Ecommerce On Tap

Welcome to a new season of Ecommerce On Tap, brought to you by Sourcify! In this exciting category kickoff episode, hosts Nathan Resnick and Aaron Alpeter dive deep into the world of skincare—a market that’s grown from ancient rituals and status symbols into a multi-billion dollar industry shaped by science, social media, and a global consumer base.Nathan and Aaron trace the fascinating evolution of skincare, from Cleopatra’s milk baths and rice water in ancient China to today’s biotech formulations and viral TikTok routines. They explore how skincare’s meaning has shifted through history—from spiritual purity to social status, and now to self-expression and personalization—and reveal surprising differences in routines and values across cultures.Whether you’re dreaming of launching your own skincare brand, curious about how products are sourced and manufactured, or just want to know why the products on your shelf look and work the way they do, this episode will give you insider access and expert perspectives. Plus, the hosts break down the industry’s vast supply chain, modern regulatory challenges, white-label versus custom formulations, the global landscape, and why M&A is booming in this category.

Did you know the athleisure supply chain is still almost entirely Asia-based, and moving production elsewhere is insanely tough due to the complexity of technical fabrics? (Shoutout Beyond Yoga for doing it in LA!) Plus, just a decade ago, wearing your gym clothes to dinner was unthinkable. Now, multi-billion dollar brands like Lululemon and Gymshark have made “sporty chic” the new normal.

On this episode of Ecommerce On Tap, we unpacked the inspiring story behind Beyond Yoga—a DTC athleisure brand that bootstrapped their way from humble beginnings to a massive $400 million acquisition by Levi’s. We broke down how founders Michelle and Jodi championed body positivity, inclusive sizing, and buttery-soft fabrics, all while manufacturing locally in L.A. Their secret? Resisting industry norms, building real community, and letting their product fanbase fuel organic growth.

In this episode, Nathan and Aaron take us inside the journey of Adanola, the quietly confident UK-based athleisure brand making serious waves after years of flying under the radar. It’s a tale that starts with failure: two brothers, Hyrum and Josh Cook, first launched Zeven Media, an ambitious photo booth startup that ultimately collapsed despite a high-profile run on the UK’s Dragons' Den. But instead of calling it quits, Hyrum dusted himself off, doubled down on a side passion project, and spent years in the trenches perfecting what would become Adanola’s signature product—its Ultimate Leggings.We’ll explore how Adanola went from nearly five years of flatlining sales to a multimillion-pound empire, thriving during the COVID-19 lockdowns through a mix of product obsession, carefully crafted influencer partnerships, and the discipline to scale slowly and profitably. The story is packed with lessons on bouncing back from failure, building a brand on your own terms, and knowing when to step aside to let your company reach the next level.

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.Dye Ban Article: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/color-change-why-fdas-dye-ban-just-beginning-aaron-alpeter-cfuae

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?