Dollar Shave Club purchased by Unilever

[Hone]

So this is quite interesting: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160719006720/en/Unilever-Acquires-Dollar-Shave-Club

I know its not really the correct forum for this But Dollar Shave Club could be considered to be a positive force when it comes to making good shaving more accessible and affordable. It has undoubtedly introduced many people to the idea that there are options beyond the dominant cartridge razor brands. The convenience model has also altered the shaving market for the better in terms of getting people thinking about their options, and I believe the rise in use of DE and SE safety razors probably has some small part to do with the visibility of getting a better shave generated by disruptive services like this.

Either way I wonder how acquisition by Unilever will affect how they address their market, and how they bring their product to market... Thought it might be of interest to a few here.

Edit: Just to clarify, I'm not judging the DSC product in any way - more commenting on the current interest and forces in the shaving market.

 

[Len]

People want better, and cheaper, options for razors than what Gillette/Schick is currently offering. Dollar Shave Club and Harry's is one answer to that market demand, and shows in the price tag Unilever paid.

Sad thing is that hardly anyone knows safety razors even exist any more, that can give a better, cheaper shave. Eventually one or two of the young gun safety razor makers is going to make it big time, not necessarily enough to take over market share, but enough to become a house hold name. Whoever can get the marketing and logistics down, while making a helluva good razor is gonna get rich!

Current top contenders include Micro Touch One (Weishi), and Bevel, as they are already now selling in the top supermarket chains. But it also could be Hone, Rockwell, Feather, Rocnel... or any of the others.

Hint: The razor must be safe, unlikely to cut the current cart user, convenient, innovative, of decent build quality, and cheap... along with having great adverts and logistics. Who will it be...?

 

[wazza]

I dont have any particular experience in business, never mind on this scale but the first thought is so that can shut the business down. Get rid of the competition.

 

[Deleted member 30]

I dont have any particular experience in business, never mind on this scale but the first thought is so that can shut the business down. Get rid of the competition.

Not if it's true what they print at the above posted link. "Michael Dubin will continue to serve as CEO of DSC."

 

[Nick_S]

They clearly want a bigger slice of pie and this was a relatively cost effective way of getting it. Buy said slice.