Firebox.com
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| Firebox | |
|---|---|
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| Type | Private |
| Founded | 1998 |
| Headquarters | London, UK |
| Industry | Online Retail |
| Website | Firebox.com |
Firebox.com is an electronic commerce based in London, England that began life early in 1998 as hotbox.co.uk, an internet retailer founded by university friends Michael Acton Smith and Tom Boardman. Their inventory covers anything from house wares and books to gadgets and gizmos.
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[edit] History
Two friends in college, Michael Acton Smith and Tom Boardman decided that they had a great idea for an original new drinking game – the Shot Glass Chess set. The idea prompted them to create a completely online company where people could purchase this and other obscure but “cool” products. The basic idea was to create a site where the culture and society could meet with original and niche products. They began in Cardiff, Wales as hotbox.co.uk, then in 1999 moved to London and relaunched as Firebox.com.
Michael Acton Smith is also the founder of Mind Candy makers of Perplex City, an alternate reality game based on puzzles, a missing artifact and a fictional city.
[edit] Products
- T-shirts
- Gizmos
- Gadgets
- Home & Office
- Computing
- Electronics
- Books
- Exotic Edibles
Most of the products sold on Firebox.com are skewed towards people who are into obscure or abstract items that are unique and hard to come by otherwise. The site states: “We're very selective though - so only the most original, most exciting products get picked.”
[edit] US Site
Firebox.com recently launched a US site and has set up a US based distribution center.
[edit] Rankings
[edit] Awards and Recognition
DTI Ecommerce Awards 2004
- Highly Commended - E-Trading Business of The Year
DTI Ecommerce Awards 2004
- Highly Commended - Best Use of Broadband
Parcelforce Small Business Awards 2004
- Finalist - Best Small Business
Orange Small is Beautiful Awards 2004
- Finalist - Best Customer Service
Hitwise Competitive Intelligence (2003)
- No. 1 Most Visited Gift Retailer (UK), December 2003
Revolution Awards 2002
- Highly Commended - Best Online Retailer
Sunday Times E-League 2001
- Top 100 European E-businesses
VISA Etail Awards 2000
- Winner - Pain Free Shopping
