Gugguu was a good move by the management. Forum members with families might already be familiar with the products, which are somewhat higher-end children’s clothes.
What makes Gugguu interesting is that the small company has generated a lot of positive buzz on online forums among parents; it’s currently “THE” brand. Even used Gugguu clothes sell for almost new prices. So, I’m keenly watching this. With branding, they need to remember to maintain that image and not jump on the bandwagon with cheap Chinese producers. Expanding the online store to, for example, Britain would be desirable, as there would be a market for quality children’s clothes there. The alternatives here are various levels of supermarket stuff, GAP, or very expensive creations from Maison or other specialty brands that target the top percentile of society. Polarn O. Pyret has already made it here, though there seem to be only a few brick-and-mortar stores.
Regarding Oscar, I’d say that the change in working practices caused by the coronavirus should benefit Oscar, and I’m following the situation with enthusiasm.
I personally don’t like Carrot’s staffing business model – the company is literally only as good as its employees. The danger here is that good employees will be noticed and won’t stay on Carrot’s books for long, leaving behind those who are perhaps not as effective.
I see a good future for Hygga – the large age cohorts are now mostly retired. Now would be the time, and most also have the means, to take care of their health. There have also been some mergers in the industry – is Hygga a potential target? Perhaps, but I would rather see Hygga grow its operations and internationalize.