"I had in mind something like a 10 (or even 5) mile radius of exclusivity. It's just really difficult and a little sad to see the exact same 'boutique line' at almost every salon in a town of less than 50k."
The simple answer is that we don't for a couple of reasons.
First, because we don't have any buy-in or on-going purchase requirements, we have no idea when granting a wholesale account what the volume will be that is retailed through that outlet. Some wholesale accounts only want to buy and use and retail a few of our product, and we allow them to do that. We don't require any kind of guarantee, so any new wholesale account location might remain quite small, or become one of our biggest retailers. If we were to limit new wholesale accounts in a given geographic area, then we might also have to require the retailers with accounts there to buy more product than would be good for their business. We don't want to tell you what's good for your business. We want you to that and be able to have the freedom and autonomy to act accordingly.
Secondly, Salons and Barbershops should be worried about big retail outlets:Amazon, Sephora, Ulta Beauty etc.. They are the competition not the local salon down the street. The other salons in town are just trying to survive the Conglomerate gutting of small business profit like everyone else. The main reason people come to a small business is the business. For them to be able to offer a unique line that isn’t sold to literally Millions of people is a plus. If one of their guests is stopping by another “competitor” salon to pick up Cult and King then there is a challenge that is out of our hands and they should be asking why. Asking and recommending C+K and refills should take care of it unless they are switching salons. If they are switching then it is not because of us it’s because of the shop. We want to be a health and wellness company and share non-toxic hair care with everyone to make their business, stylist’s and guests healthier. We can’t be the ones that chooses who is worthy of that, we want everyone to have access. Because of of our business model even if the salon across the street has Cult and King your guests will support you. We are collaboration not competition brand.