Billion Dollar Brand Club: How Dollar Shave Club, Warby Parker, and Other Disruptors Are Remaking What We Buy

Ingrassia, former business and economics editor at The New York Times, has written an intriguing look at what he refers to as start-up disruptors: entrepreneurs that have challenged brands such as Gillette, LensCrafters, and Victoria’s Secret by creating products that have taken significant market share from these long standing companies. Included are case studies of start-ups that compete with established brands on price, value, speed, convenience, and service. Ingrassia profiles the success stories of lingerie company ThirdLove, eyewear brand Warby Parker, personal grooming company Dollar Shave Club, and hearing aid manufacturer Eargo, among others. One reason cited for the decrease in market share is the decline of brand loyalty. Also, Ingrassia notes that the current retail market leaves plenty of room for new companies of all kinds. The book offers extensive bibliographic notes for further reading.