Illinois
Independent sellers
15,000
Average annual sales
$250,000
Items sold
131 million
Using Amazon data and logistics, Rolling Meadows’ Desert Cactus on the way to $20 million in sales
Rolling Meadows, IL
Desert Cactus
Illinois-based Desert Cactus sells goods for fans, having inked licensing deals with the NHL, NBA, WNBA and dozens and dozens of colleges (large and small) across the country to sell swag. Among the 30,000 products they offer on Amazon are flags, lanyards, coasters, key chains and luggage tags. Today, the company sells a majority of their products on Amazon and, this year, will clear north of $20 million in sales using Amazon data and logistics to support their business.
130-year-old Chicago company finds new customers just in time
Chicago, IL
Carstens
When the Affordable Care Act mandated that all hospitals go electronic with their records, the owner of the Chicago-based clipboard and binder company Carstens knew they had to find a way to breathe new life into the business and get sales coming in from another direction. They turned to Amazon as a sales channel.
“We really didn’t know what we were doing, but we just thought, ‘Okay, we’re going to give this a try,’” said CEO Barbara Vanderkloot. “And now we’re doing over $1 million worth of sales on Amazon.”
“We really didn’t know what we were doing, but we just thought, ‘Okay, we’re going to give this a try,’” said CEO Barbara Vanderkloot. “And now we’re doing over $1 million worth of sales on Amazon.”
Mojo Spa brings all-natural beauty to Chicago’s Wicker Park
Chicago, IL
Mojo Spa
In 2003, Mojo Spa founder Amanda Kezios developed high-quality natural skincare products that were fun, but also conveyed a positive message. Since opening its doors two decades ago, her shop has become a gem of Chicago’s trendy Wicker Park neighborhood.
When the pandemic hit, Kezios turned to sales on Amazon to help cover rent, utilities and other expenses. Her company realized meaningful growth at a time when so many other small businesses were struggling to stay afloat.
“Amazon allowed us to grow as a company at probably one of the worst economic times we’ve ever had,” she said.
When the pandemic hit, Kezios turned to sales on Amazon to help cover rent, utilities and other expenses. Her company realized meaningful growth at a time when so many other small businesses were struggling to stay afloat.
“Amazon allowed us to grow as a company at probably one of the worst economic times we’ve ever had,” she said.
Illinois entrepreneur brings African superfoods to gluten-free products
Chicago, IL
Iya Foods
What began as a startup in 2015, with a small team selling Nigerian-influenced sauces and spices, Iya Foods Founder & CEO Toyin Kolawole quickly saw the potential in selling their products online in the Amazon store.
Since then, Iya Foods has grown fast. The brand has diversified into a full line of gluten-free foods including sauces, baking mixes and baked goods. Kolawole attributes much of that growth to achieving brand exposure and finding a following through online sales.
“Amazon provided us with the most cost-effective, fastest way to get on ‘virtual’ shelves,” said Kolawole.
Since then, Iya Foods has grown fast. The brand has diversified into a full line of gluten-free foods including sauces, baking mixes and baked goods. Kolawole attributes much of that growth to achieving brand exposure and finding a following through online sales.
“Amazon provided us with the most cost-effective, fastest way to get on ‘virtual’ shelves,” said Kolawole.