Joe Button shirts

Joe Button brings a fresh approach to the world of made-to-measure apparel. Discover Joe Button's webshop (AU).

Furnished with nothing but cardboard boxes

Internet shoppers in San Sebastian can now pick up their purchases from a shop that appears to be furnished with nothing but cardboard boxes. Visit Deskontalia near San Sebastian (SP).

Brantano, more to discover online...

Brantano created a hybrid retail environment where emotion and ratio were separated in different spaces. Explore Brantano in Mouscron.

Coolblue moved to a new location in Antwerp

For Coolblue, buying online should not be a faceless, disconnected experience. People with real wants, want shops with real people. Have a look at Coolblue in Wilrijk near Antwerp (BE).

Rebirth of Biba at House of Fraser

Biba is frequently mentioned in the same giddy breath as mini-skirts, Mini cars, the Kings Road, the pill and various other London ‘happenings’ which shall forever define the 1960’s as a decade that swung. It was, however, born of humble origins – garments were initially sold cheaply and to many, by mail order in newspapers. But by the early 1970’s, Biba – a labour of love, a label, a lifestyle – had reached hitherto unknown heights of sophistication, innovation and retail experimentation, via its legendary Big Biba emporium on Kensington High Street (once hailed in the Sunday Times as ‘the most beautiful store in the world’). The end came through a combination of clashes between the management and the dire downturn in the British economy. A rebirth of the brand has been launched exclusively at House of Fraser in September 2010 with a dedicated website Mybiba.com.

Source: Mybiba

'One-for-One' Model

The business model for Toms Shoes (US)—giving away one pair of footwear to the needy for every one sold—seems risky in a recession where small companies are loathe to add extra costs, but several start-ups are none-the-less following suit.

Small companies have long been charitable, but few incorporate any form of philanthropy into their business models from inception since it can take several years for a start-up to become profitable, experts say.

Source: Wall Street Journal, Toms' Shoes

Sparkling salesman

A salesman who doesn't believe in his product won't ever set his clients on fire. Shoe company Zappos has developed a remarkable strategy to filter out unmotivated employees: after a five-week immersion, trainees are offered cash for quitting. Only the truly spirited decline and embark on a sparkling sales adventure.

Source: Zappos