Startup Trends: 5 retail companies positioned for holiday-fueled growth
Retail companies continue to prove their resilience for the holidays. The latest data from the National Retail Federation confirms 2025 could be a banner season. The NRF forecasts that U.S. sales in November and December this year could amount to just over $1 trillion — and it will be the first time exceeding the trillion-dollar threshold for this period.1
What’s more, it is estimated that 202.9 million shoppers hit the stores during the five-day stretch between Thanksgiving and Cyber Monday this year, a jump from 197 million the same period last year.2
The confluence of record-setting holiday spending, expanding digital and brick-and-mortar commerce and rising consumer engagement has helped elevate brand awareness for many fast-growing direct-to-consumer and lifestyle companies. As shoppers increasingly discover and purchase from emerging brands online and in person, those who are able to reach their loyal followers with quality products are positioned to capture outsized gains during the holiday surge — and to carry that momentum into the new year.
Against that backdrop, here are five private retail companies listed on Forge that are likely to benefit.
Fanatics, a global digital sports platform
Jacksonville, Florida-based Fanatics is a global digital sports platform for purchasing team apparel, jerseys, headwear and hardgoods. The company operates multi-channel commerce for the world’s biggest sports brands. Its merchandise can be accessed online, mobile, in stadiums and onsite at sporting events.
The firm has experienced explosive growth with nearly $8.1 billion in revenue in 2024, 15% above the prior year. The firm equates 77% of last year’s revenue to its flagship sports merchandise, with the remaining revenue coming from its newly launched collectibles and betting & gaming business. Since 2021, Fanatics has raised nearly $3 billion in equity, which the company has put towards growing its headcount and acquiring other companies in the athletic space.3 Earlier this month, Fanatics launched a prediction market platform that allows users to intuitively place bets and profit on sporting events, elections, the Oscars and other cultural moments, according to the company.4
Founded in 1995, Fanatics’ Forge Price™ is $42.00 as of December 3, 2025, implying a valuation of $17.09 billion. Its key investors include SoftBank, Franklin Templeton, Andreesen Horowitz and Bank of America.
Skims, a women’s apparel brand
Retailer Skims has built a strong direct-to-consumer business selling shapewear, intimates and loungewear. Founded in 2018 by reality star Kim Kardashian and entrepreneurs Emma Grede and Jens Grede, Skims can be naturally aligned with holiday gifting, self-care and fashion renewals
There is no doubt that the company is focused on growth. In November, Skims raised $225 million in a round led by Goldman Sachs Alternatives — one of the largest raises for a private clothing retailer in the U.S. this year.5 That same month, Skims launched its partnership with Nike, dubbed “NikeSKIMS,” to cross-promote a line of shapewear and sportswear for women — increasing its brand awareness through Nike’s iconic brand awareness.6
Skims’ latest price per share was $345.90 as of its Series C funding round in July of 2025, which placed the company’s post-money valuation at $4 billion. Based in Culver City, California, Skim’s investors include Wellington Management, Thrive Capital, Alliance Consumer Growth and D1 Capital Partners.
Mammoth Brands, a growing self-care brand
New York City-based Mammoth Brands is a likely company to benefit from consumers who seek to provide gifts in the category of self-care for men and women. The consumer-packaged goods company offers personal products under brands such as Harry’s grooming essentials for men, Flamingo’s hair care products for women, Lume’s body care items and Mando’s body deodorant.
Founded in 2013, the company originally was founded under the Harry’s shave brand for men. Since then, it has evolved to Mammoth Brands and acquired multiple companies with similar offerings.7 In October, Mammoth Brands announced it was acquiring the baby care retailer Coterie in a deal that some value as high as $1 billion — further signaling Mammoth’s focus on expanding its product offering and its consumer base.8 The firm confidentially filed for an IPO last year under the Harry’s name, but a date to go public has yet to be announced.9
Mammoth’s price per share is $18.26 as of its Series F funding round in November of 2025, putting its post-money valuation at $2.36 billion. The personal care retailer’s investors include Bain Capital and Macquarie Capital.
Vuori, California-inspired activewear
San Diego, California-based Vuori makes and sells premium performance apparel inspired by the active Coastal California lifestyle. The company integrates fitness, surf, sport and art in its apparel. The company is positioned to capture the demand of those gifting workout gear and clothing, as well as those seeking these wardrobe options to aid in health-focused New Year’s resolutions.
Founded in 2013, Vuori owns both a digital commerce site and brick-and-mortar stores. The firm is actively seeking expansion and is reportedly targeting the opening of 100 stores by 2026 in the U.S. and internationally. The company has also localized online shopping platforms in 11 new countries this year in European and Japanese markets.10
Vuori’s price per share is $6.39 as of its latest Series B funding round in August of 2019, putting its post-money valuation at $213.97 million. The clothing retailer’s notable investors include Norwest Venture Partners and Softbank Group.
Bombas, a retailer with a charitable purpose
Bombas is a clothing retailer that provides holiday shoppers the opportunity to give twice. Bombas operates a digital platform selling quality, comfortable apparel, such as its flagship patterned socks, t-shirts, and underwear. According to the company, for every piece of clothing purchased, a clothing item of the same kind is provided to those experiencing homelessness.11
Founded in 2013, Bombas gained notoriety a year later when its co-founders, Randy Goldberg and David Heath, showcased the company on national television via Shark Tank’s sixth season. It was then that investor Daymond John offered $200,000 for a 17.5% equity stake.12 Over the last twelve years, Bombas’ products have been placed in big box retailers like Nordstrom, Dick’s and Target. The company is now reportedly opening its own retail stores, with its most recent one located near its headquarters in New York City.13
Bombas’ latest reported fundraise for $150 million was in March of 2021 and led by Third Point Ventures. Other investors of the firm include Broadlight Capital, Irving Investors and Vanterra Capital.14
