Firebox.com is an electronic commerce based in London, England that began life early in 1998 as hotbox.co.uk, an internet retailer founded by university friends Michael Acton Smith and Tom Boardman. Their inventory covers anything from house wares and books to gadgets and gizmos.

History

Two friends in college, Michael Acton Smith and Tom Boardman decided that they had a great idea for an original new drinking game – the Shot Glass Chess set. The idea prompted them to create a completely online company where people could purchase this and other obscure but “cool” products. The basic idea was to create a site where the culture and society could meet with original and niche products. They began in Cardiff, Wales as hotbox.co.uk, then in 1999 moved to London and relaunched as Firebox.com.

Michael Acton Smith is also the founder of Mind Candy makers of Perplex City, an Alternate Reality card game based on puzzles, a missing artifact and a fictional city.

Products

T-shirts

Gizmos

Gadgets

Home & Office

Computing

Electronics

Books

Exotic Edibles

Most of the products sold on Firebox.com are skewed towards people who are into obscure or abstract items that are unique and hard to come by otherwise. The site states: “We're very selective though - so only the most original, most exciting products get picked.”

US Site

Firebox.com recently launched a US site and is currently setting up a US based distribution center.

Rankings

eSuperbrands Rankings

Firebox reaches 13 on the Fastrack 100

TechTrack 100 ranks Firebox No. 47

Awards and Recognition

The Independent Recognizes Firebox.com as one of the best Online Tech and Gadget retailers

CIPR Excellence Awards 2007

Hitwise ranks Firebox No. 1 most-visited gift website October - December 2005

Egremont Group mentions Firebox.com amongst others for their Growth and Innovation in Retail

Anterior Insight highlights Michael Acton Smith as well as all his endeavors – including Firebox.com

DTI Ecommerce Awards 2004

Highly Commended - E-Trading Business of The Year

DTI Ecommerce Awards 2004

Highly Commended - Best Use of Broadband

Parcelforce Small Business Awards 2004

Finalist - Best Small Business

Orange Small is Beautiful Awards 2004

Finalist - Best Customer Service

Hitwise Competitive Inteligence (2003)

No. 1 Most Visited Gift Retailer (UK), December 2003

Revolution Awards 2002

Highly Commended - Best Online Retailer

Sunday Times E-League 2001

Top 100 European E-businesses

VISA Etail Awards 2000

Winner - Pain Free Shopping

External Links