New parents who are preparing for their first child typically face this universal crisis: having no idea what to buy and who to buy it from. Lalo is the modern baby and toddler brand that wants to fill this gap. Its mission is to help parents by streamlining the shopping experience through an intuitive online experience and straightforward information. Lalo’s first product, The Daily, is a stroller equipped to handle any situation; it includes accessories like an all-weather cover, car seat adaptor, and a parent organizer complete with a phone charger. The company’s direct-to-consumer model allows it to build direct relationships with its consumers and the company plans to use its customer data to provide unique offerings and service to make the life of parents easy as their families grow and evolve.
AlleyWatch had the pleasure to chat with cofounder and CEO Greg Davidson about the launch of Lalo, The Daily, and the company’s newly-opened showroom – The Lalo Loft in Soho.
Tell us about the product or service that Lalo offers.
Lalo is the modern baby and toddler brand built for today’s families. We streamline the shopping experience for baby by providing an intuitive online experience, straightforward information, and well-made essentials.
We’re excited to introduce our first product at launch – The Daily – a stroller built with function, convenience, and ease at its core. Everything you need—no extra decisions, costs, or stress. We also opened the Lalo Loft, which is our showroom in NYC where consumers can test out our products firsthand and place orders directly, as well as stop by for community events and one-on-one appointments with the Lalo team for any questions they may have around The Daily.
How is Lalo different?
Shopping for baby gear can be an overwhelming task for new and expecting parents. There are far too many options to choose from, unclear information on the products themselves (such as how they work and when you need them), and overcrowded stores with limited customer service resources. We’re helping solve those pain points families typically experience during this process by providing them with an easier way to shop.
We give families straightforward information on the products and accessories they’ll need and why, while also serving as a resource for them each step of the way as they grow their families. Our first product, The Daily, includes all of the features and accessories parents rely on upfront – from one-of-a-kind expandable storage, all-weather cover and car seat adapters to a parent organizer with phone charger, stroller clips and two machine washable liners. One click and you get it all.
When it comes to placing an order, we offer customers the option to ship their product right away or simply tell us their due date and we’ll suggest the proper ship date to make sure it is there when they need it, but not sitting in their house or apartment for months. Additionally, our knowledgeable customer team is available via video or text to answer any questions you may have – from what product you need to how to set up The Daily.
If anything changes in the first 100 days of purchase, customers can return their product with no questions asked. Lastly, each Lalo product is also covered by our Family Warranty, so you can get a tune-up and discount on additional products as your family grows.
What market does Lalo target and how big is it?
Lalo targets the $10B US baby gear industry. We believe that the experience of shopping for baby gear as it’s existed to-date no longer serves the needs of today’s families. The industry is wrought with lack of transparency and price-gouging. Our goal is to turn that experience on its head and provide a streamlined, intuitive shopping process.
What is the business model?
Lalo is direct-to-consumer. Because of this, we can form direct relationships with our customers. This allows us to gain helpful feedback and insights, so we can continue to develop great products at honest prices and improve customer experience. We are committed to being there for families every step of the way.
What inspired the start of Lalo?
After visiting close friends of mine who were expecting their first child, I was surprised by not only the number of baby products they had, but the lack of knowledge they had on each product, and the exorbitant amount of money they spent. With my cofounders Michael and Jane sharing similar experiences, the idea for Lalo emerged, and we set out to modernize the way parents shop. Michael, Jane and I created Lalo because we know parents have much more important things to worry about than shopping.
What have been the biggest challenge in launching this business?
The biggest challenge was finding the right manufacturing partner. We wanted to find someone who had done it before and we could trust as we grew our product line. We were lucky enough to find an incredible family-owned baby goods factory who have been around for over 70 years. Having that level of expertise on our team has been a major asset, and it will continue to be as we grow our product line.
What are the milestones that you plan to achieve within six months?
We’re planning to expand our product offering based on what we know families need most as their little ones reach each exciting milestones. We’re excited to launch our next product, which is already in the works. Lalo is on a mission to be the go-to destination for well-made baby and toddler essentials, providing today’s families with a better way to shop for baby.
What is the one piece of startup advice that you never got?
Building a great team is more about finding great people than it is about finding the right talent. Also, don’t be afraid to admit what you don’t know, because when you do, you’ll be surprised at how many people will be willing to help you along the way.
Building a great team is more about finding great people than it is about finding the right talent. Also, don’t be afraid to admit what you don’t know, because when you do, you’ll be surprised at how many people will be willing to help you along the way.
If you could be put in touch with anyone in the New York community who would it be and why?
Lorne Michaels – he created SNL 40+ years ago. It has managed to stay relevant today, has people waiting days in line just to see it in person each week, all while empowering tons of actors on the show to have their own careers. If Lalo can do those things, our company and employees will be in an incredible place!
Why did you launch in New York?
New York City is where the idea for Lalo was born. With the founding team based in New York City, and my co-founder Jane raising her family here, it only felt natural to launch our business in our hometown.
What’s your favorite restaurant in the city?
Uncle Boons.
