Anti-odor sock startup Skunk Skin acquired by Western Wearhouse

The signal: Both Skunk Skin and Western Wearhouse are classified as early-growth companies on Dealroom, making this less a case of a legacy retailer absorbing a startup and more a bet that two small players can accelerate together — combining Skunk Skin's engineered, performance-guarantee sock line with an Atlanta-based niche retailer's physical footprint. It's a reminder that in the fragmented footwear accessories market, even modest distribution gains can be the difference between staying niche and reaching scale.

Read more: forbes.com