Four years ago today, Po Campo dropped off its first bags at a handful of Chicago stores. It felt like a huge achievement to get to that point, but that was only the beginning.
2009 – Here we go!
On July 9, 2009, we dropped our first bags off at our first customer, Roscoe Village Bikes. We still had our full-time jobs, so this was a quick drop-off over lunch break. Nothing makes you feel like you’re “in business” like having product for sale in a real store!
Po Campo Co-Founder Emily with first shipment 
2010 – Gaining Momentum
Just one year later, we started exporting our stylish bicycle bags to the Netherlands, Germany and Japan, where we were soon to be spotted in the iconic department store Tokyo Hands. We’re featured in The New York Times and Susan Sarandon buys a bag.
Drumming up business at our first trade show
Our first international shipment to Japan
2011 – Speed Bumps
Screech! The bags aren’t selling as well in stores as hoped and a whole bunch of orders are cancelled. My founding partner decides to call it quits and I hunker down to figure out how to right Po Campo’s course. The year ends on a strong (well, encouraging) note and I finally decide to take the plunge and quite my job.
Off-camera, holding the bike in place for our first lifestyle photo shoot.
Strike-off for one of our first custom prints, “Fanfare”
2012 – The Learning Year
Lots of changes this year, from establishing our first warehouse to hiring our first employees to experimenting with new product types. I call it my “learning year” because of all the lessons associated with taking on so many new things. Good lessons for a strong future!
Building our first warehouse
2013 – Making a Difference
Okay, this year is only half over, but I can already tell it’ll be the best year yet. From spotting Po Campo bags almost daily in Chicago, to being invited to participate in Wilco’s Solid Sound music festival, to partnering with World Bicycle Relief to equip girls in Africa with bikes, I feel like we’re finally starting to catch our stride.
Our “Cycle in Style” stand at Wilco’s Solid Sound music festival
Looking back, I am grateful for all our loyal customers who have stuck with us through these ups and downs; we never ever EVER would’ve gotten this far without you! Thank you!
As a birthday present to us (and you), we are introducing our bestselling Six Corners Handlebar Bag in Jelly Bean Wave. Very limited quantity available so don’t delay if it catches your eye!
