Update: 3 Years In!

Posted on Apr 24, 2015 In The Retail Project

Three years ago, The Retail Project was launched as a way to test new brands against a national audience. Fast forward to now, where we have successfully launched three growing brands and are currently developing more!

Our first retail store, FelixChien.com, has expanded its product line and offerings to include over 50 designer brands. Amongst these are independent artisans and prominent brands who design high-quality, unique goods that speak to our original vision of Felix Chien as a fashion brand for dog owners, because “Fashion Doesn’t End at the Leash”. We have seen increasing popularity of our offerings in stylish dog carriers and crate covers, and have introduced new products, such as doggie spa products, “architectural” crates and more. As our national following continues to flourish, we consistently see returning customers coming to us for our ever-growing selection of fashion-inspired pet products.

In January 2015 we were able to demonstrate our dedication to philanthropy by launching Felix Chien’s “Dogs In Need” program which supports animal welfare organizations. A portion of our sales are donated to a new non-profit each month, primarily focusing on dog rescue centers across the country.

Our second brand, Urbilis, has grown rapidly into a modern housewares retail store. Focused on form and function for those with a modern, garden-inspired aesthetic, Urbilis caters to commercial customers, homeowners, and designers, all of whom can find a wide selection of chic, modern products at Urbilis.com. Our growing selection of large planters and living walls are ideal for both outdoor and indoor commercial spaces, while our sleek modern patio furniture is finding its way to fashionable outdoor rooms and terraces across the country. Urbilis recently celebrated its two year anniversary, and has been regularly featured on Houzz, ApartmentTherapy.com, and other design-centric web sites.

Slumbersome, our third brand, caters to the 1 in 3 Americans with sleep issues. As our newest brand, we continue to expand products and are finding demand in our beautiful, yet functional lines of moisture-wicking pajamas, as well as sleep masks and other non-pharmaceutical products for getting a good night’s sleep.

Our fourth brand is currently in the final stages of our highly defined brand creation process, and we hope to launch it before the 2015 holiday season. Stay tuned!

As we enter our fourth year, we are reminded of how far we have come and how far we have yet to go on this journey.  We are indebted to the vision and leadership of John & Letitia Carter, the creators and funders of the Rhode Island Innovation Fellowship, which got The Retail Project off the ground, and to the tireless efforts of the Rhode Island Foundation, a mecca of leadership and support in the Ocean State.

Onward!

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