Birchbox Partners With AmEx on ‘Online’s Day Off’

American Express’ U.S. Small Merchant Group has partnered with Birchbox and other firms on “Online’s Day Off,” a two-day event designed to showcase innovative ways e-commerce pioneers have parlayed their online success into the physical world and bring new networking opportunities to small merchants.
 
“Online’s Day Off, like many of the other small merchant-focused initiatives supported by American Express, was created to connect our small merchant partners to seasoned entrepreneurs and industry experts who can help them successfully navigate a changing business environment,” said Ed Jay, EVP, merchant services, Americas, American Express. “Most importantly, we want to help small merchants and what better way to do that than to provide resources that enable them to grow their business.”
 
Birchbox established itself as a successful online retailer before bringing its innovation offline, according to American Express.
 
Participants of Online’s Day Off will share their business insights at a thought leadership conference on Sept. 18 that will explore top fashion, retail and e-commerce trends. The discussion will also cover how these retailers used technology to launch as small merchants and quickly expand into well-known players in the retail category today.
 
The panel, moderated by American Express’ Jay, will feature industry leaders:

Katia Beauchamp, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Birchbox
Andy Dunn, CEO and Founder of Bonobos Inc.
Jennifer Fleiss, Co-Founder and Head of Business Development of Rent the Runway
Steve Chien, EVP & GM of Shutl North America
 
On Sept. 20, there will be a special shopping event that will allow consumers to experience three emerging, online-only brands – including Glamsquad, an on-demand, in-home beauty service in NYC that sends the hair stylist and makeup artist to consumers.Food company Mantry and techy jewelry firm Ringly – in-person, as Birchbox, Bonobos and Rent the Runway will host these online brands in their physical stores.
 
Consumers will be able to shop the latest products and take advantage of special offers and experiences, including limited edition Online’s Day Off gift bags with purchase as well as hair and make-up touch ups at Birchbox and manicures, cupcakes and champagne at Rent the Runway. In addition, Shutl, an eBay company that provides same-hour courier service, will offer same-day delivery of purchases to those who buy in store that day.