Online Stores Inc.

Online Stores Inc.
Type Private
Founded Export, Pennsylvania, United States (2001)
Founders Lisa Hickey
Kevin Hickey
Headquarters New Stanton, Pennsylvania,
United States
Key people Lisa Hickey, President

Kevin Hickey, Vice President
John Gilkey, Vice President
Brian Cerra, General Manager

Industry E-commerce
Stores

United States Flag Store
English Tea Store
Safety Equipment Store
Gift Store
Stroller Store
Kitchen Store
Construction Gear Store

Revenue USD$ 21 million
Employees 100 in New Stanton, Pennsylvania, United States
Website www.onlinestores.com

Online Stores, Inc. is a major e-commerce company based in New Stanton, Pennsylvania, and specializing in retail niche markets that has been in operation since 2001. Headquartered in New Stanton, Pennsylvania, USA, its best-selling products are American flags. The privately owned company employs 100 people and includes seven stores: United States Flag Store, English Tea Store, Safety Equipment Store, Gift Store, Stroller Store, Kitchen Store, and Construction Gear Store.

Contents

History

Online Stores opened its first retail store, United States Flag Store, in January 2001, operating from co-owners Lisa and Kevin Hickey’s basement. In September 2001, high demand for American flags and short supply for both retailers and consumers led Online Stores to begin manufacturing and wholesaling some of its American flags.[1] The store also carries international flags as well as flag accessories. The company also produces resource sites on flag history and information.

In 2003, the company opened the English Tea Store, which imports more than 100 kinds of tea, British food products, and tea-making appliances and accessories. In 2004, the company opened the Safety Equipment Store, which sells protective equipment, such as safety harnesses, custom-printed hard hats, eye and ear protection, and first-aid kits.

The company added three more stores in 2006-2007. The Gift Store (September 2006) offers customized and personalized gifts. This store also provides a gift-buying information section.[2] The Stroller Store (October 2007) stocks baby transportation products, mainly strollers, as well as accessories such as stroller rain covers and UV protection covers. The Kitchen Store (November 2007) sells kitchen accessories, cookware, bake ware, and small kitchen appliances.

In 2008, the company acquired the Construction Gear Store, which sells insulated work boots, rugged clothing, tool belts, thermal undergarments, and other items.

Online Stores has been struggling lately due to rapid expansion and unexpected growth. The retailer has had several problems keeping up with technology and fulfilling orders in a timely fashion.

Recognition

2008:

2007:

2006:

References

  1. ^ Suppliers demand relationship-building buyers, Pittsburgh Business Times, April 24, 2006, retrieved 2009-01-05
  2. ^ Online retailer's gift business includes advice for overwhelmed, Pittsburgh Business Times, Dec. 11, 2006, retrieved 2009-01-05
  3. ^ a b Inc 5000
  4. ^ Pittsburgh Business Times what particular article???
  5. ^ 2007 sales at Online Stores Inc. rise 38% over 2006, 2007 InternetRetailer Top 500 Guide, 2008-01-21, retrieved 2009-01-05
  6. ^ Pittsburgh Business Times what particular article???
  7. ^ Pittsburgh Business Times what particular article???
  8. ^ Online Stores Inc. projects 44% growth to $13 million in sales this year, 2006 InternetRetailer Top 500 Guide, 2006-09-12, retrieved 2009-01-05

External links