Today on Ecommerce On Tap, we dove deep into the story of Rhone—a premium activewear brand redefining men’s athleisure by blending high-tech fabrics with a real commitment to mental health and authentic values. We broke down their unique approach to supply chain innovation, how they built a dedicated community before spending a single dollar on ads, and their bold move to buy back shares from their PE investor to preserve their mission. Rhone proves you can scale a brand with integrity, staying true to your purpose every step of the way.

This episode is all about Gymshark—one of the fastest-growing athleisure brands on the planet. Kicking off with breaking industry news and trends, Nathan and Aaron lay the groundwork for an exploration of what makes Gymshark a standout story: a college student, Ben Francis, who turned a passion for lifting and coding into a multi-billion dollar global powerhouse.

We unpack Gymshark’s humble beginnings, its explosive early growth, and how a clever pivot from dropshipping supplements to creating apparel changed everything. You’ll hear about Ben’s bold decision to step back as CEO—a move rarely seen in fast-growing startups—and what that meant for the company’s trajectory. The episode also covers the nuts and bolts of Gymshark’s supply chain, the role of influencer-driven marketing, navigating international expansion (including a $200 million market entry in the US before even having a local staff!), and what the future might hold as IPO rumors swirl.

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Journey through the dynamic world of athleisure as we deep dive into the story of Alo Yoga, a brand that's reshaped how we think about activewear.

Here are 3 key takeaways:

• Resilient Growth: Alo Yoga experienced a staggering 200% growth during the pandemic, exemplifying the power of adaptation and meeting market demands. Their pivot to digital platforms with Alo Moves was a strategic win that engaged their community in innovative ways.

• Bold Branding: From proprietary fabrics to fashion-focused initiatives like New York Fashion Week partnerships and a luxury skiwear collection, Alo isn't just selling clothes; they're crafting a lifestyle. Their strategy of combining athleisure with high fashion demonstrates the importance of brand differentiation.

• Supply Chain Savvy: Leveraging a vertically integrated supply chain, Alo benefits from extensive manufacturing networks in Asia, ensuring they meet the technical demands of their products. Meanwhile, Bella + Canvas's U.S.-based operations showcase a strategic mix of onshore and offshore production capabilities.

Catch the full episode for deeper insights into Alo's remarkable journey and learn how they're positioning themselves against giants like Lululemon.

t’s Nathan and Aaron, hosts of E-commerce on Tap, here to talk tariffs and their rollercoaster impact on businesses. In this emergency pod, we dive into the whirlwind of recent tariff changes and how they shook the market. We break down why moving production isn't as easy as throwing a switch, what strategies can shield you from trade uncertainties, and why staying nimble is key during volatile times. If tariffs are on your mind, this episode is your compass through the chaos.

Whether you're deep into the world of athleisure or just curious about its explosive growth, this episode is a must-listen. Check out these key takeaways:

🔹 Athleisure's Market Growth: The athleisure industry could become a trillion-dollar market by the early 2030s, driven by a compound annual growth rate of nearly 10%. It's a booming sector with vast potential!

🔹 Sustainability Challenges & Innovations: While athleisure is popular, it faces scrutiny for synthetic materials' environmental impact. Brands like Patagonia and Girlfriend Collective are leading the charge in sustainability with recycled materials and eco-friendly initiatives.

🔹 Opportunities for Aspiring Entrepreneurs: The sector's growth presents a golden opportunity for new brands. By honing in on a niche and embracing innovative, sustainable practices, startups can carve out their space and thrive.

Studs is redefining the ear piercing and jewelry space for Gen Z—but their journey hasn’t been easy. In this episode of eCommerce on Tap, we dive into:

💡 The inspiration behind Studs and how founders Anna Harmon & Lisa Bubbers built the brand
🚀 How early funding & a premium domain name fueled their launch
😷 Pivoting during COVID—from boutique closures to an e-commerce boom
📱 Using TikTok, "Studs on Wheels," and unique collabs to drive engagement
📦 Supply chain challenges & how they manage inventory for a dual-channel business
💰 Potential exit strategies—who might acquire Studs?

From a surf trip in Costa Rica to a multimillion-dollar acquisition—Pura Vida Bracelets built an empire by blending handmade craftsmanship with savvy digital marketing. 🌊📿

In this episode of eCommerce on Tap, we break down:
✅ Pura Vida’s origin story and early growth strategy
✅ How Facebook and influencer marketing (including Lauren Conrad) fueled its rise
✅ The power of ambassador networks in scaling an eCommerce brand
✅ Transitioning from bracelets to a full jewelry and apparel line
✅ The challenges of adapting to new platforms like TikTok
✅ The $75M acquisition by Vera Bradley and what’s next for Pura Vida

What happens when two founders rethink a centuries-old tradition? QALO co-founders Ted Baker and KC Holiday set out to solve a personal problem—traditional wedding rings didn’t fit their active lifestyles. What started as a simple idea turned into a brand that reshaped the jewelry industry.In this episode, we break down:✅ How QALO disrupted the wedding ring market with silicone bands✅ The challenges of competing against cheap alternatives✅ Their viral Hard Knocks moment with Andy Dalton✅ The launch of their health-tracking ring, QRNT✅ The strategic acquisition by Win Brands GroupWhether you’re an entrepreneur, eCommerce operator, or just love a great business story, this episode is packed with insights on product innovation, category creation, and scaling a brand.