Twenty Ninth Store is a global marketplace for items of all kinds. Their mission is to be the world’s favorite destination for goods with a unique selection of products updated weekly. Below is our recent interview with Jacob Elmon, the Founder & CEO of Twenty Ninth Store:
Q: How did Twenty Ninth Store begin?
A: I have been selling trainers since the age of twelve after camping out in Miami to buy and sell my first pair of shoes. Twenty-nine days later, I sold the shoes and bought the pair that I couldn’t get, for ‘resale value’ making double the initial investment, enabling myself to afford the shoes I originally wanted.
Aged thirteen I turned this into a small business of reselling shoes from my bedroom. At fifteen I built connections which enabled me access to the most unique styles and progress to build a reputation.
Completing an internship at fashion house, Ted Baker, enabled me to gain an insight into the retail industry and a valuable understanding to build a story and product line. Alongside this I was training with Fulham Football Club, and have maintained relationships for organic promotion of Twenty Ninth Store.
2019 has seen the creation of the online concept store reaching clients worldwide. At nineteen years old, I dropped out of university to pursue an internship with COPA90, helping with the development and launch of their e-commerce proposition, including strategy, operations, and relationships with 3rd-party vendors.
Following on from another internship at British luxury goods brand, Alfred Dunhill, working in three different departments. I then secured the sites first vendor and built the concept store.
This has continued to this day, with the platform growing and evolving, creating new partnerships and expanding the marketplace model.
Q: How exactly does it work?
A: Twenty Ninth Store operates using the drop-shipping model, meaning products are sourced externally from partner companies and shipped B2C direct.
Once a store is listed on the marketplace, goods are authenticated and partnerships are secured for delivery. After being accepted, the partner brand is then granted a personal account manager who creates brands page according to their style requirements. Once a sale occurs the vendor is emailed and the order goes directly to the customer. Twenty Ninth Store manages customer services and a live chat, whilst also offering coverage across the website, social media channels, newsletters and influences.
Q: What types of products do you offer to your customers?
A: Currently the platform offers a huge range of products from streetwear to luxury, mixed with a curated selection of up and coming names. New products are updated weekly, and the aim is to constantly promote early adopters and new innovations for our customers.
Twenty Ninth has already collaborated with a number of celebrity’s across your platforms, can you explain how instagram famous celebrities grow Twenty Ninth Store?
Twenty Ninth store has already collaborated with a number of celebrities. Working with a selected range of influencers, celebrities and bloggers – relevant and unique people with an online presence. This way the concept also taps into the younger audience of consumers who shop on their mobile phones.
Different celebrities target different audiences, which is important to connect brands and consumers. Especially as The Twenty Ninth store aims to connect young brands to a loyal following.
Q: What makes you stand out from your competition?
A: Twenty Ninth Store aims to target a niche of brands and products that are not necessarily in the legacy retailers such as Harvey Nichols or Selfridges.
The platform provides a way to reach more customers as a sales outlet, whilst avoiding getting ‘lost in the crowd’ as one might do on another selling platform.
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Q: How do you help clients?
A: The platform can be used to sell a vast range of products from independent brands and streetwear items, to vintage goods, watches and more.
In addition to being able to sell to a global audience. The aim is to help brands build their image whilst being aligned next to other cool products.
Q: What does the future hold? Where is the company headed?
A: The future is very exciting for Twenty Ninth Store, a lot of exciting products are currently in process.
The option for full customization options within the website for vendors, an ambassador program, a unique raffle system, personal shopping and new collaborations are just a few of the things ongoing at Twenty Ninth Store.
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