Hardware Podcasts

Zumiez: Tom Campion

How I Built This · 6 Feb 2023 · 56m

What this episode covers

Tom Campion, co-founder of Zumiez, explains how his nine years at JCPenney taught him the critical importance of inventory management, which he applied to launch Above the Belt in 1978. Campion details the strategic pivot to action sports apparel and hard goods, the rebranding to Zumiez, and the company's growth to over 750 stores through mall-centric expansion and a unique 'organized chaos' store design. He also discusses the challenges of scaling, the impact of e-commerce, and his personal approach to sustainability and employee culture.

Most relevant to

founders before launch and companies scaling up

Topics

Mentioned

Companies
Zumiez, JCPenney, Above the Belt, Mr. Rags
Products
Quiksilver, Billabong, Burton, Vans, Sims, Gotcha, Body Glove, Mossimo, Red Sand, Rusty, Shaw Safari, Union Bay, Air Walks, Etney's, Empire, Vision Streetwear

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