Faire has been named Fast Company’s Most Innovative Retail Company for 2022, also earning the No. 26 spot for the World’s 50 Most Innovative Companies. This year’s list honors businesses that are making the biggest impact on their industries and culture as a whole—ultimately thriving in today’s ever-changing world. Faire tops the retail sector for “helping Main Street boutiques get back on their feet (and compete with Amazon) by offering them access to capital and tools to manage their inventory.”

Now serving a community of hundreds of thousands of independent retailers and brands across the world – Faire has become the largest global marketplace enabling the success of local, independent retailers. Through digital transformation and financial access, Faire is leveling the playing field for small business owners and revitalizing communities around the world. Over the last year, the platform introduced key products and services to power the future of local retail, including:

• Launched in 15 markets across the United Kingdom and Europe
• Introduced Open with Faire, a new inventory financing program
• Hosted Faire Fashion Week and built a preorder marketplace exclusively for apparel 
• Faire Markets went global, becoming the largest virtual trade show events

About the list

Fast Company’s editors and writers evaluated a record number of applications this year, across 52 categories. More than three dozen Fast Company editors, reporters, and contributors sought out the most significant innovations of the year in industry sectors across every region of the world. The results are the Top 50 and sector lists that appear as part of the package. Amid a volatile economic and public health climate, the companies honored this year are finding ways to innovate regardless of the headwinds. Fast Company’s World’s Most Innovative Companies franchise provides both a snapshot and a road map for the future of innovation across the most dynamic sectors of the economy.

“The world’s most innovative companies play an essential role in addressing the most pressing issues facing society, whether they’re fighting climate change by spurring decarbonization efforts, ameliorating the strain on supply chains, or helping us reconnect with one another over shared passions,” said Fast Company Deputy Editor David Lidsky.

About Fast Company

Fast Company is the only media brand fully dedicated to the vital intersection of business, innovation, and design, engaging the most influential leaders, companies, and thinkers on the future of business. Headquartered in New York City, Fast Company is published by Mansueto Ventures LLC, along with our sister publication Inc., and can be found online at www.fastcompany.com.