Online Stores Inc.

Online Stores, Inc. Logo

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.

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:

• Ranked # 85 on Inc.com "Top 100 Retail Companies" list ^[3]
• Ranked # 2,074 on Inc. 5000 "Fastest Growing Private Companies in America" list registering 178.2% growth between 2004-2007 ^[3]
• Named to Pittsburgh Business Times "100 Fastest Growing Companies" list registering 24% growth from 2007 ^[4]

2007:

• Ranked # 368 in Internet Retailer's "Top 500 Guide" ^[5]
• Ranked # 2 in the Retail/Wholesale Distribution category and # 41 overall on the Pittsburgh Business Times "Fastest Growing Retail Companies" list ^[6]

2006:

• Ranked # 2 in overall employment growth and # 19 overall on Pittsburgh Business Times "Fastest Growing Retail Companies" lists ^[7]
• Ranked # 378 in Internet Retailer’s "Top 500 Guide" ^[8]

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

• [1] "Suppliers demand relationship-building buyers," Pittsburgh Business Times, April 24, 2006, Dec. 29, 2008
• [2] "Online retailer's gift business includes advice for overwhelmed," Pittsburgh Business Times, Dec. 11, 2006, Dec. 30, 2008

External links

• "Flag sales soar after election," Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, Nov. 7, 2008
• "Wedding retailer and host: A retailer must know what it needs before it walks down the aisle", Internet Retailer magazine, February 2008
• "Economic outlook for 2009: Online Stores looks to make acquisitions at fire-sale prices," Pittsburgh Business Times, Dec. 1, 2008