August 20th, 2009 - Underwater gear company C. Walters Intercoastal Corp. is doing well this year, and they haven’t even rolled out those adorable doggie goggles yet! (Really, the canine wetsuits are in development too.) Creative redesign of the packaging last year has resulted in 40% more product on the shelf while using the same space.

The packages of facemasks and fins now stack together and spoon tightly, allowing retailers to put more units in the same space. This is a key factor for this ocean-gear company because it sells in big stores like Sam's Club, Sports Authority and Wal-Mart where aquatic gear accounts for only 1% of sporting goods sales (according to CNNmoney).

Owner Cindi Walters got creative with the packaging to maximize the space available (and only uses recyclable PET plastics and corrugated paperboard). As a bonus, the gear now uses less extra material and ships lighter as well. Last year revuenues rose 14% and Walters projects a 12% rise this year to $28 million. Small packages can make big waves. Next up for CWIC are doggie fins and the possibility of using more sustainable materials for their products.