Our indie retailers are being hunted by four major forces:
Amazon
Big-box stores
Brands (selling direct)
Zola
While we've known about Amazon and big-box stores for some time, they are becoming more sophisticated. Amazon is so powerful now that it's the focus of anti-trust inquiries by the government. Big-box stores are spending millions on their digital operations.
Bridge's goal is to give indie stores great software that reverses the gains being made by these forces.
Brands have upped their game: many have new websites that tout free shipping, sales, and discounts for signing up for email newsletters.
Indie stores historically were the go-to spot for gift registries. Zola, which has raised $100 million from venture capitalists, is now eating that market. Brands often tell me that Zola is their largest buyer of plates and cups. When Zola makes a sale, it's often at the expense of an indie store.