BARK, the company behind BarkBox and Super Chewer, says it has reached a preliminary understanding to sell BARK Air’s assets and license the dog airline’s brand starting January 1, 2027. The news came with quarterly results showing direct-to-consumer orders down 27% year over year, while subscriber retention improved to 94%.
What BARK Announced on November 5, 2026
In its results for the quarter ended September 30, 2026, BARK reported net revenue of $87.6 million, above its own guidance of $83 to $85 million but down from $107.0 million a year earlier. CEO Matt Meeker said the company “reached a preliminary understanding to sell BARK Air’s assets and license the brand beginning January 1, 2027”, adding that the deal still needs final paperwork and may not close. BARK says the money would go back into its retail business, partnerships, supply chain and new products like Licksters, its new line of enrichment toys.
Source: BARK, press release of November 5, 2026.
The Numbers Behind BarkBox
- Direct-to-consumer revenue (mostly BarkBox and Super Chewer): $61.8 million, down from $82.1 million
- Orders shipped: 1.86 million, down from 2.54 million (our math: minus 27%)
- Subscriber retention: 94%, up from 92%
- Average order value: $31.40, up from $30.87
- Retail and marketplace revenue: $25.7 million, up 3.6%
Source: BARK. The company says the drop comes from a planned pullback in marketing spend and a smaller subscriber base, partly offset by growth at retailers such as Target, Chewy and Amazon.
What It Means for BarkBox Subscribers
For now, nothing changes in your box: BARK’s release announces no price change, no plan change and no pause for BarkBox or Super Chewer. The 94% retention figure means most subscribers stay month after month, and the slightly higher order value ($31.40) suggests the remaining members spend a little more. What is shrinking is the number of new sign-ups BARK pays to attract, which is why welcome offers like the current BarkBox free dog bed deal matter to the company.
BARK Air is a separate service, an air travel experience BARK describes as designed for dogs first. BARK has not said what happens to existing BARK Air bookings after January 1, 2027, or who the buyer is. If you have a flight booked for 2027, check directly with BARK Air.
Our Take
This reads like a company refocusing on its core: toys, treats and retail shelves rather than private jets. For BarkBox subscribers, a smaller but steadier BARK is reassuring news: the company still posted a $3.8 million net loss, but its adjusted EBITDA turned positive ($2.0 million), and it reports no outstanding debt and $19.0 million in cash. Holiday shoppers can still pick from BarkBox’s Howly Jowly Holidays advent calendar and the Rudolph holiday gift box. More on the subscription on our BarkBox review page.
BARK Results: The Essentials
- BARK Air: preliminary understanding to sell assets and license the brand from January 1, 2027 (not final)
- Quarterly revenue: $87.6 million, versus $107.0 million a year earlier
- Orders: down 27% year over year (our math)
- Subscriber retention: 94%
- BarkBox changes announced: none
Source: BARK investor relations, checked November 9, 2026.
