Scoutmob was an Atlanta-based startup founded in 2010, primarily known for its ecommerce website offering unique goods from independent makers. Initially, Scoutmob provided local deals similar to Groupon and Living Social, but with a focus on location-based dynamics. The company quickly expanded its services to other cities in the United States.
In 2012, Scoutmob launched Shoppe by Scoutmob, an ecommerce marketplace showcasing locally-made goods and the creators behind them. The site offered curated content from independent makers, including products ranging from clothing and accessories to home goods and food. By 2013, Scoutmob reported revenues of $5 million, with most of that being generated by their Shoppe business.
Scoutmob's business model differentiated itself by providing users with deals on their mobile phones that were instantly redeemable. Deals were presented daily and had a limited time discount. Users could choose to have notifications sent to their email or directly to their mobile phones. Smartphone owners could also redeem the deals on the Scoutmob app.
The company emphasized celebrating independent makers by seeking out their inspired goods and crafted experiences, placing Scoutmob at the forefront of the maker movement in the 2010s. Despite its initial success, Scoutmob eventually shifted its primary focus towards the ecommerce site, scaling back its local deals portion.
Scoutmob's curated ecommerce site featured more than 1,000 independent US makers and their 10,000+ products. The primary channels of business included their own site, wholesale program, and retail partnerships with companies like Target, Amazon, and URBN. The site offered a lifestyle-branded retail concept composed entirely of goods produced by America's independent makers, with popular categories including home décor, small-batch edibles, art, apparel, jewelry, and accessories.
Scoutmob's emphasis on handcrafted goods and authentic, distinctive products resonated with the current retail landscape, capitalizing on the increasing appetite for unique and locally-made items. The company developed a proprietary marketing and distribution platform to promote its products across a wide array of partners.
Despite its innovative approach and initial success, Scoutmob eventually closed its operations in 2017. The company had raised a total of $7.9 million in funding from various investors, including Cox Enterprises and PROOF. Scoutmob's legacy remains as a pioneer in the maker movement and a champion of independent makers and their inspired goods.