convenience is the key ...

Filed in archive Entrepreneurship on September 28, 2003

In the middle of the recession convenience services and products might seem a bit inappropriate but several companies haven just taken on convenience business models during the last 3 years. Uncounted web super markets have seen their demise by unbearable cost of logistics. Even the 'revolutionizer' of the convenience model supermarket model in US/ Japan 7Eleven is under pressure to produce respectable earnings this year. The effectiveness of its supply chain has long been the key to be successful.

Pretty much anti cyclical is FreshDirect. They have just raised USD 31 mio. for geographical expansion. fresh Direct sells fresh farm products online. These kind of sales has developed a strong appeal in many metro areas like NYC for young consumers.

Other entrepreneurs have been solving the issue of closet space, which is always too small in metro areas such as NYC. City Closet and Manhattan Mini Storage provide your personal and virtual shelf for an acceptable fee.

On the other side of the Atlantic Kiala a European startup providing pick up locations for parcels could also find visionary investors for USD 12.8 mio in early summer 2003.

Ten De and Ten UK provide you a individual concierge (or 'Lifestyle Manager'), whom you share with others to reach a sufficient cost level. Very helpful!