Having reported ‘three-figure organic growth in 2024’, pre-order apparel specialist, Kostüme, has launched a Crowdcube crowdfunding campaign, offering customers and investors an opportunity to get on board with the Bristol, UK-based brand.
Kostüme points out that its small batch pre-order business model means only products that are already sold get manufactured. The company adds that this… ‘eliminates the overstocking, discounting and high volume of returns that has plagued the industry in recent years.
‘Cutting this waste not only means a dramatic reduction in its environmental impact, it also allows Kostüme to spend significantly more on the final specification of its products without passing the extra cost onto the consumer.’
In 2024, Kostüme reported that… ‘sales grew almost 200% year on year, despite zero use of paid ads or performance marketing. With customers direct in 29 countries, this 100% organics growth is attributed to exceptional product reviews and word of mouth, plus a growing awareness and understanding of the benefits of the model.’
Having already secured backing from the ex-Chairman of Wiggle, Kostüme’s Crowdcube campaign launched publicly on January 30th. The majority of its investment target had been committed early on via exclusive early access for its customers. At the time of writing the company had secured £132,000 and beaten its original £100,000 funding target.
Kostüme founder and CEO Ed Bartlett said “This new investment will enable us to accelerate a number of key areas of our growth strategy, including finalising our winter insulated range, introducing direct fulfilment for EU customers, plus important circularity initiatives including repairs and a take-back scheme.
“It will also allow us to plan much further ahead, which in turn will help us to further reduce the lead-time between pre-order and delivery. I’m very excited to be able to extend this opportunity to our loyal customer base and beyond, thanks to Crowdcube’s exceptional reach and reputation.”
The Crowdcube campaign includes a range of rewards for backers, from sustainable stickers and patches, to limited art prints, exclusive investor events, and the opportunity to have a one-off jersey made.
