Entrepreneurs looking to enter the market have an opportunity to re-write the rules. This means focusing on the end consumer — marketing and delivering direct to her. It also means creating better beverages and new spaces/contexts for drinking. Today’s customer wants something that’s enjoyable, conscionable, and just a bit healthier.

While New Retail claims to give customer data, the scale is nearly not as compelling as traditional retail. Product feedback is good, but there is a selection bias. The SoHo crowd cannot make a brand succeed, but they may give one its start. Middle America is where D2C brands have to go to grow (that is, if they want to be big). New Retail does not... See more