Latest news with #Rails
Malaysian Reserve
5 days ago
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
Amboss Launches Rails: Empowering Bitcoin Yield and Lightning Network Growth
NASHVILLE, Tenn., May 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Amboss, a leader in AI-driven solutions for the Bitcoin Lightning Network, today unveiled Rails, a self-custodial Bitcoin service designed to enhance asset utility. Developed for companies, custodians, and high net worth individuals, Rails enables participants to put their Bitcoin to work while contributing to the performance and scalability of the Lightning Network. This launch marks a significant step forward in creating decentralized, reliable payment infrastructure for the Bitcoin ecosystem. Rails introduces a secure, innovative way for participants—termed Liquidity Providers (LPs)—to maintain full custody of their Bitcoin while generating returns through payment routing and liquidity leases. By integrating Amboss' advanced AI technology, Rails enhances the Lightning Network, enabling faster, more dependable transactions and supporting larger payment volumes. 'Rails is a transformative force for the Lightning Network,' said Jesse Shrader, CEO and Co-Founder of Amboss. 'It's not just about yield—it's about enabling businesses to strengthen the network while earning on their Bitcoin. This is a critical step in Bitcoin's evolution as a global medium of exchange.' Launch Partners and Network Impact Amboss has partnered with leading Bitcoin industry players, including CoinCorner, LQwD, and Flux (a joint venture between Axiom and CoinCorner), to bring Rails to market. CoinCorner, a pioneer in Lightning Network adoption, has integrated it into its exchange operations and everyday payment systems across the Isle of Man. LQwD, a key player in Bitcoin infrastructure, and Flux, combining Axiom's and CoinCorner's expertise, share a mission to expand the Lightning Network's role in global payments. Their involvement underscores the industry's confidence in Rails' potential to drive Bitcoin's scalability. 'Rails offers a practical way for businesses like ours to participate in the Lightning Network's growth,' said David Boylan, CFO of CoinCorner. 'We've been using the Lightning Network for years, and Rails provides a structured approach to engaging with its economy, particularly through liquidity leasing and payment routing. This aligns with our goal of making Bitcoin more accessible and practical for everyday use.' The Critical Role of Liquidity Liquidity is the backbone of the Lightning Network, ensuring smooth and efficient transaction routing across its nodes and channels. Rails empowers Liquidity Providers to contribute to this vital resource, enhancing the network's capacity to support high-value, reliable payments. By addressing liquidity demands, Rails not only creates yield opportunities for participants but also fortifies the infrastructure that makes Bitcoin a viable medium of exchange for businesses worldwide. How Rails Works Rails enables participants—known as Liquidity Providers (LPs)—to maintain full custody of their Bitcoin while accessing the Lightning Network economy. Yield opportunities arise from activities like liquidity leasing and payment routing, though returns are not guaranteed. The service includes: Rails LP: For high net worth individuals, companies with Bitcoin treasuries, and custodians, requiring a minimum of 1 Bitcoin committed for at least one year. Liquidity Subscriptions: For businesses receiving Bitcoin payments, offering cost-effective solutions with fees as low as 0.5%. Getting Involved Interested parties can explore Rails and participation details at For media inquiries, users can contact 21M Communications at phil@ About Amboss Amboss Technologies harnesses machine learning, including reinforcement learning on network graphs, to develop intelligent tools for the Lightning Network. With over five years of data-driven insights, Amboss drives network growth and unlocks new opportunities as Bitcoin scales globally. About CoinCorner CoinCorner is a leading Bitcoin exchange and payment provider committed to simplifying Bitcoin adoption. A pioneer in Lightning Network usage, CoinCorner continues to innovate in the Bitcoin space. ContactFounderPhil21M Communicationsphil@ Photo:
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Yahoo
We found 8 pairs of white jeans that Nordstrom shoppers say aren't see-through
We independently evaluate the products we review. When you buy via links on our site, we may receive compensation. Read more about how we vet products and deals . Memorial Day is just around the corner, which means two things: Summer is officially on its way, and it's about to be white jeans season! Light-colored jeans are a quintessential warm-weather fashion staple for good reason. They are wildly versatile and can be styled in a ton of ways. Toss on a pair with a plain T-shirt and flip flops for a casual daytime look, or grab your favorite heeled sandals and silky top for an evening out. Not only do white jeans feel especially fresh and crisp during the hotter months, but they look great on everyone. That said, it can be tough to find a flattering option that isn't see-through, and the mark of a truly great pair of ivory denim bottoms is being so opaque that you can't see panty lines or pockets peeking through. Luckily, Nordstrom has a massive selection of white jeans — more than 600 pairs. To help you embrace this summer staple as quickly as possible, I did the legwork for you and found eight options in stock in a wide range of sizes and styles. Most importantly, each received praise from Nordstrom shoppers for not showing anything you don't want the world around you to see. Nordstrom KUT from the Kloth Catherine Boyfriend Jeans These are the perfect balance between a skinny jean and a straight-leg style. According to shoppers, these pants fit true to size, and I love that you can dress them up with a polished cardigan or blouse or cuff up the bottoms for a more casual vibe. One pleased shopper raved, "These are the perfect white jeans, which is why it's hard to find your size in if they are in stock, buy them! [They're a] classic cut that will never go out of style, thick enough so they aren't see-through but not so thick that they'll be too hot in the summer." (Editor's note: All sizes are currently in stock.) Another agreed: "Love the fit of these jeans. They are super comfortable and not see-through." $94 at Nordstrom Nordstrom Rails The Getty High-Waist Wide-Leg Jeans Add a little vintage flair to your denim collection with this high-waisted pair. Stretchy and true to size, these look just as good with summer sandals as they do with your favorite sneakers. I've been wearing Rails blue jeans for years, so you can bet that these were instantly added to my cart. I've found that the brand's denim only gets better over time and holds its shape even if I wear them a few times a week (a fact that also justifies their higher price tag, IMO). One shopper deemed these the "perfect white jeans" and declared that the "fabric is super soft and flexible [and is] also not transparent." These are also great for those who are looking for lighter-colored denim that isn't a stark ivory: "The color is perfect. Not a bright white but an ecru, which can be difficult to find!" $198 at Nordstrom Nordstrom Wit & Wisdom Logan 'Ab'Solution High-Waist Ankle-Slim Straight-Leg Jeans These slim-fit jeans hit right at the ankle, making them a good option for those on the shorter side. And, while polished, there is some subtle fraying at the ankles for a bit of a style edge. Finally, the brand's 'Ab'solution power-mesh panels work to hold your tummy in without being overly constricting. One Nordy shopper, who gave these five stars, called them the "perfect white ankle jeans" and wrote: "Fits beautifully. Slimming, not tight, and not see-through." $78 at Nordstrom Nordstrom KUT from the Kloth Meg Fab Ab High-Waist Raw-Hem Ankle Wide-Leg Jeans These high-waisted jeans will help flatter your figure thanks to the brand's popular Fab Ab front pockets that gently shape the tummy area. The polished waistband and wide-leg silhouette work together to look casual yet still sophisticated. "This is a great white jean. ... They are a nice soft, spring/summer weight ... not hard, scratchy or too heavy. The fabric fits well and has stretch. You cannot see the pockets outlined in the front and they are not see-through in the back," shared a happy customer. $99 at Nordstrom Nordstrom Hidden Jeans Ripped Raw Step Hem Ankle Skinny Jeans Still hanging onto your favorite pair of skinnies? I don't blame you! Sometimes you can't beat tried-and-true denim that makes you feel good. This distressed pair hits right at the ankle, and several reviewers praise these for being stretchy and comfortable. "WOW, these are cute. Glad I sized up. Perfect for summer festivals and concerts. I struggle with white jeans being see-through. These are not! Very happy," raved a five-star fan. $78 at Nordstrom Nordstrom Madewell Low-Rise Baggy Crop Jeans Madewell is known for its top-quality denim, so the brand's sleek cropped jeans were an easy choice for this list. Casual and slightly baggy, these have a low-rise fit and cool raw hems to give them a bit of stylish grit. I usually size down in Madewell denim as they tend to stretch out a bit over time, and another shopper agreed. They wrote, "These pants are great! High quality and thick, so you can't see through. They do run huge, however. I'm usually a 27 and they were falling off of me. I exchanged for a 25, and they are still a little big around the waist." $148 at Nordstrom Nordstrom KUT from the Kloth Rachael Fab Ab High-Waist Raw-Hem Mom Jeans Don't let the name "mom jeans" fool you — this decidedly not-dowdy pair is for anyone looking for cute white bottoms that are figure-hugging without being skintight (and the raw hem gives them added street-style cred). "These are great. I didn't size up in them like I sometimes do with white, and the fit is wonderful. Thick enough to not see panty lines or pocket outlines. ... Very comfortable in the waist," shared a contented customer. $94 at Nordstrom Nordstrom NYDJ Teresa Ankle Wide-Leg Jeans NYDJ makes notoriously flattering jeans and this wide-leg pair is no exception. The brand's lift-tuck technology works to make your behind look amazing while also flattening your front. They come in three other shades, including beige, pink and a pinstripe, so if you love this cut, I won't blame you for stocking up. One five-star fan wrote: "... Comfy, stylish, stretchy (but not too much), not see-through and don't show every lump or bump. Until now, I always thought that kind of white jean was a unicorn!" $109 at Nordstrom
Buzz Feed
03-05-2025
- General
- Buzz Feed
If Egg Prices Are Terrifying You Right Now, Try These Substitutes Next Time You Bake
The high price of eggs has many home chefs reeling, up a whopping 53% compared to the same time last year. This has many at-home bakers rethinking how they use eggs. If you don't want to give up your favorite baked goods while you wait for the price of eggs to come down, you don't have to. There are some simple ways to recreate recipes that call for eggs with tried-and-true substitutes. However, to get the best results, it's important to select the right substitute. 'There are all sorts of charts online that talk about different egg substitutes, and most get things wrong or lack so much context that the chart is essentially useless,' said Kathlena Rails, founder of the food blog The Allergy Chef and author of several egg-free cookbooks. For example, Rails has seen charts recommending peanut butter or tomato paste instead of eggs. While these may work well for binding or adding moisture, they aren't good choices for most recipes because they change the taste and texture of baked goods too much, she explained. It's important to recognize the role of eggs in baking. While many good egg substitutes can replicate the function and texture of eggs, if you are trying to mimic the flavor of eggs in a recipe, you are out of luck. There is no good substitute for the taste of eggs in baked goods, said Rob Rubba, a chef and partner at the egg-free restaurant Oyster Oyster in Washington, D.C. Rails also cautions that no simple substitute will work well in recipes like sponge cake or 'eggy baked cookies,' where eggs are the 'shining star.' However, if your goal is to replicate the function of eggs in a recipe, the role of eggs 'needs to be clear from the start,' Rubba said. For most recipes, eggs play three main functions. They can lift, moisten, and bind, Rails explained. If you choose the right substitute, the taste and texture of your baked goods should be very close to the original. This isn't always easy because eggs play many different roles in baking. Further complicating matters is that eggs often play multiple roles in a recipe. However, there are some general guidelines home bakers can use to help them make the best choice. Rails explains that if a recipe calls for whole eggs, they probably serve a combination of functions. Whole eggs are likely 'moistening, binding, and lifting,' she said. To help choose the right egg substitute, Rails suggests visualizing the recipe and thinking through the primary role of eggs in it. Baking powder and vinegar will make things go 'puff,' she said, but this combination won't help ingredients bind together. Similarly, applesauce will add a lot of moisture because it is very wet, but it won't lift or bind. Rails explained that choosing the right substitute for recipes that use egg whites or yolks is simpler. If a recipe calls for egg whites, they are used primarily for lift, while if it calls for egg yolks, they are mainly used for moisture. For recipes that use eggs to bind Eggs are often used to bind ingredients in baked goods. If eggs are combined with dry ingredients, like in doughs or batters for cookies, they are likely being used as a binding agent, explained Melanie Marcus, an expert in vegan cooking who is a chef, registered dietitian, and nutrition, wellness, and communications manager for Dole Food Company. In these recipes, a flaxseed 'egg' is a good substitute, Rubba said. To make a flaxseed 'egg,' mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water and let it sit for 5 minutes. One flaxseed egg is equivalent to one whole egg, she explained. 'It thickens just like an egg and is perfect for muffins, pancakes, and cookies.' When eggs are mixed with other wet ingredients, they may add moisture or have a creamy texture. When eggs primarily add moisture to a recipe, bananas and applesauce work well, said Connie Edwards McGaughy, a vegan baker and author of The Carrot Underground cookbooks. In baking, one banana usually equals one egg, she explained. If you prefer to use applesauce, use one-quarter cup of applesauce per egg, McGaughy said. Rails thinks applesauce works particularly well as an egg substitute in chocolate chip cookies. However, Marcus cautions that when using bananas or applesauce as an egg substitute, you may need to reduce added sugar because they are natural sweeteners. For recipes that use eggs to lift To make fluffy baked goods, such as cakes and muffins, Rubba uses a small amount of vinegar and baking soda. 'We have all made an elementary school volcano experiment to understand why this works in keeping the cake light,' he said. Rubba likes to use flavored vinegar that complements the taste of the cake, such as ginger vinegar for pumpkin cakes. If you don't want to use a specialty vinegar, Rails recommends apple cider vinegar. Rubba finds this method works best if the batter contains some baking powder. Marcus advises using one teaspoon of baking soda and one tablespoon of vinegar per egg. For meringue, mousse, and cocktails In some recipes, eggs are used to form structure and stiff peaks. For these recipes, including meringues and mousses, Marcus said a great substitute is the liquid from a can of chickpeas, also called aquafaba. Marcus also recommends using aquafaba in recipes that call for eggs to be beaten separately from other ingredients. Aquafaba 'whips up just like egg whites,' Marcus explained. However, you have to be patient to get this to work. 'Compared to egg whites, it takes longer to whip aquafaba to stiff peaks, maybe 10 minutes in a good standing mixer, but it delivers. It creates the right lift,' explained Ellen Kanner, a food writer, recipe developer, and author of the cookbook Miami Vegan: Plant-Based Recipes from the Tropics to Your Table. She also suggests adding a pinch of cream of tartar as a stabilizer. Aquafaba also works well in cocktails like gin fizz and pisco sour, which traditionally use egg whites, Rubba said. Use three tablespoons of aquafaba for each egg the recipe calls for to get the best results, Kanner said. Reduce the amount of aquafaba to two tablespoons if you are creating a substitute for egg whites, Marcus advised. Use aquafaba as a fallback If this sounds too complicated or if you aren't sure what role eggs play in your recipe, Kanner says to stick to aquafaba. 'It's high performance, low waste, and when used in baking, has no beany flavor,' she said. Plus, 'aquafaba from canned chickpeas is standardized, so you can count on solid performance,' she added. Aquafaba also makes a great replacement for egg washes since it can add a glossy finish to baked goods, Marcus said. While other egg substitutes may work better for some recipes, aquafaba is a consistently reliable choice when you want to keep things simple, according to Kanner. To ensure you always have aquafaba on hand, Kanner recommends freezing three tablespoons of aquafaba in each square of a silicone ice cube tray. When it's time to bake, use one cube per egg. Look for egg-free recipes Instead of trying to replicate your favorite recipes, Rubba recommends trying recipes that were developed without eggs. Although Rubba is not vegan, he does not use eggs at his restaurant because he believes 'eggs are a luxury, not a commodity.' The high price of eggs may be an opportunity to find 'new ways to approach ingredients and imagine a world without them,' he said. Experiment by searching online for egg-free recipes or checking a vegan cookbook out from the library. Nevertheless, Rubba doesn't suggest giving up eggs completely. 'Eat them well,' he said. 'Buy good quality, and eat them less often.' Hungry for more? Download our free Tasty app to browse and save 7,500+ free recipes — no subscription required. Tasty
Business Mayor
24-04-2025
- Business
- Business Mayor
Rails Expands Retail Footprint With A Focus On Customer Experience
Rails opened its second Washington, D.C. store in Bethesda Row on April 16th. Courtesy of Rails Rails, a Los Angeles-based clothing brand known for its ultra-soft, luxurious fabrics and effortless Californian style, is making waves in retail as it expands its physical store footprint. Founded 17 years ago by Jeff Abrams, Rails began as a small wholesale-focused business, gaining significant recognition with its super luxe plaid shirting. This early innovation propelled the brand into prestigious department stores, including Neiman Marcus, Saks, Nordstrom, and Bloomingdale's. Rails also successfully replicated this wholesale model internationally with high-end retailers such as Selfridges, Harvey Nichols, Galeries Lafayette, and de Bijenkorf. As Rails evolved, it expanded from shirting into a comprehensive lifestyle brand that now includes knitwear, outerwear, dresses, and denim, which was introduced two years ago. Originally entirely wholesale, Rails has strategically diversified its sales channels. Today, the wholesale segment constitutes about 60% of the brand's revenue, e-commerce alone accounts for about 25%, and retail accounts for 15%. This strategic shift has driven substantial growth, with Rails reporting a remarkable 75% total retail growth over the past year, supported by robust same-store sales and new store openings. Rails' New Store And Experience Rails recently opened a new retail location in Bethesda, Maryland, which was strategically chosen based on strong existing customer data from the surrounding area. This Bethesda store complements Rails' nearby Georgetown location, positioned within a vibrant outdoor shopping district and designed to highlight the full spectrum of Rails' apparel, from women's collections to the increasingly popular men's line. Rails' Bethesda Row store is its 18th location globally and 12th in the US. Courtesy of Rails The store design intentionally reflects the brand's ethos—clean aesthetics, California-inspired elements, and a focus on showcasing the product. However, an unwavering commitment to exceptional customer service and experience is at the heart of the Rails retail strategy. Rails' stores emphasize personalized interactions, fostering deeper connections with customers, which is especially crucial during economic uncertainty and reduced consumer spending. According to a recent survey from Wunderkind, 46% of consumers believe that apparel and fashion will be among the hardest categories to afford if prices rise due to tariffs. Thus making brand loyalty ever more critical. 'When you walk into a store, it's not to feel transactional, but it feels accessible, still elevated, and customers really feel the positive energy of the product and staff,' Abrams explains. 'We have really great customer service and customer engagement, where you feel the positive energy of what our brand is all about from the staff.' This approach to customer service is increasingly vital, as recent reports indicate consumers are becoming more cautious and selective about apparel purchases amid inflation and economic uncertainty. Rails is positioned to maintain customer loyalty and secure repeat business by prioritizing memorable and engaging store visits. The positive impact of Rails' retail expansion extends beyond its stores. Abrams shares that opening physical locations has boosted nearby wholesale partners' sales by approximately 10-15%. Additionally, Rails sees an approximate 15% increase in direct e-commerce sales within a 10-mile radius following a new store opening. These patterns are consistent with trends observed across the industry. Brands like Away, the direct-to-consumer luggage company, have reported over 100% boosts in local e-commerce after opening retail locations, while Reformation has seen increases ranging from 50% to 80%. Although these figures may differ based on measurement methods, they reinforce a central truth: physical retail contributes meaningfully to growth across multiple channels. For Rails, this omni-channel synergy underscores the value of a retail footprint—not just for sales at the store but for its wider brand halo effect. All Rails stores are designed to enhance the customer experience through service and comfort. Courtesy of Rails Rails' Growth And Retail's Role Rails operates 18 global stores, with 12 in the U.S. and six strategically placed internationally in fashion-forward cities like London, Paris, and Berlin. The simultaneous expansion into domestic and international markets has significantly strengthened Rails' global credibility and market presence. Upcoming locations include Chicago's Rush Street and Nashville's 12 South neighborhood. Nashville, known for attracting young, trendy customers, will be another substantial addition to Rails' carefully curated retail portfolio. Abrams also revealed plans to introduce a dedicated men's flagship store, responding to rising demand, with men's currently making up over 20% of Rails' overall business. Compared to other contemporary apparel brands like Faherty and Reformation, Rails sets itself apart with a carefully balanced distribution approach, maintaining a robust wholesale presence while steadily expanding its retail and e-commerce segments. Unlike Reformation, which focuses exclusively on women's apparel, Rails' inclusion of menswear provides a broader market appeal, similar to Faherty's strategy. However, Rails distinguishes itself through its specific emphasis on tactile experience and customer service, integrating a luxurious feel into everyday casualwear enhancing brand loyalty and customer retention. Although the brand started with shirts, the product has extended significantly across women and now … More men. Courtesy of Rails Internationally, Rails' localized strategy has proven remarkably successful. 'We're doing local digital marketing in both English and French in Paris, and then that store and that total market is growing by 50 plus percent because we're acting as a local operator,' Abrams notes. This commitment to acting as a local operator rather than managing from afar has allowed Rails to tailor its approach to each market's cultural and consumer nuances. By embedding itself more deeply within these communities, Rails has differentiated its international presence from competitors who often rely on broader, less personalized strategies for global expansion. Despite its rapid expansion, Rails remains cautious and deliberate about selecting new retail locations. Abrams shares, 'Some brands get into a place where they need to open six doors and take whatever becomes available. We've turned down a lot of locations to make sure we have a great spot in our hierarchy of top 15 locations.' Through strategic retail growth, a keen focus on customer engagement, robust product category development, and thoughtful international expansion, Rails continues to thrive, staying true to the luxurious yet accessible identity that has defined the brand for nearly two decades. In an uncertain economic climate, Rails' investment in customer relationships and in-store experience is not just a differentiator—it's a long-term growth strategy designed to serve the evolving needs of today's more cautious shoppers.
Forbes
23-04-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Rails Expands Retail Footprint With A Focus On Customer Experience
Rails opened its second Washington, D.C. store in Bethesda Row on April 16th. Rails, a Los Angeles-based clothing brand known for its ultra-soft, luxurious fabrics and effortless Californian style, is making waves in retail as it expands its physical store footprint. Founded 17 years ago by Jeff Abrams, Rails began as a small wholesale-focused business, gaining significant recognition with its super luxe plaid shirting. This early innovation propelled the brand into prestigious department stores, including Neiman Marcus, Saks, Nordstrom, and Bloomingdale's. Rails also successfully replicated this wholesale model internationally with high-end retailers such as Selfridges, Harvey Nichols, Galeries Lafayette, and de Bijenkorf. As Rails evolved, it expanded from shirting into a comprehensive lifestyle brand that now includes knitwear, outerwear, dresses, and denim, which was introduced two years ago. Originally entirely wholesale, Rails has strategically diversified its sales channels. Today, the wholesale segment constitutes about 60% of the brand's revenue, e-commerce alone accounts for about 25%, and retail accounts for 15%. This strategic shift has driven substantial growth, with Rails reporting a remarkable 75% total retail growth over the past year, supported by robust same-store sales and new store openings. Rails recently opened a new retail location in Bethesda, Maryland, which was strategically chosen based on strong existing customer data from the surrounding area. This Bethesda store complements Rails' nearby Georgetown location, positioned within a vibrant outdoor shopping district and designed to highlight the full spectrum of Rails' apparel, from women's collections to the increasingly popular men's line. Rails' Bethesda Row store is its 18th location globally and 12th in the US. The store design intentionally reflects the brand's ethos—clean aesthetics, California-inspired elements, and a focus on showcasing the product. However, an unwavering commitment to exceptional customer service and experience is at the heart of the Rails retail strategy. Rails' stores emphasize personalized interactions, fostering deeper connections with customers, which is especially crucial during economic uncertainty and reduced consumer spending. According to a recent survey from Wunderkind, 46% of consumers believe that apparel and fashion will be among the hardest categories to afford if prices rise due to tariffs. Thus making brand loyalty ever more critical. "When you walk into a store, it's not to feel transactional, but it feels accessible, still elevated, and customers really feel the positive energy of the product and staff," Abrams explains. "We have really great customer service and customer engagement, where you feel the positive energy of what our brand is all about from the staff." This approach to customer service is increasingly vital, as recent reports indicate consumers are becoming more cautious and selective about apparel purchases amid inflation and economic uncertainty. Rails is positioned to maintain customer loyalty and secure repeat business by prioritizing memorable and engaging store visits. The positive impact of Rails' retail expansion extends beyond its stores. Abrams shares that opening physical locations has boosted nearby wholesale partners' sales by approximately 10-15%. Additionally, Rails sees an approximate 15% increase in direct e-commerce sales within a 10-mile radius following a new store opening. These patterns are consistent with trends observed across the industry. Brands like Away, the direct-to-consumer luggage company, have reported over 100% boosts in local e-commerce after opening retail locations, while Reformation has seen increases ranging from 50% to 80%. Although these figures may differ based on measurement methods, they reinforce a central truth: physical retail contributes meaningfully to growth across multiple channels. For Rails, this omni-channel synergy underscores the value of a retail footprint—not just for sales at the store but for its wider brand halo effect. All Rails stores are designed to enhance the customer experience through service and comfort. Rails operates 18 global stores, with 12 in the U.S. and six strategically placed internationally in fashion-forward cities like London, Paris, and Berlin. The simultaneous expansion into domestic and international markets has significantly strengthened Rails' global credibility and market presence. Upcoming locations include Chicago's Rush Street and Nashville's 12 South neighborhood. Nashville, known for attracting young, trendy customers, will be another substantial addition to Rails' carefully curated retail portfolio. Abrams also revealed plans to introduce a dedicated men's flagship store, responding to rising demand, with men's currently making up over 20% of Rails' overall business. Compared to other contemporary apparel brands like Faherty and Reformation, Rails sets itself apart with a carefully balanced distribution approach, maintaining a robust wholesale presence while steadily expanding its retail and e-commerce segments. Unlike Reformation, which focuses exclusively on women's apparel, Rails' inclusion of menswear provides a broader market appeal, similar to Faherty's strategy. However, Rails distinguishes itself through its specific emphasis on tactile experience and customer service, integrating a luxurious feel into everyday casualwear enhancing brand loyalty and customer retention. Although the brand started with shirts, the product has extended significantly across women and now ... More men. Internationally, Rails' localized strategy has proven remarkably successful. "We're doing local digital marketing in both English and French in Paris, and then that store and that total market is growing by 50 plus percent because we're acting as a local operator," Abrams notes. This commitment to acting as a local operator rather than managing from afar has allowed Rails to tailor its approach to each market's cultural and consumer nuances. By embedding itself more deeply within these communities, Rails has differentiated its international presence from competitors who often rely on broader, less personalized strategies for global expansion. Despite its rapid expansion, Rails remains cautious and deliberate about selecting new retail locations. Abrams shares, "Some brands get into a place where they need to open six doors and take whatever becomes available. We've turned down a lot of locations to make sure we have a great spot in our hierarchy of top 15 locations." Through strategic retail growth, a keen focus on customer engagement, robust product category development, and thoughtful international expansion, Rails continues to thrive, staying true to the luxurious yet accessible identity that has defined the brand for nearly two decades. In an uncertain economic climate, Rails' investment in customer relationships and in-store experience is not just a differentiator—it's a long-term growth strategy designed to serve the evolving needs of today's more cautious shoppers.
