The Most Trusted U.S. Vegan Retailer Becomes the Biggest On-Line Retailer
Vancouver, BC, April 15, 2021 — Breaking News as revealed on the Plantbased Business Hour Clubhouse: In a monumental move to grow the vegan retail environment, Vejii Holdings, Inc., which operates ShopVejii.com, a leading North American online vegan marketplace, today announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Vegan Essentials, which operates VeganEssentials.com, one of the largest and most established vegan marketplaces in the US.
With swift dedication to building a vegan on-line retailer eco-system that gives accessibility to all geographies across the U.S. and Canada, it is hard to believe that Vejii launched on the market only four months ago. Vejii launched in Canada last week and currently offers over 3000 SKUs of often hard to find brands. Now Vejii is set to acquire one of the most trusted names in vegan retailing to establish an undeniable presence and reach in the on-line marketplace.
Kory Zelikson, Vejii CEO, stated, “We believe that Vejji’s acquisition of Vegan Essentials, announced today, provides an established asset to accelerate growth within the growing plant-based market and will solidify Vejii as the market leader for online plant-based sales within the US. Vegan Essentials joins the Vejii family with a loyal customer base, established supplier relationships, and distribution channels that will not only enhance Vejii’s ability to continue scaling in the US, but also help grow Vegan Essentials’ reach with Vejii’s enhanced tech stack, and marketing experience.
“Vejii will leverage over 20 years of consumer insight and data from VeganEssentials.com, as the online grocery market has the potential to exceed traditional retail shopping over the long-term and will help fuel our growth for years to come.”
Ryan Wilson and Mary Ernster, Co-Founders of Vegan Essentials, said “Vejii’s acquisition of Vegan Essentials is not only a significant milestone for the company, but for the plant-based market as a whole. With this acquisition, we believe Vejii is poised to leverage the rapid growth of the plant-based online retail market, driven by consumer demand, access to new products, and the largest selection of plant-based products in one place.”
Vejii’s management team brings extensive experience in the leading and scaling of online platforms. Following the successful completion of the Proposed Transaction, the Vegan Essentials management team will continue to support the transition, driving consolidated distribution and day-to-day operations.
Darren Gill, Vejii President, commented, “Today marks a milestone moment as Vejii will become the online vegan marketplace with the largest reach between our two brands. Our acquisition of Vegan Essentials will provide a strong platform for the future introduction of vendors and marketing on both ShopVejii.com and VeganEssentials.com, all while leveraging our team, distribution, marketing channels and brand ambassador partnerships, as well as vast consumer insights that have been built through Vegan Essentials leadership position in the US. Based on consumption habits we have seen in the US, we believe that over time US plant-based products sales could grow to in excess of a US$20 billion total addressable market opportunity.”
In addition to the above exciting news, Vejii begins a raise of C$10,000,000 Brokered Private Placement and Appointment of Eight Capital as lead agent, to undertake a syndicated brokered private placement (the “Financing”) of special warrants of the Company (“Special Warrants“) and subscription receipts of the Company (“Subscription Receipts” and, together with the Special Warrants, the “Offered Securities“), for aggregate gross proceeds of $10,000,000.
About Vejii Holdings Inc.
Headquartered in Kelowna B.C. and operating its online marketplace ShopVejii.com in the US, through its wholly-owned subsidiary Vejii Inc., Vejii Holdings Ltd. is focused on providing its customers with easy access to thousands of vegan and plant-based products in one place. Vejii leverages technology integrations like smart lists, reorders features, subscription programs, AI, and is always looking for new and innovative ways to enhance the customer experience.
About Vegan Essentials
Vegan Essentials has been owned and operated since 1997 and is the longest-operating cruelty-free retailer in the US. Vegan Essentials offers unparalleled customer service and the highest quality animal-free and cruelty-free products, all in one location. Vegan Essentials has established long-term relationships with the industries most innovative brands, and continues to expand its offering of high-quality vegan products across the US.
