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Intro

Scaling New Products Through Scan-Based Trading

The Story

How Fintech Helped Topaz Distribution

Overview

Launching new physical products in a changing media landscape carries inherent risk. Retailers are often hesitant to commit to inventory when sell-through is uncertain, particularly in categories facing long-term shifts toward digital consumption.

To reduce that risk and accelerate market entry, Topaz Distribution partnered with Fintech, using scan-based trading (SBT) to introduce and scale its products with retail partners in a controlled, data-driven way.

The Challenge

Topaz carried licensed DC Comics products with strong brand recognition, but physical print media continues to face declining demand as more consumers shift to digital formats.

Key challenges included:

  • Retailer inventory risk
    Under traditional buy/sell models, retailers absorb losses from unsold inventory, limiting willingness to test new programs.
  • Uncertain sell-through for physical media
    Even with a recognized brand, performance varies by store and market, making broad rollout difficult.
  • Slower expansion through traditional channels
    Onboarding new retailers and expanding store counts required more time and upfront commitment than the category could support.

Topaz needed a way to prove performance without asking retailers to carry unnecessary risk.

The Solution

Topaz partnered with Fintech to launch and scale its product offerings through scan-based trading, using SBT as both a risk mitigation tool for retailers and a growth framework for the supplier.

What the Solution Included

SBT Enabled Market Entry
Scan based trading allowed retailers to test Topaz products without assuming inventory risk, increasing openness to program adoption.

Access to an Established Retail Network
Through Fintech’s network and relationships, Topaz gained exposure to a broader set of retail partners across the U.S. and Canada.

Streamlined Onboarding and Execution
Fintech’s SBT infrastructure supported faster setup, cleaner execution, and consistent program management across new retailers.

Scalable Growth Model
With performance data and operational consistency, Topaz expanded its store count and geographic footprint while maintaining efficiency and profitability.

Results

The SBT program delivered rapid and sustained growth following launch in April 2025:

  • Expanded from one retail partner to 18 retailers in under a year
  • Grew from 790 U.S. stores to 5,190 locations across the U.S. and Canada
  • Achieved 2,013% quarter-over-quarter growth in Q3 2025 following the Q2 launch

The partnership enabled Topaz to scale distribution, enter new markets, and build retailer confidence far faster than traditional retail models would allow.

Why Fintech

Fintech helps suppliers introduce and expand products by removing friction at the point of retailer adoption. Through scan-based trading, validated data, and scalable infrastructure, Fintech supports growth without forcing retailers to take on unnecessary risk.

About the Client

Topaz specializes in the efficient and reliable distribution of DVDs and comic books to retailers, collectors, and fans across North America