Catching Up With: Brixton Co-Founder David Stoddard
josh hunter
- June 11 2009
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(L-R): David Stoddard and Jason Young.
David Stoddard, Jason Young, and Mike Chapin were all gainfully employed members of the action sports industry—at TransWorld Media, actually—when they saw an opportunity for themselves in the market. So after careful consideration the trio decided to embark on a little business venture on the side and launched Brixton Ltd. Now they are all full-time milliners. No, not millionaires (yet at least), but milliners: someone who designs, makes, trims, or sells hats by Webster’s definition. And while they’re not ’sipping Santana champ ’cause it’s so crisp’ on a boat with T-Pain just yet, based on the company’s growth during these tough economic times they might want to start shopping for some ‘flippy floppies‘ and ‘nautical themed afghans.’
*If that last line didn’t make sense, CLICK HERE and you’ll understand—and laugh!
TransWorld Business caught up with David Stoddard for a quick Q&A. Stoddard is a man of few words, but he did offer some information on Brixton’s recent move into a larger office space, expansion into apparel, and growing the business. So here’s the quickest interview you’ll read today. Enjoy.
When did you launch Brixton?
We launched it in 2004
How did you fund the launch of the brand initially?
We are a self-funded business.
What are some key accounts where is Brixton sold?
We’ve got a quite a few and don’t want to show preferential treatment.
What product categories did you originally launch with?
Brixton initially started with just headwear.
What categories have you expanded into?
We’ve expanded into jackets, wovens, belts, wallets, and tees.
What’s the single best selling SKU in Brixton’s history?
It is our Grey Stroll Fedora.
What’s new for Brixton in Spring 2010?
Continue to grow our cut and sew line.
How has the economy affected Brixton’s sales?
Fortunately we’re still a young company and we continue to grow.
Regionally speaking, where does Brixton perform well?
Our best regions are West Coast & Northeast USA, Canada, and Japan.
How are online sales doing?
Business with our online retail partners continues to grow.
What’s the biggest challenge Brixton is currently facing?
Growing the brand in an uncertain economy.
What’s the long term strategy for the brand?
Continue to build a brand that we’re proud of, and continue to do things our way.
Why’d you moved out of your original office space in Oceanside?
Our new place is still in Oceanside. We had to move because we are growing and needed more warehouse and office space.
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