Halfdays Secures $10 Million Series A Funding to Expand Women's Skiwear Offerings

What's Happening?

Halfdays, a women's skiwear brand founded in 2020, has successfully raised $10 million in a Series A funding round. The investment was led by Kellwood Company, with participation from Dick's Sporting Goods Ventures and model Taylor Hill. Halfdays was established by Ariana Ferwerda, Karelle Golda, and former Olympic skier Kiley McKinnon to address the gap in the women's skiwear market. The brand offers stylish yet functional skiwear at accessible prices, with jackets priced around $500 and snow pants at $300. The funding will be used to expand their product line to include more athletic gear for activities like hiking and indoor workouts, while maintaining a focus on products tailored to women's bodies. Halfdays plans to increase its presence in wholesale markets and open new retail locations, building on its existing partnerships with major retailers like Dick's Sporting Goods, REI, and Nordstrom.

Why It's Important?

The funding marks a significant milestone for Halfdays, enabling the brand to expand its offerings and reach a broader audience. This development is crucial as it highlights the growing demand for women's-specific sportswear that combines fashion with functionality. The investment will allow Halfdays to compete with established luxury brands that have recently entered the skiwear market, such as Chanel and Dior. By expanding its product line and retail presence, Halfdays aims to capture a larger share of the market, potentially increasing its revenue to $25 million by October 2026. The brand's focus on community engagement through ambassador programs also underscores the importance of building a loyal customer base in today's competitive retail environment.

What's Next?

Halfdays plans to use the new funding to expand its product offerings beyond skiwear, incorporating more athletic gear suitable for various activities. The brand is also looking to increase its retail footprint by opening new stores and expanding its presence in existing wholesale channels. As Halfdays navigates the challenges of tariffs and economic unpredictability, it will continue to adapt its production strategies, including shifting some manufacturing from China to Cambodia and Turkey. The brand's growth strategy includes maintaining a direct-to-consumer focus while expanding its community ambassador program to new markets such as Chicago, Nashville, and Austin.

Beyond the Headlines

The success of Halfdays reflects broader trends in the fashion industry, where there is increasing interest in niche markets and specialized products. The brand's ability to quickly adapt to changing market conditions and consumer preferences highlights the advantages of being a smaller, agile company. As larger brands struggle to move as swiftly, Halfdays' approach to product development and community engagement may serve as a model for other startups looking to carve out a niche in competitive industries.