Lululemon Athletica: Chip Wilson (2018)

How I Built This · 24 Feb 2020 · 54m

What this episode covers

Chip Wilson, founder of Lululemon Athletica, explains how he identified the yoga trend in Vancouver and built a multibillion-dollar brand by combining technical fabric innovation with a community-driven retail model. He details his journey from selling 'barbecue shorts' and snowboard apparel to creating the first flat-seam athletic wear, and discusses the strategic decisions that led to Lululemon's rapid scaling and eventual public offering. Wilson also addresses the 2013 'sheer pants' recall and his controversial comments that led to his departure from the company he founded.

Mentioned

Companies
Lululemon Athletica, West Beach, Moral Snowboards, Sim Skateboards, Dick's Sporting Goods, Nike, Spanx, Mom Box, U.S. Bank, Capital One
Products
Homeless

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