Congratulations to ModCloth founders Susan Gregg & Eric Koger, they are number 2 and 3 on this year’s Inc. 30 Under 30 list. While not a company one would expect out of Pittsburgh given the recent fascination with “eds and meds” in the news, ModCloth goes against the grain selling retro-inspired and true vintage clothing.
Started out of a dorm room at Carnegie Mellon (like many other Pittsburgh start-ups), ModCloth has grown to almost 100 employees and 2009 projected revenues of $15 million. They hit an accord with shoppers offering an easy way to avoid the hit-or-miss vintage shops such as Hey, Betty on Ellsworth in Shadyside.
The trend toward vintage clothing is becoming more popular everyday especially as the popularity of Mad Men increases. To meet the needs of their customers, ModCloth hires women in their 20s, their exact target demographic. So far, its paid off.
The duo of Susan and Eric works well – Eric runs the site while Susan manages the merchandise. A match made in heaven. Going forward they plan to offer a new experience to shoppers – that of an online “rack.” While I don’t know specifies, I see this being similar to Pittsburgh’s other big retailer American Eagle. Their Martin+Osa brand uses a flash based site to offer shoppers the opportunity to see a number of different outfits and comb through many possibilities.
Startup Pittsburgh congrats Susan & Eric on their accomplishment – well deserved!
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