We can’t even express how the comments above make us feel. It’s an odd feeling. On the one hand we couldn’t feel more grateful that we’re at a place where CVG is so loved. But on the other hand we lose sleep at night worrying about the disappointed people that miss out. We never want the words “CVG” and “disappointed” to be said together.
With the recent release of the Tropic Like It’s Hot collection it’s become noticeable by everyone that we’re struggling to keep up with demand. We read the comments, the emails, the live chats, the messages. We hear you. We want you to know that we’re sorry that we haven’t been able to do better in this area. The happiness of our community is always our top priority and we understand that selling out of a new release in under 30 minutes creates a lot of unhappy people. It’s unacceptable.
We’ve seen the writing on the wall, it’s not just this recent new release. Just in general, it’s been difficult to keep a lot of things in stock. Every time we add shorts back into stock they’re gone just as quickly. We promise, that’s not done on purpose!
However, as of today, we have started on a new path to correct our supply/demand issues (more on that below).
OUR CURRENT SITUATION
It’s no secret that we’re in the middle of a pandemic. As a small business this is challenging. Actually, even big businesses are struggling. The biggest business in the world (Amazon) can’t even get items out the door without 3+ weeks of wait time. We all understand because it’s not just businesses that have difficulties, every individual feels it in one way or another. Everything in the world has either slowed down or stopped all together.
In our scenario, we’re feeling it in a lot of places. But the one i’m sharing with you today is our challenge to find a new location. Finding warehouse space isn’t easy in a normal world. Sprinkle in a pandemic and things reach a new level of difficult. Wondering how this relates to selling out of shorts in less than 30 mins? This is how it relates….
We’re out of space. Actually, 8 months ago we were out of space. Today, it’s next level.
You may look at the photo above and think it’s our warehouse. That’s a reasonable thing to assume because it looks like a warehouse. However, this space is actually our office space, at least it was. Our actual warehouse looks similar to this except larger and with more boxes. Our offices are now gone to make extra space for inventory. Yes, we gave up our office space for inventory. We had 6 employees that worked in this room, desks, computers, conference table, meetings, samples, all that stuff. Just 2 months ago that’s what this space was.
But now, Craig’s desk is now in his basement, Ben is in his dinning room, Kelsea is in her living room, I (Mark) work out of my bedroom, the list goes on. Now this space has become space for inventory. We sell out in 30 mins because we simply can’t hold more.
To give you an idea of space, here’s what CVG’s space history looks like …
2014 – 100 SQFT bedroom in my home.
2015 – 500 SQFT space in my basement.
2016 – 650 SQFT space. (our first real location, yay!)
2017 – 1250 SQFT space.
2018 – 5000 SQFT space.
2019 – Adjust the 5000 SQFT space to make more space.
2020 – Move out offices, dedicated all 5000 SQFT to inventory.
Today – 😉🎉
A large portion of each day goes towards working with Josh (our warehouse manager) to help figure out a new way to fit 30, 40, or 70 more boxes into our building. Recently, we’ve even started a night shift to assist Josh with these challenges. We’ve made it this far, but to be honest, it’s all just band-aids. And after this last release, it’s obvious the band-aids aren’t holding.
WHAT WE’RE GOING TO DO ABOUT IT
We’ve been on the hunt for a larger space for over a year. After seeing the amount of disappointed people we have said enough is enough. Today we signed a lease for a 22,000 SQFT space! Move in date is set for August 1st. 🤞
This is a big step. Scratch that, huge step. As an entrepreneur and as a company that employees 15 people, any risk is scary. But it’s time. We’ve been pushed out of our comfort zone, but that’s where we thrive.
It’ll take some time to ramp up, realistically several months. But the plan is there. It won’t be a quick fix, but it’s coming. So hang in there. There will still be several months of things selling out faster than they should but we’re hoping to be much more prepared by the fall.
Thanks for hanging in there! Again, we apologize for the quick sell out. If you missed out on the shorts we will have a restock for you in a few months. We also still have some capri and full length left in this design.
Lastly, we just want to say thank you for all the support. We hear the positive messages too! 🙂
I’m so glad to hear all of this!! I’m assuming since a bigger space will be acquired, that past collections will be refilled as well? I’m so bummer that I can’t get galaxies ordered!
These things will take time but they’ll become more realistic in the new space!
I’d love more items in galaxy, too! Headbands, shorts… 🙂
Seriously. I love this post. It’s real. It’s honest. It’s the behind the scenes. You all had my loyalty before and you will always have it in the future, especially during rough times. This blog post is what makes me love this company. You do you. We will show up with our orders and never ending requests for more. ❤
YES YES YES, all of that 👏
I’m so torn. This is really really exciting news for you all. It means you’re successful and that’s what we all want, right? But at the same time, I feel it. The part where your successful launch of new product is like almost eclipsed because people are disappointed. I get that if you really want something and you can’t have it, it kind of sucks. Totally do. But during this time (and honestly all of the time) can’t we just all show a little grace? And kindness? So I’m disappointed but not because you sold out of product ( and I wanted the shorts too) but because you all do SO much and maybe right now you feel like you’re not doing enough? Hopefully that’s not the case. This is an amazing company and the work you’re all doing is wonderful. I don’t normally comment, but I felt like this needed to be said. Have a great day and congratulations on your new space!
Well said! I almost feel like CVG cares so much about its customers that its created a sense of entitlement. It upsets me that these poor people running a small business are so personally affected because people can’t get shorts in the middle of a pandemic and take it out on them. I hope that all of CVG takes a step back and realizes they are doing great.
Love hearing behind-the-scenes reality. And wow, that is some serious growth! Kudos to you all and thanks for all that you do and are preparing to do for us even when we don’t know it.
You guys truly care about the community. You’re all SO WONDERFUL! That’s definitely one of the reasons people keep coming back, mostly the amazing gear but we also feel heard and appreciated. You guys could sell a broken pencil and it would sell out in minutes cuz of how much we all love you. SO EXCITED for you! I’m looking forward to see you guys keep growing. <3
I love CVG and everything about it! I’m sorry to miss a release but I’m also so very grateful that you have impacted that people and you are able to sell out that quickly! I will be patiently waiting for restock! In the meantime stay safe CVG Family
You guys are amazing. Thank you. I’m a customer for life.
Growth is challenging and can be hard, on us all. You won me over as a customer, group member… almost a year ago. I won’t buy leggings from anywhere else. Patience goes a long way. I’m so thankful for everything you guys do. Keep it up! The best things take time 😊❤️
I can’t tell you how amazing I think you are. You don’t have to tell us anything but transparency is important to you. And I’m beyond impressed. I know when people complain it’s painful to read, it hurts me and I want to jump to defend you guys. But I also try to think it’s not coming from an angry “karen” place but more from a fomo place. Because your gear is so amazing. People just don’t want to miss out. Double edged sword I guess. Just know myself and many many others will be standing by waiting and not wavering. Hell, if I lived in Boston I’d offer to come help you guys pack and move. You’re the best. 💖
You all are amazing. I see selling out as a positive, you are in high demand because you are so loved😍😍😍 you all do great things in every aspect of your business….so great work guys you all deserve ahuge pat on the back!
I already posted on FB, but honestly ya’ll are THE BEST! Keeping yourselves safe (and sane) and let the pieces fall as they do. Anyone who has been with you for even a short amount of time knows what an amazing company you are and how much passion and love goes into everything you do. We appreciate you, we love you, and we are understanding of you!!!
I’m so excited and happy for you guys! I waited for different reasons on this release….. ok mainly because my husband was home and I forgot what day of the week it was 😂. I’m looking forward to the restock and the next set of fantastic and amazing workout gear!
I, too, work for a small company so I get it! I respect the hell out of you guys and this post takes that to a whole new level. Scary to take a big risk and sign that lease but us BL’s got you!! We’re going to open our wallets every single time you have a new offering because the products are THAT GREAT!!! Thank you and us loyal followers will work through this with you!
This group of people are honestly the hardest working, loving, caring people and to have that in a business?? A company that stands behind their customers 150%? What the hell more could anyone ask for!! Please don’t listen to the selfish and entitled, people demanding instant gratification. Those of us who know understand and stand behind you no matter what.. Like the poster said..look at how much you all do and what you put out into the world..CVG, Podcasts, TTSL, free workouts and giveaways not to mention the random gifts of kindness…just wow!! We are not only customers, we are an army of women who will always stand behind the hardworking,dedicated, AMAZING peeps at CVG. #CVGArmyStrong
You can’t build a body or a business without a little struggle. Thank you for explaining the sellouts. Keep the lines of communication open and your loyal customers will gladly be patient as you transition..
I found you guys just a few short months ago and immediately fell in love with the products, but then found the group, the support, the workouts, the family. As a business owner myself, we try to do the best we can with what we have but it doesn’t always work out for all and that sucks! But congrats to the success and growth!!! Sounds like y’all found a start to the problem! Love Y’all! ❤️
I will wait patiently for some shorts. I have to admit I was pretty damn stoked you guys sold out so quickly. Great product, great group. I am so excited to see your success!
So fucking happy that you guys are branching out into more space!! This company is the best one that I have ever found (and I’m not just saying that, I’m a die hard CVG fan) and I am more than happy to rock with you guys as you adjust to all of the changes that are currently taking place, and what will be coming in the future. Love you guys
I am so excited for you guys!! I am guessing the CVG army would gladly help with build out, set up and moving to your new space! I too work for a small business stepping into the big time so we are in the middle of a messy and painful office renovation and yard expansion so I totally get it.
I will remain a faithful & loyal CVG fan and customer… waiting (im)patiently for a restock of all the new short . 😁😁
THANK YOU guys for all that you do for all of us!! We LOVE YOU💚💚💚
aaannnddddd this is why I love CVG! You are real, authentic people. All of the feels! Sending a virtual, socially distant COVID- safe hug to you… the fact that our happiness is so important to you speaks volumes! Wishing you a smooth transition into the new space- stay safe!
So glad to hear y’all are finally able to move into a bigger space! That said, you and the team do SO much for us and I’m glad y’all are so successful that this is a good problem to have. Sure it sucks the shorts went fast, but they’ll be restocked and it’s not the end of the world.
You’re transparency and honesty is commendable. Thank you for sharing your journey and the struggles of managing a growing business. This is why so many women are loyal to your brand and your company. Many congratulations on your new space!
This was such a fantastic read and I so appreciate Mark keeping us up to speed on their history that has brought them to their lease of such a huge space. How amazing to take on that scary leap. I’m excited and proud to continue to support CVG, and I appreciate how much support they give my fitness journey with their products and programming. Here’s to staying CVG strong! We look forward to your future.
I LOVE this company! You guys are so real and down to earth and honest, with all you do. I get compliments every time I wear my CVG, and am always asked where I get it. Like some others, I’m hesitant to say (for purely selfish reasons close to new release dates 😂), but I ALWAYS tell whoever has asked where to find you guys! I am so excited for you all to have this new growth and expansion! I know it’s scary, but I also know you will not regret it!! Keep up ALL of your awesome and amazing things that you do!!! 😍😍😍
You guys are ALL AMAZING! Congrats on the new larger space we will be patiently waiting all the exciting new things to come( and some of the sold out).
You guys ROCK!!! That is all. ❤️❤️
Thank you so much for sharing. I’m so happy for the growth the company has had over the years. Wow❤️
You guys are the absolute best! The graceful way that your company handled the upset customers says it all. I tell everyone I know about your products! I wear them with pride because they are amazing, well made and comfortable as f***😁 CVG y’all are the bomb🤘💙
Yay!!! Congratulations on the new space!!! I’m so excited to see what the future holds for you guys. Thank you for being so awesome 🙂
I absolutely love this company and all that you guys do! Congrats on the new space!
I honestly didn’t understand what a small company you guys are… You’re my favorite shorts because of the top notch quality. Superb. Keep it up.
Love this company! You all are genuine and it shows!
Thanks Mark. Just about to check availability but will understand when I do or don’t find what I’m looking for. Love you guys!
Thanks Mark. Love your straight up honesty. These are all good problems to have especially now. Keep up the great work and support. ♥️ CVG
I’m a new BL, just a month in. But as a long time fitness teacher, gym owner and yoga teacher I have tried many options for fitness wear. But I have never seen the support that CVG provides in all aspects, ever. It is truly awe inspiring to see the changes that you encourage in women’s lives, the confidence and empowerment that these women have developed that stems from your business.. Not going to lie, I am even inspired to #wearthedamnshorts. And that’s a first. So thank you for your transparency and dedication. I am a convert, and am here to support along with all the other women you have touched.
Keep going ♥️
~HP
Congratulations! You are a fantastic company and this is an exciting step for you. (And if you ever need a set of extra hands, I’m local-ish 😉)
I’m SUPER excited for all of you (or “all y’all” as we say where I’m from)!!! I’m a CVG fan for life because you are REAL people who CARE about others. You do so much to help us get active, be healthy, and look amazing on our journeys! Thanks for sharing this good news with all of us! Here’s a virtual “cheers” from Texas! 🥂♥️
Congratulations! This is great news! I wasn’t able to get the shorts in the new pattern, but I was able to get capris. I know you guys restock…proof is that I was able to a pair of short previously sold out! This is a big step, but hang in there, it’ll be great for you guys!
Congrats on your amazing success and I’m so impressed with all you’re doing to get us our incredible gear! I wish you all the best as you continue to grow through these rotten times. I really appreciate you all!
If you’re ever interested in hiring a forecaster & demand planner, let me know!! I’m certified in forecasting and demand planning and have over 8 years experience. It could really help to match predicted demand with supply 🙂
We’re all about growth and change, amIright? How exciting for you!
This is great, congrats! And I see all of those boxes say dusty rose 🤣😂😄
Massive growth for a massive team! I love that you guys are thriving! I remember your last warehouse move, it doesn’t feel like that long ago! But, when you sell awesome shit, people will flood to it! Simple math really.
Thank you for being you, I agree with all the sentiments above. You’re just an amazeballs team through and through. You’ve changed so many lives through what was set up as an idea to “just some cool active wear”. Many of us live with the hope we might positively influence one…. well you guys are at hundreds and thousands of us! Xxx
P.S. I don’t want the shorts 😉 just ALL the capris thanks! Lol