1/14 - Potential client companies

The following are three potential project companies for the spring 2009 viscomIII semester.

1. RAGSTOCK - http://www.ragstock.com/

Ragstock is a family-owned retail store that originally specialized in offering quality used clothing at affordable prices, but which now also sells new clothing also at affordable prices. Ragstock promotes the environmentally friendly production clothing by supporting specialty brands that use recycled fabric and employ other organic materials. Ragstock currently has 13 locations throughout the mid-west, and targets young adult consumers by stocking vintage and trendy clothing as well as promoting and edgy/alternative type in-store experience.

Type of site employed: Primarily informational/promotional, some e-commerce but most items are sold in-store.

Testimonial: I was lucky enough to stumble across one of their locations in downtown Chicago earlier this month. Great atmosphere. Loved the music and the young, trendy-looking employees. They have an impressive selection of vintage clothing. Very cute and affordable. I plan to return.

2. ETHOS WATER - http://www.ethoswater.com/

Ethos Water is a humanitarian organization that sells specially branded water. Sales from their bottled water contributes to a worldwide grant funding of clean water initiatives in third-world countries. The objective of the company is to have raised 10 million USD by 2010. To date, the company has raised approx. 6.2 million USD towards humanitarian water programs. Ethos brand water is available at most Starbucks, convenience and grocery stores around the nation.

Type of site employed: Strictly informational/promotional.

Testimonial: I have bought Ethos brand water in the past. Apparently only 5 cents per purchase goes towards the water relief programs. The rest covers production costs. Regardless, it is good water. I enjoy the streamlined, minimal bottle design also.

3. KISS MY FACE - http://www.kissmyface.com/

Kiss My Face is a body care company based in New York that sells beauty products that are produced from natural and organic ingredients. Their product lines include hair care, oral care, beauty and cleansing products. They aim to provide natural, quality products that consumers can trust are healthy and effective. They do not have retail stores, but sell most of their products online. Many of their proceeds go towards environmentally conscious non-profit organizations.

Type of site employed: Primarily e-commerce as no retail locations exist. Some informational/promotional.

Testimonial: I purchased their ginger mango lip balm for like $3 at a Border's bookstore last month. I am a lip-balm and gloss connoisseur, and so far this is one of the few lip products that I have found doesn't leave sticky residue on my lips after it has been absorbed. Also has spf 15. Good stuff.

As you can see, I'm leaning towards companies that are either green or humanitarian and for which I can personally vouch...

Other potential clients include:

Human Ear Music (record label) and Ghost Box Records.

more details on this project to come.