Acquisition Advantage: How Scandiborn Supercharged The Kid Collective with Laura Davies (episode 538)
Laura Davies is the Founder of The Kid Collective. A UK based toys and parenting business, with eCommerce stores on BluePark and Shopify. Founded in 2008 they now process over 10,000 orders a month.
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Dive in:
[04:21] Quick integration before peak season.
[09:27] Testing Shopify with Scandiborn.
[11:25] Tech replatforming: testing before launch.
[15:27] Warehouse expansion and consolidation plan.
[19:25] Learning to manage a growing team.
[20:13] Balancing strategy and tinkering.
[22:34] Listen to Laura’s Top Tips!
Strategic Acquisitions Can Accelerate Growth
Buying an existing brand can be a faster path to growth than building from scratch. Scandiborn had a loyal customer base, strong market presence, and established systems. This gave The Kid Collective instant access to a wider audience and increased buying power. Founders should look for acquisitions that align with their long-term vision. A well-chosen acquisition can help scale operations without the heavy lift of starting from zero.
A Strong Tech Stack Drives Efficiency
Technology plays a major role in running a seamless eCommerce business. Scandiborn was already using Shopify Plus, Klaviyo, and Gorgias. This made the transition smoother. It also allowed Laura’s team to test Shopify’s scalability before migrating their other brand. Having the right tools can simplify automation, marketing, and customer service. Businesses should invest in tech that enhances efficiency and improves the customer experience.
Operations Can Make or Break an Acquisition
Integrating operations is a major undertaking. Laura initially outsourced Scandiborn’s fulfillment but plans to bring it in-house. This highlights the importance of assessing your operational capacity and making strategic decisions about outsourcing or managing in-house. Efficient operations are key to reducing waste and ensuring sustainable practices.
Teamwork Drives Success
Merging teams after an acquisition requires thoughtful planning. Laura retained Scandiborn’s customer service team while hiring new staff for specific roles. Some positions were shared across brands, while others remained independent. Clear communication and aligned goals helped streamline collaboration. Owners must create a culture that blends experience, innovation, and shared purpose.
Growth Takes Time—Be Patient and Plan in Phases
Acquisitions involve significant work beyond the initial purchase. Laura emphasized the need for “housekeeping” on the platform and staging the integration. It’s important to have realistic expectations about the time and effort required. Planning and prioritizing are essential to avoid overwhelm and ensure a smooth transition towards a more sustainable business model.
eCommerce Book Top Tip
- The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene
eCommerce Traffic Top Tip
- Leverage partnerships, brand advocates, and influencers to expand your reach, build trust, and generate organic buzz.
Tool Top Tip
- Order Editing app on Shopify
Carbon Top Tip
- Be intentional about sustainability. Choose eco-friendly products, use recyclable packaging, and look for ways to reduce your carbon footprint.
Interview links
- Check out The Kid Collective and Scandiborn
- Listen to Laura talk about The Kid Collective on episode 433
- Laura on LinkedIn
Related Episodes
- Mastering the Art of Buying with James Barron, ex-ASOS (episode 475)
- Top Tips for eCommerce Growth in 2025 (episode 526)
- How Cooki Haircare Grew from 4 Sales a Day to $3M with Jaimee Vilela (episode 531)
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