Loose Threads Inside The New Consumer Economy

On the 39th episode of the Loose Threads Podcast, a show about the intersection of consumer, retail and commerce, I talk with Jeff Johnson, a co-founder of The Arrivals, an outerwear-focused brand inspired by the form and function of architecture. Jeff founded the brand along with Kal Vepuri, who was an early investor in a range of direct to consumer brands. The Arrivals aesthetic takes strong cues from Jeff’s architecture background, which comes to fruition in the brand’s product, overall aesthetic, and most recently, its retail footprint. We had a great talk about the brand’s founding story, it’s deliberate approach, and where it’s headed as it tackles the offline world. I really enjoyed talking with Jeff about what it’s like building a brand with a specific point of view while balancing accessibility and versatility. People often talk about the power of being specific, but it can also cause harm if it goes too far. The Arrivals’ aesthetic is recognizable—you know their leather jackets when you see them—but