Revenue reaches $2 million in first full year, on track for continuing growth in 2014
Detroit, March 19, 2014 – Detroit-based Chalkfly, a pure play e-commerce website selling office and school supplies, today announced a 1,900% growth in revenue from its launch year of 2012. Chalkfly has also achieved more than $300,000 in sales for January 2014, positioning the company for continued growth in 2014.
Chalkfly was started by Google and IBM alumni– and brothers – Andrew and Ryan Landau. The Landaus noticed that the $30 billion office supply industry had experienced very little innovation over the last two decades and was in need of remodeling. So the brothers left their positions at Google and IBM and launched Chalkfly, with a focus on technology, customer service, and giving back.
The company’s operations are focused online with no “brick and mortar” facilities, and aims to make the entire purchasing process faster and easier. Chalkfly sells 50,000 products, has free overnight shipping, offers 24/7 customer service, and has a 365 day return policy. As part of their socially conscious business, Chalkfly customers can choose a teacher to receive five percent of their purchase. In 2013, Chalkfly gave back to more than 1000 teachers.
“When we first set out to launch a technology company, we closely looked at which industries were in most need of disruption. We learned that the office and school supply business is a $30 billion industry that has seen virtually no innovation in the past 25 years, so we set out to transform the mundane experience of ordering office supplies,’” said Andrew Landau, co-founder of Chalkfly. “We are really excited by what we have achieved in our first couple of years. Our continued growth reflects the desire for technology, innovation and purpose in the office supply sector. “
Chalkfly has experienced a number of successes since its launch in July 2012:
- Secured $750,000 Series AA investment, led by Detroit Venture Partners
- Named one of Business Insider’s Top 15 Startups to Work for in America
- Named the youngest member of the Internet Retailer’s Second 500 list
For more information or to begin shopping, please visit www.chalkfly.com.
###
About Chalkfly:
Transforming the experience of buying office and school supplies online, Chalkfly is an innovative eCommerce company rooted in giving back. Chalkfly customers can choose a teacher to receive five percent of their purchase. Plus we’re great to do business with! 24/7 customer service, free shipping, next-day delivery, and 365 day returns. Chalkfly cares about teachers, classrooms, and education. Our mission is to be a forward-thinking, socially responsible business that is rooted in giving back to teachers across the nation, and provide customers with quality office supplies, innovative technology and exceptional service. As an e-commerce retailer, Chalkfly has been included in Internet Retailer’s Second 500 for 2013. Chalkfly was also included as one of Turnstone’s 2013 Best Young Companies To Work For. For more information on Chalkfly, visit www.chalkfly.com.
Press Inquiries:
Amy Farrell
For Chalkfly
afarrell@quenchcomm.com
617-366-7149