Firebox.com
 Firebox logo 2017 | |
 | |
Type of site | Online Retailer |
|---|---|
| Available in | English |
| Headquarters | London, England |
| Owners | Michael Smith and Tom Boardman |
| URL | https://www.firebox.com/ |
| Commercial | Yes |
| Launched | June 1998 |
| Current status | Online |
Firebox is an online retailer based in London, England, that was created in 1998 as hotbox.co.uk, an internet retailer founded by university friends Michael Acton Smith and Tom Boardman.[1] Their inventory covers many different products from homewares, lifestyle accessories, unique tech, and unusual alcohol gifts.
History
[edit]Two friends in college, Michael Acton Smith and Tom Boardman decided that they had a good idea for a 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 idea was to create a site where the public could meet with original and interesting products. They began in Cardiff, Wales as hotbox.co.uk, then in 1999 moved to London and relaunched as Firebox.com.[2]
Most of the products sold on Firebox are skewed towards people who are into obscure or abstract items that are unique and hard to come by otherwise.[3] The site states: "We're very selective though - so only the most original, most exciting products get picked".[4]