Need Supply Co.
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Retail (fashion, accessories, footwear, beauty, home goods) |
| Founded | 1996 |
| Founder | Christopher Bossola |
| Defunct | September 2020 |
| Fate | Closed due to financial challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic |
| Headquarters | Richmond, Virginia , United States |
Area served | International |
| Products | Men's and women's clothing, luxury fashion, high-end streetwear, accessories, footwear, beauty items, home goods |
| Parent | NSTO (after 2019 merger) |
Need Supply Co. was an American online retail business founded by Christopher Bossola, operating from 1996 until its closure in 2020. The company ended its operations in September 2020, primarily due to financial challenges stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Overview
Originating in Richmond, Virginia, Need Supply Co. started with a modest inventory of 300 vintage Levi's pairs and a retail space of 250 square feet. Over time, it broadened its product range to include men's and women's clothing, featuring luxury fashion, high-end streetwear, accessories, footwear, beauty items, and home goods. The company earned local acclaim for its commitment to community involvement and dedicated staff.
The launch of its e-commerce site needsupply.com occurred in 2008, allowing the brand to cultivate an international clientele by blending established labels with emerging designers from the U.S. and abroad. In 2013, Need Supply was ranked 723 out of 5,000 on Inc. 5000’s list of America's Fastest-Growing Companies.
In 2015, the company extended its presence to Japan by opening retail locations in Tokyo and introduced NEED, a proprietary apparel collection that subsequently expanded to include accessories and footwear.
By 2016, Herschel Capital Co., a minority investor, acquired the luxury retailer Totokaelo and collaborated with Need Supply’s leadership to manage Totokaelo’s retail and online operations. The two brands merged under the umbrella of NSTO in 2019, consolidating their offices into a new global headquarters situated in Richmond’s Scott's Addition neighborhood.
NSTO achieved recognition once more on the Inc. 5000 list in 2019, securing the position of 1,711 among the nation’s fastest-growing enterprises.
Closure
Due to an inability to secure sufficient funding to offset revenue losses caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the company permanently ceased operations in September 2020.
Human Being Journal
In 2012, Need Supply Co. introduced Human Being Journal, a biannual print publication highlighting independent artists and designers worldwide. The magazine covered topics such as music, cuisine, culture, architecture, and fashion. By 2014, it was distributed globally and translated into Japanese, supporting the company’s market entry into Japan with store launches in 2015.