Warby Parker, an eyewear brand renowned for its direct-to-consumer (D2C) business model, and Allbirds, an eco-friendly shoe brand that went public on NASDAQ in 2021, exemplify innovation in connecting manufacturers directly with consumers without intermediaries. This model promotes a positive image by endorsing an eco-friendly business approach. However, the disclosure of the companies’ financial statements revealed that both had accumulated losses greater than anticipated. While it would have been ideal for manufacturers to supply products directly to consumers, the burden of inventory increased along with rising administrative and marketing costs. Distributors in the middle shared profits, but they also shouldered the financial burden. Choosing eco-friendly options often incurs higher costs due to the search for alternatives, which can lead to accumulating losses. Pollution negatively impacts both consumers and suppliers, and business deficits further inflict additional damage that c...
Most trees do not grow alone; they grow alongside other trees. If a tree does not thrive, it cannot develop further because it is overshadowed by its neighboring trees , making it difficult to bear fruit. If it does not bear fruit, it cannot prosper and may eventually die or decline. To bear fruit signifies survival. A tree or a person can gauge health and future development based on its fruit. The fruit of a person is represented by their work and achievements. The track record reflects aspects of luck, effort, ability, humanity, capital, and time. Each element contributes differently to performance, but the variation does not shame the individual. Success or failure is secondary; the true shame lies in having no achievements. Trees and people are evaluated by their fruit. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”