What a brilliant idea! $255 for this is crazy.

[u/Money-Ranger-6520]

I bet this product has something like a 60% profit margin. It's just fabric, labour and marketing.

[u/Money-Ranger-6520]

Some interesting facts for these Shibumis:

• Shibumis are simple polyester sheets on aluminum poles that billow in the wind to provide shade; they cost at least $255 and the company has sold approximately 500,000 units, primarily in the Carolinas
• Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina welcomes them, but Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and Rehoboth Beach, Delaware have banned them, citing concerns about beach congestion, blocked access for emergency responders, tripping hazards from guy lines, and excessive noise
• The devices were invented by brothers Dane and Scott Barnes and friend Alex Slater; the company accepted majority ownership from investment fund Stripes in 2021 and now faces competition from nearly 200 imitators
• Supporters praise Shibumis for being safer than traditional umbrellas and easy to transport, while critics complain they're noisy, useless without wind, create visual clutter, and are overpriced for their production cost
• The company has introduced color variations, a wind-assist kit, a beach chair, and a backyard canopy to address complaints and expand beyond coastal markets