Latest news with #Swap
Associated Press
29-04-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Swap Launches The Nest, A Community Curated for Brands to Connect, Develop, and Grow
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Apr 29, 2025-- Swap, the e-commerce operating system (OS) that connects operations on one platform for e-commerce brands, today introduces The Nest, a space for brand leaders to connect, develop, and build towards the next opportunity for their company. The Nest is a sanctuary from the sales-driven partners and tired brand dinners, it's a community designed for genuine networking via online, and in-person, engaging events. Swap also announces Nicole Hartwig is joining the company as Head of Community to lead the development of The Nest. As 40% of professionals are uncertain about how to leverage their networks effectively, The Nest is designed for brand professionals seeking a dynamic, forward-thinking community that evolves alongside the ever-changing landscape of e-commerce. Previously, brands lacked a space to connect organically without the pressure of profit-motivated interactions. Swap recognized this gap in the market, and is cultivating a community for brand leaders to connect freely. In an industry often dominated by transactional relationships, The Nest is redefining the status-quo, creating a fresh alternative for brand professionals to engage in authentic conversations, foster collaboration, and build a thriving peer network. 'As Swap continues to push boundaries and innovate in the retail sector, I'm thrilled to join the growing community we're building with The Nest,' said Nicole Hartwig, Head of Community at Swap. 'I started my career in retail, but I've never seen a space designed to be both a sanctuary and a spark—a space where brands can step away from the typical and step into what's possible. The Nest was born from a simple truth: community can supercharge everything. This is where brands will find their people—and their next big leap.' While it can be difficult for brands to take the first step towards meaningful engagement with industry leaders, The Nest offers an accessible way to approach connection through several key verticals, including: 'Brand leaders today crave real connections, not just another sales pitch,' said Juan Pellerano-Rendon, Chief Marketing Officer at Swap. 'The Nest is about creating a space where brands can engage authentically, exchange ideas, and build meaningful relationships that drive their businesses forward. By fostering a community-driven approach, we're giving brands the support, insights, and opportunities they need to grow on their own terms.' Open to individuals across marketing, operations, growth, and leadership roles, The Nest offers a space where members can exchange insights, collaborate on industry challenges, and discover new opportunities, all without the pressure of transactional networking. Whether emerging brands looking for guidance or established names aiming to refine their strategies, The Nest provides the connections and resources needed to thrive in today's competitive market. This announcement follows Swap's recent $40M Series B funding, which is fueling the company's push to solidify its leadership in the U.K., accelerate expansion into the U.S. and EU, and break into new markets like Australia and Canada. The investment will also drive Swap's entry into underserved verticals such as beauty, home goods, and consumer technology. To learn more about Swap, visit About Swap: Swap was founded in 2022 by Sam Atkinson and Zach Bailet to empower merchants with a seamless, fully integrated experience that connects the myriad complexities of their operations. From cross-border and inventory management to pricing and returns - Swap drives efficiency and fuels extraordinary growth with AI-powered insights and actions. Swap is the first platform to connect every key operation in the merchant journey while leveraging data, analytics, and AI to unlock value and drive unmatched growth. View source version on CONTACT: Media Contact: Lilly Bromberg SolComms [email protected] KEYWORD: UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA NEW YORK INDUSTRY KEYWORD: CONTENT MARKETING OTHER COMMUNICATIONS OTHER RETAIL MARKETING ELECTRONIC COMMERCE COMMUNICATIONS DIGITAL MARKETING SEARCH ENGINE MARKETING RETAIL ONLINE RETAIL SOURCE: Swap Copyright Business Wire 2025. PUB: 04/29/2025 09:00 AM/DISC: 04/29/2025 09:02 AM
Chicago Tribune
07-02-2025
- Business
- Chicago Tribune
New Aurora fashion boutique celebrates African craftsmanship
A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held Monday to celebrate the opening of SamandaRose Couture, a new fashion boutique at 481 N. Commons Drive in Aurora. 'There's no better way to kick off Black History Month than by welcoming a new Black-owned business to our city,' said Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin. 'But this isn't just any business. This is a Black-owned business rooted in African heritage, bringing something truly special to Aurora.' SamandaRose Couture's owner is Folashade Familola, a Nigerian native and Aurora resident, according to a press release from the city. 'SamandaRose is a blend of my name and my mother's name,' Familola said in the release. 'She was a talented fashion designer, and I learned the art of dressmaking from her. She passed away recently, and every time I create a piece, I feel her presence. This boutique is my way of keeping her spirit alive.' Sourcing fabrics directly from Nigeria, the boutique offers ready-to-wear and custom-made outfits, accessories and jewelry, with each piece designed to celebrate African craftsmanship and contemporary style, the release said. Seed Swap planned in St. Charles The St. Charles Public Library's annual Seed Swap and Seed Library Kickoff will run from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Feb. 15, in the Huntley Community Room at the library, 1 S. Sixth Ave. in St. Charles. Members of the community can stop by the library to 'check out' more than 150 different heirloom seed varieties, free of charge, to grow and enjoy, event organizers said. Master gardeners at the University of Illinois Extension Office will be on hand to answer any gardening-related questions, library officials said. All of the seeds available are heirloom or open-pollinated, meaning that once saved and planted again, they will grow into the same type of plant, according to officials. For more information on the program, call 630-584-0076, Ext. 1. Kane officials named to Emerging Adults Task Force The Illinois Judicial Conference has appointed Kane County State's Attorney Jamie Mosser and Kane County Court Services Executive Director Lisa Aust to its new Emerging Adults Task Force. Task force members will study and recommend best practices for courts working with adults ages 18 to 24, according to a news release. 'This age group has unique needs and opportunities for rehabilitation that require tailored approaches,' Mosser said in the release. Aust said in the release that research shows that young people's brains are 'literally' wired differently than mature adults and 'we're looking at this as an opportunity to re-imagine how the courts can work with this group to take into account their thinking and potential for change. It's an exciting initiative.' Oswego student in spotlight In his fourth and final year with East Theatre, which is part of Oswego East High School, one student recently received the opportunity to showcase his talents at the state level, according to a press release from Oswego-based School District 308. Last month, Cooper Carlisle, a senior at Oswego East High School, performed in the All-State production of 'The Prom' at the 49th annual Illinois High School Theater Festival. 'Doing an All-State show was a bucket list item,' Cooper said in the release.
