"Every new product is a milestone and always a reason to celebrate," NIKIN founder Robin beams when I ask him about highlights. Indeed, we now regularly launch new products. We're proud of them, because a lot of work and experimentation goes into the sustainable designs. But what did things look like five years ago? What was considered a milestone back then?
[ product-handles list="treebottle-glass-allover-pines, treesocks-standard-single, folded-polylana-r-ripped1, treesweater-basic-unisex, treeglasses-round"]
NIKIN's first warehouse and the founding of the GmbH
It all began in 2017 with Nicholas and Robin, who founded NIKIN. The first major milestone was the first small warehouse in Seengen. The first full-time employees were hired as early as 2018. Overall, 2018 was packed with milestones: NIKIN became more professional with the founding of a limited liability company (GmbH) at the beginning of the year. We also changed the NIKIN logo. Furthermore, in the same year, we were able to visit our tree-planting partner, One Tree Planted, in Canada for the first time. "A personal highlight for me," Robin notes. "Another special moment was the first time we saw someone we didn't know on the street wearing NIKIN," Nicholas adds.
NIKIN founders Nicholas (left) and Robin (right).
Always more sustainability
The product team sees another milestone in 2018 in the change of TreeCap manufacturer: "Most of these manufacturers come from China. After a long search, we found someone in Europe!" NIKIN also launched Green Friday that same year. The counterpart to Black Friday was a huge hit and is now an integral part of the annual calendar. "Back then, we consciously decided against discount wars and opted for sustainability," explains the sales team. Learn more about Green Friday in the video:
Appreciation for the team and from the scene
In 2019, team events were very popular at NIKIN – and they still are today. Although perhaps not a classic milestone, we all agree that they are among the major highlights. Founder Nicholas agrees: "Our team events always give me a sense of pride." Another milestone in NIKIN's third year is the nomination for the Swiss Economics Award .
The millionth tree and off to the home office
In 2020, the time finally came. NIKIN sold its millionth product and planted its millionth tree! A milestone for the entire team. Marketing Director Luca is already poised to break the 1.5 million mark and says, "Maybe we'll even make it this year." The coronavirus pandemic, of course, had a particularly significant impact on 2020. NIKIN also had to work from home from one day to the next. However, HR Manager Swen sees a positive highlight in the rather negative situation of that time: "It worked really well for us. The team spirit was also fantastic."
Masks thanks to the community
We owe another milestone to our community. Back in 2020, they informed us of their desire for NIKIN masks. Initially, we didn't want to offer them because we don't want to profit from a crisis. After careful consideration and numerous customer inquiries, we decided to offer community masks at cost price this year. We still planted one tree for each product.
Looking to the future
In addition to the masks, the new website is also a major milestone this year. There was another funny highlight in the spring: "I thought our April Fool's Day prank was great. It was a really good day at work," grins Patrick from Purchasing. You can find the video here .
And what does the future hold? Founder Nicholas looks forward to further milestones: "We will plant even more trees and grow as a team and company. Sustainability also remains a top priority." Thanks to innovations and new materials, this is an area where we can continue to develop, adds Robin. And what else? "We can't reveal everything yet. But one thing is clear: it will be another great five years."
