True – Marketplaces offer unmatched scale, built-in demand, and lower acquisition costs – making them the most efficient path to sustained growth 

False – Marketplaces erode margins and brand control. Long-term success lies in owning the customer relationship through DTC channels 

• Exploring how to navigate high consideration buying journeys, seasonal demand, and limited internal resources to build brand while still driving revenue 
• Debate how to divide budget and team focus between upper-funnel brand investment and short-term sales activation – and how to align messaging across SEO, paid, and owned channels to support both 
• Unpack how we are developing pragmatic roadmaps that justify long-term investment, manage internal expectations, and ensure brand stays top of mind even outside the buying cycle