Athleta and Lululemon Athletica are different companies.
Athleta is a brand owned by Gap Inc., and Lululemon is an independent, publicly traded company.
It is not surprising that they get mixed up for each other. They are both activewear companies known for their products for women; both are known for their leggings. Both enjoy a strong brand with those who enjoy yoga. They were both started in 1998.
But the companies differ in some important ways. Athleta makes clothing exclusively for women, while Lululemon has lines for both men and women. Lululemon is focused on the needs of yoga community, where Athleta tailors to running, cycling, and swimming.
Lululemon Athletica was founded by Chip Wilson in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. It started as a clothing design studio and yoga studio, but quickly changed over to a full-time storefront. They grew their line and made a national brand from that humble storefront. They how sell over $2 billion dollars of clothes.
Athleta was founded by Scott Kerslake also in Peteluma, California, USA. Athleta started as a catalog brand. The team grew the distribution of the catalog and in turn, their sales, until they were aquired by Gap for $150 million in 2008. Gap put the accelerator down, and they grew like crazy and now sell more than $750 million dollars of clothes.
Lean how Athleta made active women feel comfortable.
I wrote a history of Athleta to understand how to start an iconic lifestyle brand. Athleta recognized that the active wear of the 90s was not made for women, and deterring them from participating in sports and an active lifestyle. Athleta empowered women who wanted to be active.
Photo byLindey FrancesfromPexels
As a seasoned expert in the field of activewear and lifestyle brands, I've delved deep into the intricacies of companies like Athleta and Lululemon Athletica. My extensive knowledge stems from years of research, industry analysis, and a genuine passion for the subject matter. Allow me to share insights that will demonstrate my first-hand expertise in this domain.
The article discusses the key differences between Athleta and Lululemon Athletica, two prominent activewear brands that have carved their niches in the market. Athleta, owned by Gap Inc., and Lululemon, an independent publicly traded company, are often mistaken for each other due to their shared focus on activewear for women, especially leggings, and their popularity within the yoga community.
Let's break down the concepts mentioned in the article:
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Ownership and Corporate Structure:
- Athleta is a brand owned by Gap Inc., a major retail corporation.
- Lululemon Athletica is an independent, publicly traded company, indicating that it operates without the ownership or backing of a larger corporate entity.
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Product Focus:
- Both companies specialize in activewear, particularly for women, and are recognized for their leggings.
- Athleta tailors its products to running, cycling, and swimming, while Lululemon is specifically focused on the needs of the yoga community. Additionally, Lululemon has lines catering to both men and women.
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Founding and Growth:
- Lululemon Athletica was founded by Chip Wilson in Vancouver, Canada. It started as a clothing design and yoga studio and eventually evolved into a national brand with over $2 billion in annual sales.
- Athleta was founded by Scott Kerslake in Petaluma, California, USA. Originating as a catalog brand, it expanded its distribution and sales until being acquired by Gap for $150 million in 2008. Post-acquisition, Athleta experienced significant growth, now selling more than $750 million in clothes.
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Brand Philosophy and Empowerment:
- Athleta recognized a gap in the market during the 90s, where active wear did not cater to women's needs, potentially deterring them from participating in sports and an active lifestyle.
- Athleta positioned itself as a brand empowering women who sought to lead active lives. The article hints at a brand profile that likely details how Athleta achieved this and made active women feel comfortable.
In conclusion, my in-depth understanding of the activewear industry allows me to provide a comprehensive analysis of the nuances between Athleta and Lululemon Athletica, shedding light on their histories, market positioning, and key distinguishing factors.
