ÂInitially operating as an online-only retailer, Bylt now aims to grow beyond its digital roots by opening more brick-and-mortar locations and entering the wholesale market through a new partnership with Bloomingdale’s.
The apparel company says sales have grown at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 27% over the last four years; it declined to reveal the dollar amount of sales.
Bylt, founded in 2016 by Chief Executive Eric Mear, says it’s turning to physical retail to increase its market share in the U.S. and expand access to products for the consumer base it has built online. The goal is to reach 60 stores in the next five years.
The Irvine-based company opened its first physical locations in Newport Beach and Irvine in 2023 and currently operates 15 retail stores in the U.S. with plans to open seven more in 2026 and one in 2027.
The latest update to Bylt’s direct-to-consumer (D2C) model includes the company’s wholesale debut. In 2026, Bylt will enter wholesale channels for the first time, starting in select Bloomingdale’s stores, such as the locations at South Coast Plaza and Fashion Island.
The company said it’s “targeting” more partnerships as well.
“By making these strategic moves, Bylt is positioned for growth beyond its D2C roots into a major omni-channel brand,” Chief Marketing Officer Davide Mattucci said in a statement.
The essentials brand also increased its international distribution in countries such as Canada and Australia.
“We’re looking to optimize the efficiency of D2C with the in-person shopping experiences at owned retail and select wholesale to build an enduring brand that resonates emotionally with consumers,” Mattucci added.
Bylt counts 121 employees in Orange County with 245 people companywide, according to Business Journal research.
New Faces
Bylt said it has added a slate of product, marketing, finance and sales executives in the last few years who will help lead the new growth initiatives.
Their team includes Jared Koenig, a former Oakley executive and recent vice president of operations at Bylt, who was promoted in 2023 to chief operating officer and president.
Chris Taylor, who previously worked at Boardriders, was named the new chief financial officer last June.
CMO Mattucci joined Bylt last year after working at retail companies such as Adidas, Under Armour, Brixton and Columbia Sportswear. Joe Trachta, another former Oakley and Under Armour employee with additional experience at Huntington Beach’s TravisMathew and Fanatics Inc., was named senior vice president of product last July.
These executives are meant to “elevate product innovation and merchandising depth, build brand equity and awareness at scale, strengthen financial infrastructure for multi-channel growth and develop new revenue streams across retail and wholesale,” according to Bylt.
“Together, these leaders bring deep experience in building omni-channel brands and scaling consumer businesses, ensuring Bylt is structured for sustainable growth over the next decade,” the company said in a statement.
