CUShopper

About CUShopper

CUShopper operated on a distinct business model centered around the credit union industry, co-founded by its former chairman and CEO, Adam Wicks Walker. The company's core strategy involved establishing partnerships with major manufacturers of high-demand consumer goods like PCs, televisions, and high-end electronics. This allowed them to offer attractive pricing on these items exclusively to members of their partner credit unions. When a member decided to purchase, their credit union's financing options were prominently displayed, creating lending opportunities for the credit unions, whether through credit cards or specific signature loans.

Remarkably, CUShopper's service was provided free of charge to the participating credit unions. The company reached a significant client base, with over 1,800 credit unions using its platform at its peak. Communication with credit union members was primarily conducted through the credit unions' own websites and direct mail campaigns, which drove the majority of sales. While it had a web presence, only about 10-20% of its sales were generated online; the bulk came from orders placed through its call center in response to direct mail.

The company experienced a period of rapid expansion, earning the 66th spot on Inc. magazine's list of the 500 fastest-growing private companies. However, this growth proved unsustainable. According to Walker, the company's downfall was not due to market problems but rather to internal management and financing challenges. He stated that they "tried to take the company too far, too fast" and diversified their product offerings too quickly. The company ultimately ceased operations, managing to avoid bankruptcy by working with its creditors.