Totsy

About Totsy

Totsy.com was a private, members-only flash sale website headquartered in New York, specializing in products for mothers, babies, and children. The company was founded in 2009 by Guillaume Gauthereau and Christophe Garnier. Gauthereau, who served as CEO, had a diverse background that included being a veterinarian and a CEO for a luxury company in Europe. Garnier was a seasoned technology entrepreneur with extensive experience in e-commerce and enterprise SaaS.

The business operated on a flash-sale model, offering designer-specific shopping events that lasted for 72 hours with discounts of up to 90% off retail prices. Its target market was expectant mothers and parents of children aged 0-7, providing a range of products including prenatal care items, baby gear, clothing, and toys. Membership was free but required an invitation, fostering a sense of exclusivity. The company's rise coincided with the economic recession, a period when manufacturers were more willing to offload excess inventory at steep discounts, creating a favorable environment for flash sale platforms. This model proved successful initially, and by November 2011, Totsy reported significant year-over-year growth and was named one of America's Most Promising Companies by Forbes. In January 2013, Totsy acquired the assets of Mamasource, another daily deal site for moms, which expanded its membership base to approximately five million.

Despite its early promise and raising significant capital, Totsy faced challenges as the economy improved. Brands became less inclined to offer products for deep discounts, which eroded the core value proposition of flash sale sites. This market shift, combined with other business pressures, led to the company ceasing operations in 2013 after burning through its funding and laying off its employees. Following the company's closure, co-founder Guillaume Gauthereau embarked on a personal journey, eventually becoming involved in mindfulness coaching and shamanic healing. Christophe Garnier continued his entrepreneurial career, later founding Upflex, a company focused on on-demand workspace solutions.