Specialty E-Commerce Soars, But for How Long?

Big funding rounds in e-commerce have once again raised the profile of tech’s most finicky sector, one that has recently seen major stumbles (Fab, ShoeDazzle) and an apparent turnaround (Gilt Groupe).

But with companies like Blue Apron and Birchbox now creeping into half-billion dollar valuations, there are still questions about how these businesses can meet their newly raised expectations, while keeping marketing and customer acquisition costs down.