Ripple Junction, an industry-leading creator of licensed pop culture apparel and accessories, plans to invest $150,000 in the Cincinnati region, with a planned plant expansion in West Chester, Ohio. The company will expand its current team to more than 110 employees.

Ripple Junction is making a substantial investment in its online sales platform with the goal of significantly growing its direct-to-consumer business. Along with the rapid growth the company is experiencing with its anime (Japanese animation) licenses, products for the hit Netflix show Cobra Kai have also helped the company achieve record sales.

“Ohio continues to be the place that fosters the advancement of our business due to its pro-business mindset and access to a talented workforce,” said Neil Hoynes, Ripple Junction Design Company founder. “Ripple Junction has grown significantly the past several years and we are excited to continue our upward trajectory with the help of organizations such as JobsOhio, REDI Cincinnati, and West Chester Township.”

Ripple Junction received assistance from a $100,000 JobsOhio Economic Development Grant, which will support the company’s hiring and growth initiatives.

“Consumers are increasingly moving their shopping online, which the pandemic has intensified, leading to a 44% increase in U.S. e-commerce sales in 2020,” said Brandon Simmons, REDI Cincinnati vice president of project management. “Ripple Junction is investing in its future with the creation of 16 new jobs, which will support the growth of its e-commerce platform. I’m grateful for our partnerships with West Chester Township and JobsOhio, which were crucial to bringing this project to realization.”

Ripple Junction sells its products to major retailers, such as Walmart, Target, TJMaxx, Urban Outfitters, and Hot Topic, along with many other national chains. It also has a rapidly growing E-commerce business, selling on Amazon, Walmart.com, and its own direct-to-consumer websites.

“West Chester Township’s diversity extends beyond its residential population to its business community with a wide array of corporate investors finding success here,” said Cathy Walton, West Chester Township Business Expansion and Retention Manager. “Ripple Junction is no exception with its great business success story.”

Ripple Junction ultimately chose to focus its hiring at its West Chester facility, as opposed to adding to its remote workforce, because of its confidence in the available talent in the region and the collaborative nature of the company’s work.