In this episode, Sharan and Sudeep dissect the critical “GAMeS” Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) brands must play to succeed. With a sharp focus on building sustainable growth, Sharan breaks down the essential elements that help brands scale beyond their initial online successes. These include go-to-market (GTM) strategies, assortment planning, and leveraging existing online learnings for offline distribution. Throughout the episode, Sharan and Sudeep emphasize that D2C is not just a strategy but a channel, highlighting the necessity for brands to diversify and scale through offline channels to achieve significant growth. KEY TAKEAWAYS: Go-to-Market (GTM): Sharan emphasizes that brands need to start small when entering offline distribution, testing in limited geographies before expanding. Assortment: Prioritize SKU selection by focusing on products that work well in targeted offline channels, ensuring efficient use of resources. Messaging Consistency: It’s crucial to maintain a unified brand experience across both online and offline channels to build strong brand recognition. e-Leverage: Leverage existing online data and insights to streamline offline strategies, minimizing ramp-up time and maximizing impact. Systems: Building robust distributor management and tracking systems ensures teams are equipped to handle the complexities of offline expansion, allowing for better oversight and growth. QUOTES: D2C is a channel, not a brand. You need to start small, test in a lower geography before you expand. Without a unified experience, customers won’t know what to make of your brand. --- RESOURCES & LINKS Visit the CoBB website for more episodes and insights. Connect with the hosts on LinkedIn: Sudeep Chawla | Sharavana Raghavan --- CREDITS: Album Art: Designed by ting.in Voiceovers: Anjale Stephanos Music: Sourced from Zapsplat.com --- As always, we’d love to hear your feedback. Please email us at [email protected] with your thoughts or any questions for our hosts.