Once a quarter, we spotlight a brand achieving success at retail. This quarter, we’re excited to feature AirHood, the world’s first portable kitchen air cleaner. Launched on Kickstarter and Indiegogo in 2022, AirHood has sold thousands of units globally and continues to redefine how consumers think about indoor air quality.
We sat down with Markus Buck, Director of Smart Product Concepts, to talk about AirHood’s product innovation, their path to retail, and what it takes to build a successful consumer product brand.
What Is AirHood and How Did the Idea Come to Life?
According to Markus, AirHood is the first truly portable kitchen air cleaner—a compact, beautifully designed device that helps reduce cooking fumes, grease buildup, and unwanted odors.
Traditional range hoods often fall short due to poor performance, challenging maintenance, high costs, and unattractive design. AirHood solves those pain points by offering:
- A versatile, easy-to-place portable design
- Low-maintenance filters and simple cleaning
- Effective reduction of cooking fumes and grease right at the source
- A sleek aesthetic that fits any modern kitchen
Markus credits Smart Product Concepts’ success to a highly creative internal team and strong partnerships with innovators, startups, and global brands. With in-house product development, manufacturing, and distribution, the company delivers end-to-end solutions as a true one-stop shop.
“The foundation of a successful company is its team,” Markus explains. “Our team’s dedication, collaborative spirit, and know-how keep us moving forward every day.”
Overcoming the Fear of Retail: When Is the Right Time to Launch?
Many product startups worry about expanding sales beyond Amazon or their DTC website—and Markus understands why.
Entering retail introduces challenges such as:
- Tough retailer contract terms
- Return policies and payment timelines
- Long production lead times
- The need for strong product validation
For Markus, success in retail starts with proven performance online.
“The timing is right once your sell-through on your own channels is stable,” he says. “You need operational readiness and the ability to manage channel complexity—pricing, reps, promotions, and inventory—without losing momentum.”
He adds that working with experts like Retailbound helps brands avoid costly mistakes, build the right strategy, and secure partnerships that align with long-term goals.
Common Traps Consumer Product Startups Should Avoid
Markus stresses that getting on the shelf doesn’t guarantee sales.
To succeed in retail:
- Brands and retailers must partner closely to drive awareness
- Product exposure requires coordinated marketing and promotional programs
- Startups should be selective and avoid chasing every opportunity
- Retail strategy should focus on long-term partnerships—not quick wins
“Be strategic. Choose retailers who show commitment, excitement, and support for building the category with you.”
What’s Next for AirHood?
AirHood isn’t just a product—it’s the beginning of an entirely new category of portable kitchen air cleaning.
Markus and his team are excited about:
- Growing global demand
- Developing new models with enhanced technology
- Continuing to disrupt a stagnant market
- Creating more innovative solutions for healthier indoor cooking environments
“As the original category creator, we’re paving the way for future products that meet real customer needs.”
How Smart Product Concepts Built a Global Team—and Why They Partnered with Retailbound
Expanding globally requires strong local expertise, especially in the U.S. market, which Markus describes as complex and highly competitive.
Key challenges include:
- Logistics and compliance
- Tax considerations
- Channel management
- Maintaining communication across all partners
For Smart Product Concepts, working with Retailbound helped them navigate the retail landscape with confidence.
“Retailbound was recommended to us, and they have been an excellent partner. Their insight, transparency, and guidance helped us build and manage our retail strategy in North America.”
Advice for Product Entrepreneurs Entering Retail
Markus leaves fellow founders with two powerful takeaways:
1. Be selective and stick to your strategy.
Rushing into every opportunity can overwhelm your team and stretch resources too thin. Long-term success comes from focused, disciplined growth.
2. Communicate openly.
Honesty with partners, team members, and yourself fosters trust and stronger decision-making. Asking for advice early shows maturity and respect.
“We believe in open communication and are fortunate to have partners who share that mindset.”
Ready to Launch Your Product in Retail?
If you’re considering retail for your product brand, our team at Retailbound can help. Since 2008, we’ve helped countless startups and established brands launch, grow, and scale their retail presence across 150+ retailers in the U.S. and Canada.
Contact us today to learn how we can support your retail journey.
About the Author
Yohan Jacob, President and Founder of Retailbound, leads a comprehensive retail channel management consultancy that helps brands scale their products in both the U.S. and Canada. Retailbound specializes in retail strategy development, buyer engagement, sales management, and channel marketing support for brands of all sizes. Whether you’re a startup or an established manufacturer, Retailbound provides expert guidance to grow your retail footprint and drive consistent sales.
