I read that in 2019, Vuori's early investment was $45M. While I've never taken a cent from any investors, it got me wondering: what would I do with a $45M investment in Chomp?
Here's how I'd spend it:
Continue the cult: Chomp has a core group of loyal customers—some even have my work tattooed on them. I'd treat them like collectors. Private chat. Early access. They help shape what comes next.
Toys: One of my best-selling pieces ever was a skate rat figurine. I'd bring that back and expand into more toys. I already had three in the pipeline before I pulled the plug—it's just hard to find good sourcing.
Hard goods: Skateboards and surfboards would become a staple. While my core customer isn't always a shredder, I love these sports—and I love these products as a canvas.
Retail store: My town of Costa Mesa deserves a store that feels like a gallery—full of activations and eye candy. Limited drops, toys, and bizarre, unique art. A place people need to visit.
Hats, hats, hats: I'd double down on our best-selling category and expand hats for both men and women. (I'm already planning this—I just don't have $45M.)
There's no perfect reference for this vision—but imagine if Takashi Murakami and Paul Frank had a baby. Energetic. Unpredictable. Maximalist.