Bauble Stockings Shark Tank Update — Shark Tank Season 17
Bauble Stockings turn a simple Christmas ornament into a meaningful holiday tradition through hand-stitched craftsmanship, ethical production, and heartfelt storytelling.
When Kate Steward stepped onto the stage of “Shark Tank Season 17 Episode 7,” she brought with her a memorable Christmas tradition, pitching her brand, Bauble Stockings.
Bauble Stockings are personalized and hand-made mini stockings that carry a meaningful message for your loved ones. The big question is whether the Sharks are willing to give away the Flyers or if they will pass?
About Bauble Stockings
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Business Name | Bauble Stockings |
| Founder | Kate Steward |
| Industry | Christmas accessories |
| Product | Stockings for the final Christmas gift |
| Investment Asked | $250,000 for 15% equity |
| Deal Status | Deal secured with Barbara Corcoran |
| Deal Outcome | $250,000 for 20% equity |
| Valuation | $1.67 million |
Kate Steward graduated from Florida State University in 2008 with a degree in Public Relations. She commenced Bauble stockings as an ode to her childhood memories.
Consequently, when she got engaged, her fiancé asked her about Bauble Stocking. That’s when the idea of starting this old tradition struck her mind. Bauble Stockings hold a sentimental value, so families everywhere can create their own version of this heartwarming holiday finale.
Bauble Stockings are explicitly crafted and curated, ornament-sized stockings that carry a Christmas gift. Every stocking is hand-stitched with high-quality materials and manufactured through trade partnerships.
Good Threads Needlepoint is a B Corp-certified organization that makes these stockings. It employs artisans, ensuring sustainable practices. Also, Sarah Watson is a SCAD graduate and an illustrator who created the designs for these stockings.
At present, Bauble Stockings offers 108 products, ranging from a needlepoint stocking to themed collection gifts for Christmas. They sell both online and offline, and currently, they are present in more than 300 retail stores across the United States.
From signature designs, blank clue cards, to personalized needlepoint names, it offers everything related to Christmas. Let’s have a look at her pitch and how the Sharks reacted.
Bauble Stockings Shark Tank Pitch
Kate entered the Tank seeking $250,000 in exchange for a 15% stake in her brand, further valuing the company at $1.67 million. She presented the stocking memory to each Shark, including Kevin O’Leary, whom she gave a clue about the wine, especially, gifting a classic nutcracker to Daymond John.
Of course, her pitch was one of the most unique in Shark Tank history; however, the financials are what really matter.
The founder took the opportunity to explain her business in more detail. For instance, Kate has recently launched a book on her family tradition. Also, each Bauble Stocking costs $89.50 in retail, but the landing cost of each is $30.49.
Significantly, she claimed she generated $6.3 million in revenue from selling the stockings. She also gives credit to her pivotal strategy, due to which her brand is successful.
They are available at major retailers such as Neiman Marcus, Talbot’s, LoveShackFancy, and more. However, her team decided to go direct-to-consumer to check which sales channel is more profitable. Lori Greiner and Kevin were skeptical about the book because her signature product, the stocking, was a significant hit.
Regardless, she said she plans to sell the book along with a velvet stocking for $30. Most of the Sharks were unsure about the product.
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What Makes Bauble Stockings Unique?
There are a number of things that are unique about Bauble Stockings. Let’s look at some of those.
- A Thoughtful Twist on the Classic Christmas: These needlepoint ornament-sized stockings are not an alternative to the traditional Christmas stocking. Rather, they are meant to carry a final clue or last gift of Christmas morning, turning the gift into a sentimental value.
- 100% Hand-Stitched Craftsmanship: Unlike any other mass-manufactured Christmas product, these stockings display hours of artisan craftsmanship. Furthermore, they are heirloom-quality items that are particularly rare in today’s fast-consumption holiday market.
- Whimsical, Artisan Design Aesthetic: As mentioned above, the designs of Bauble Stockings are illustrated by Sarah Watson. Additionally, the brand regularly collaborates with guest artists, including Mary Engelbreit, Mallory Mathelson, and Tara Roma Gill. Hence, these collaborations bring freshness to the designs in the product.
- A Brand Built on Sentiment: Bauble Stockings are not just decorative items for your Christmas Eve; instead, they are moments. The brand has positioned itself as part of family emotional holiday tradition, which is one of the major reasons customers resonate strongly with it.
Did Bauble Stockings Get A Deal On Shark Tank?
Mr. Wonderful made a strong point by mentioning that books are the most crowded category in the world. He suggested to the founder that she should focus on her signature product rather than launching a book that was not relatable to the brand.
Daymond John bowed out of the deal negotiations, saying he does not want to bet on a risky venture at this time. Secondly, Daniel Lubetzky said he loved the presentation and the story behind the brand. He refused to offer a deal because he thought Kate had yet to do much thinking about the business.
As always, Kevin’s message was direct and clear. He did not want to invest because of the book, and also because the product did not excite him. Thus, he decided to stay out of the deal. Lori Greiner also bowed out of the negotiations as she did not feel that Kate needed a Shark at this point.
On the contrary, Barbara Corcoran was impressed by her flexibility and readiness to pivot when the time came. She offered her $250,000 in exchange for a 25% stake, but Kate countered with 20%. Hence, Kate secured the deal at $250K in exchange for a 20% equity stake.
Bauble Stockings Shark Tank Update
After the brand secured a deal with Barbara Corcoran, it got more traction and visibility. They are currently offering free shipping up to $10 if the order is placed anywhere in the United States.
Where Can You Buy It?
You can purchase Bauble Stockings’ signature products on their official website and in retail stores like Neiman Marcus. For any further details or updates, you can check their Instagram page.
Quick Summary
- Kate Steward entered the Tank with her brand Bauble Stocking, a reflection of her childhood. These were Christmas stockings to give to your loved ones on Christmas morning.
- Further, the product was hand-stitched by artisans, and the designs were illustrated by Sarah Watson and other guest artists.
- Four Sharks refused to offer a deal; nevertheless, she got a deal with Barbara Corcoran.
