Business broadens horizons by opening a new retail outlet in California
Travel brand Away is set to open a new retail store in San Jose, California on Friday, marking its first store opening since it debuted a Seattle store two years ago. The company, which aims to blend digital and physical experiences, is in a "strategic, return to growth" position following a challenging period during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Proceeds from purchases made during the grand opening event in San Jose will be donated to the non-profit Global Glimpse, as part of Away's commitment to giving back to the communities it serves. The event, scheduled for May 6, will include giveaways, food, and a gift with purchase.
Every new store opening generates a 150% lift in e-commerce within the respective market, according to Away. This strategic expansion is part of the company's mission to meet customers where they are, as it continues to grow its physical footprint.
In January, Carla Dunham was appointed as the chief marketing officer of Away. However, the CEO role at Away has undergone multiple changes, with Jen Rubio being the latest to take on the role in April 2021. The company's current financial situation is not clear, as its chief financial officer stepped down in November, with no immediate successor identified.
Away currently operates 13 stores globally. Despite facing customer complaints regarding product durability and customer service, including issues with suitcase cracking and warranty replacements that customers found frustrating, the brand continues to be active in the market.
Compared to competitors like Monos luggage, Away's products are described as more likely to crack and somewhat more expensive, though they offer features like expandable luggage that others do not. However, specific sales figures, revenue performance, or holiday season performance metrics such as those around Thanksgiving to Cyber Monday 2022 are not available.
In summary, Away's expansion into San Jose is a step towards its strategic growth plan. While the brand faces challenges in customer satisfaction and competition, it continues to strive to meet its customers' needs and provide unique, high-quality travel products. Away also plans to open a store in Washington, D.C.'s Georgetown neighborhood later this summer, further expanding its physical presence.
- Away is planning to open a new retail store in San Jose, California, marking its first store opening since the Seattle store two years ago, as part of its strategic expansion and return to growth.
- Proceeds from purchases made during the San Jose store's grand opening event will be donated to the non-profit Global Glimpse, in line with Away's commitment to giving back to the communities it serves.
- Every new store opening generates a 150% lift in e-commerce within the respective market, according to Away, as the company aims to meet customers where they are and grow its physical footprint.
- In January, Carla Dunham was appointed as the chief marketing officer of Away, but the CEO role has undergone multiple changes, with Jen Rubio being the latest to take on the role in April 2021. However, the company's current financial situation is not clear, as its chief financial officer stepped down in November, and there's no immediate successor identified.
- Away currently operates 13 stores globally, but the brand has faced customer complaints regarding product durability and customer service, including issues with suitcase cracking and warranty replacements.
- Compared to competitors like Monos luggage, Away's products are described as more likely to crack and somewhat more expensive, though they offer features like expandable luggage that others do not.
- Away plans to open a store in Washington, D.C.'s Georgetown neighborhood later this summer, further expanding its physical presence in the travel, retail, lifestyle, home-and-garden, and finance industries during a challenging period of policy and pandemic-induced changes in the industry and finance markets.
