The Change Mariner

Holiday Season Turns Blue for RedEnvelope

Contra Costa Times:

...RedEnvelope gravely underestimated demand. It has always promoted itself as a purveyor of last-minute gifts and has won customers with its unusual items and its signature red boxes and white bows.

During the heart of the shopping season in early December, orders were coming in at 10 times RedEnvelope's normal daily volume. Orders swelled for several of the company's custom-designed items, like a jewelry armoire, for which there was no alternate supply source.