the promotion. Once customers click this link, they are taken to the brand’s eCommerce website. Instructions also let them know they can get it from the brick-and-mortar store.
Another example is when a furniture store shows a behind-the-scenes video on YouTube about how its experts craft their pieces. Once viewers watch the video, they are welcomed with a link inviting them to join the brand’s email newsletter.
10 Omnichannel Marketing Platforms
Here are 10 best omnichannel marketing tools.
1. BigCommerce
This online and offline sales tool is for large-scale businesses looking to streamline their advertising strategies. BigCommerce unifies all marketing campaigns in an easy and convenient platform, including in-store, online, social media, and marketplaces. It can also handle large volumes of sales, traffic, and transactions, providing customers with a smooth experience.
2. NewStore
NewStore is the tool for all your POS and inventory management systems. It can manage orders, inventory, and customer data across the brand’s channels. It also comes with robust marketing tools that offer personalized engagement, such as push notifications, mobile apps, and location-based marketing.
3. Glassix
If you’re looking for the best omnichannel marketing platforms for communication, Glassix sits at the top of the list. It’s an AI-powered advertising tool that helps with email, SMS, live chat, messaging apps, and social media. Using Glassix means tracking all customer interactions and messages in one user-friendly interface is easy. It also lets you send targeted messages to your audiences based on their preferences and behaviors.
4. Desku
In addition to integrating all customer communications in one interface, Desku also helps with automation functions, such as chatbots, canned responses, ticketing systems, and more. Plus, it offers reporting tools and analytics to monitor progress.
5. Omnisend
Omnisend is the platform for all your SMS and email marketing campaigns. It’s best suited for eCommerce businesses and allows advertisers to create, monitor, and automate campaigns across all channels. It offers drag-and-drop features and is extremely easy to use.
6. Tidio
When searching for the best omnichannel communication platform, Tidio ranks high. It’s designed to facilitate customer interactions, manage inquiries, and offer real-time support.
7. Adobe Experience Cloud
You can’t succeed in omnichannel marketing without using a cloud-based service. And Adobe Experience Cloud ensures you get the right cloud-based solution for optimizing customer experiences. You can use this tool to build and manage customer journeys through AI-powered insights. You can also integrate this platform with other Adobe tools like Adobe Experience Manager, Adobe Target, Adobe Campaign, Adobe Analytics, and more.
8. Revealbot
If you’re spending time on paid ads, Revealbot will help you manage them in one user-friendly interface. It’s a marketing tool that helps optimize digital advertising campaigns on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and Google Ads. You can use this tool to set automation features, campaign budgets, and custom ad rules.
9. Shopify Plus
Shopify Plus if one of the best omnichannel marketing platforms for eCommerce businesses. It helps create a streamlined customer shopping experience. From workflows and checkouts to customer segmentation and targeted marketing campaigns, this is a reliable tool to use.
10. Oracle CX Commerce
Oracle CX Commerce is the best solution for B2B and B2C businesses. It’s a cloud-based eCommerce platform that helps provide personalized experiences. It also offers advanced features that simplify segmentation, customized content, targeted promotions, and customer engagement.
If you frequent the outdoors, you know how important protecting your playground is. When you’re close to nature, you must always prioritize eco-consciousness. While you practice sustainable habits, supporting brands prioritizing sustainability becomes a top priority. If you’re always planning an outdoor adventure and need the gear, here are the top 10 sustainable outdoor gear brands you must check out.
1. Patagonia
Over the years, Patagonia has lined up its corporate social responsibilities, mainly focusing on labor and the environment. They have robust social responsibility programs that ensure workers and communities are cared for. Patagonia claims that 85 percent of its products are made in factories with Fair Trade Certified certifications. The brand also helped over 85,000 workers by participating in Fair Trade programs. The brand also helped more than 2,000 farmers from its Regenerative Organic Certified cotton program.
2. Osprey
Osprey, a brand that creates robust backpacks for travel and outdoors, is also committed to sustainability. The company is a trusted bluesign SYSTEM partner, which helps eliminate PFAS-based DWR in 100 percent of its textile products. On top of its promise of eco-friendly materials, the standard for its backpacks is unparalleled, offering durability, functionality, and repairability. These products undergo field testing and athlete evaluations to ensure it’s a pack that runs a lifetime.
3. Hydro Flask
Plastic bottles comprise one of the highest numbers of ocean pollutants. Hydro Flask is committed to minimizing this by introducing excellent insulated water bottles that last a lifetime! I bought one five years ago, and the insulation functionality still works like the very first day I got it. The brand boasts its recycled-content bottle, the Slingback Bottle Pack, with a 100 percent recycled polyester body. It also eliminated single-use plastic for its packaging, specifically for 90 percent of its products. Hydro Flask uses soy-based inks and no foils and varnishes for their products too!
4. Black Diamond
Black Diamond is among the top brands for the best outdoor gear, specifically reliable and durable helmets. The company’s ethos is based on the team’s outdoor pursuits. First, the company’s 12,000-square-foot headquarters is energy-efficient, with a 2,200-watt solar photovoltaic system that generates about 3,000 kWh of electricity per year. Black Diamond also advocates for sustainable outdoor and recreation practices and is a founding member of the Outdoor Industry Association’s Climate Action Corps.
5. Sierra Designs
Sierra Designs is also one of the best sustainable outdoor gear brands you can rely on. They aim to create products that have as minimal impact as possible on Mother Nature. The brand boasts the DriDown product, which ensures that feathers come from animals that weren’t subjected to any harm. The brand also uses neglected recycled materials for its fabric’s exteriors and insulation for apparel and sleeping bags. A lifetime warranty also backs all Sierra Designs products.
6. Hyperlite
Hyperlite is your go-to outdoor gear brand if you’re into climbing, hiking, or rock climbing. The company is committed to sustainability for as long as the brand is still in operation. They created the Hyperlite Mountain Gear ethos, essentialism, which differs from minimalism. The brand believes that an intentional and thoughtful approach to assembling its backpacks ensures its products are safe, comfortable, warm, and efficient. Hyperlite is a proud partner of Dyneema, a bio-based fiber company, and promises to use this fiber in all its outdoor gear products.
7. MSR
For all your climbing equipment, don’t miss out on MSR products. The founder, a lifelong mountaineer, believed that a safe and reliable equipment is key to greater adventures. Today, the brand is proud to hand-build many MSR products. The brand is also another founding members of the Outdoor Industry Association Sustainability Working Group. It’s a collaboration of over 300 outdoor brands, manufacturers, and suppliers that focus on sustainability challenges and solutions.
8. Sunski
When you’re enjoying outdoor adventures, make sure you enjoy it in style with Sunski sustainable glasses. Sunski is a fantastic eyewear manufacturer in America that uses plastic scraps to turn into frames! A unique sunglass niche in the industry. The sunglasses are flexible, lightweight, and extremely durable. All Sunski customers will also get a lifetime warranty for their glasses. And if they break? Repair or replacement is free!
9. Cotopaxi
Cotopaxi backpacks, travel packs, hip packs, and duffels are colorful and vibrant and made with eco-friendly materials. They embarked on the The (Re)Purpose™ Collection program, which uses recycled deadstock or leftover fabric from other fashion brands. They also offer a lifetime guarantee on repairs or replacements. As members of the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, they support Amazon’s reforestation. Cotopaxi believes that doing good will create a ripple effect, so they reward customers who #DoGood!
10. Goal Zero
Here’s another eco-friendly outdoor gear brand for all your needs and more. To offer you the best outdoor camping experience, Goal Zero even sells power essentials, such as inverter generators, handheld portable power devices, solar panels, and battery banks. The company also aims to practice eco-conscious manufacturing methods by ensuring all 10+ factories in nine countries adhere to environmental and human rights standards. Its top sustainable camping gear is the Yeti Portable Power Station, with a four over five rating!
Eco-consciousness and health and fitness must be the perfect tandem. If you prioritize your health and fitness, the same care should also concentrate on sustainability. While you’re focused on your fitness goals, the process shouldn’t be as destructive to the environment. Just like you want to nourish your body with the good stuff, you also want to protect Mother Nature like it’s your own body. After all, the outdoors offers so much to benefit your health in the long run. Hiking, camping, rock climbing, surfing, swimming, to name a few. That said, protecting your playground as much as possible is only fitting. And that starts with choosing the most sustainable activewear brands. Here are the top 10 sustainable brands for fun and play.
1. Iron Roots
While some activewear brands claim 80 percent sustainability, Iron Roots embarks on 100 percent sustainable products and processes. It’s plastic-free all-organic athletic apparel that will not only make you feel good but also make you feel better about wearing Mother Nature-friendly apparel. Founded in 2018 by Dutch friends, the founders combined functionality, design, and sustainability in beautiful sportswear. They were both fed up with how the market manufactures most apparel from unsustainable materials. The brand uses non-plastic materials and unique plastic-based apparel like polyester. It’s a breathable and comfortable activewear that will help you achieve your fitness goals!
2. Girlfriend Collective
Girlfriend Collective is a Seattle-based brand making waves in the sustainable activewear niche in 2024. They are famous for their sports bras, trendy gym tops, leggings, and more! But the best part is the teams behind this brand are tree huggers, prioritizing recycled materials for their apparel. From fabric scraps to water bottles and fishing nets, you know you’re working out and helping the brand’s mission. The brand also uses eco-friendly dyes to color its clothes while managing wastewater responsibly. They created the ReGirlfriend program to prevent textiles from being in landfills!
3. Patagonia
Every outdoorsperson has heard of the famous brand Patagonia. The company has set a gold standard for sustainable apparel and manufacturing. Recently, the popular activewear brand has revamped its ownership structure to ensure it allocates a budget for environmental initiatives. The brand not only outsources sustainable materials and works with eco-conscious factories, but it is also transparent about it.
4. Groceries Apparel
Groceries Apparel is another sustainable activewear brand that focuses on upcycled food waste without needing third-party people or factories. They manufacture their activewear themselves through non-toxic and locally sourced materials. Who would’ve thought another person’s food waste could be a gym rat’s workout clothes? They manufacture all their products in their Los Angeles factory, making them a 100 percent self-sufficient brand!
5. Move by Mate
Move by Mate knows that conventional cotton, a material used by most apparel brands, is detrimental to the environment due to its pesticide use, heavy farming, and excessive water consumption. Move by Mate is also one of the sustainable activewear brands that uses organic cotton instead of traditional cotton, keeping the soil healthy. They claim that organic soil is also more breathable.
6. Wolven
If leggings are your workout go-to, then you must check out Wolven. It’s a brand that produces recycled sexy leggings for your exercise routines. Wolven is also deemed Lululemon’s competitor due to its elegant designs in multiple muted colors. Wolven leggings are made of 84 percent recycled PET or plastic bottles. The brand’s recycled materials are also Global Recycled Standard-certified. When you buy Wolven leggings, you’re guaranteed they are free of uncomfortable, harmful chemicals.
7. Reformation
You can be sure this brand is one of the most mainstream activewear brands that doesn’t take eco-consciousness lightly. Reformation boasts multiple eco-friendly initiatives, and they will not stop anytime soon. For one, they have a RefRecycling program, encouraging customers to drop off their used Reformation products in exchange for store credits. Moreover, Reformation also partners with many eco-conscious organizations like Bluesign. They also have a FactoryForward to ensure their suppliers become the best at what they do.
8. Gngr Bees
Founded in 2019, the owner, Natalia Grisard, was inspired to create Gngr Bees by her love for wildlife. She claims this brand is “driven by purpose and not by profit.” The brand’s apparel is made from discarded products. The company has reclaimed over 45,000 plastic bottles and over 4,000 kilograms of fishing nets. Gngr Bees also partners with Azizi Life and Beach Collective to plant mangroves and recycle ocean-bound plastic.
9. The North Face
The North Face has a long history of embracing eco-friendly products, initiatives, and commitments ever since. They are committed to prioritizing nature through science-based and actionable goal-setting. The North Face ensures all their materials are 100 percent recyclable and responsibly sourced. They created the North Face Renewed program that focuses on circularity by giving used gear a second life. This way, they are given a chance before users toss them into a landfill.
10. Tentree
Tentree is a Vancouver-based brand that believes in the power of tree planting. Its name is embedded in its company vision to plant ten trees in exchange for every item purchased. The company centers its practices on environmentally friendly ways, which they call the “earth-first approach.” This focuses on safe and fair working conditions for all employees and prioritizes sustainable and recycled materials for their products. Some of these materials are Tencel lyocell, Repreve polyester, and more. They created the Climate+ Initiative, which lets customers prevent carbon emissions by buying a pack of trees.