Brand Lululemon resonates strongly in the realm of athletic apparel. Despite its unconventional name and logo’s origin, the brand has been successful in establishing a strong, global presence. This case study delves into Lululemon’s unique journey, from its initial founding as a different company to its eventual metamorphosis into the world-renowned brand we know today.
Before Brand Lululemon
In 1998, Chip Wilson founded the company in Vancouver, Canada, under a different name – Westbeach Snowboard Ltd., focusing primarily on snowboarding apparel. However, during a yoga class, Wilson identified a gap in the market for stylish, functional yoga apparel, prompting a pivot in the company’s direction.
Many Ls For Success
Consequently, Brand Lululemon Athletica brand was born, with its unique name selected based on a somewhat unorthodox belief. Wilson, fascinated by the phonetics of the letter ‘L’, thought it would sound inherently North American and exotic to the Japanese market, which he admired. As such, the name “Lululemon” was chosen, containing three instances of the letter ‘L’ and following a survey of 100 different names and logos.
Also Read: What’s in a name – from Royal Babies to Brands
Has Brand Lululemon outgrown the logo?
The logo, a stylized ‘A’, was intended to represent a person’s head and hair during an inversion yoga pose. Its simple design made it versatile, fitting seamlessly on various pieces of apparel. This understated logo embodied the brand’s focus on yoga and has since become a globally recognized symbol of Lululemon.
Despite its somewhat unconventional and circuitous origins, Lululemon has achieved remarkable success. The brand name and logo, initially chosen using a unique and untested process, have now become synonymous with quality, innovation, and style in the athletic apparel market. Lululemon’s rise to global prominence serves as a testament to the power of standing out, even in a crowded market, and the potential of an unconventional approach to brand creation.
Was the founder a bit er, Lulu?
From saying rather rude things about Japanese pronouncing Lululemon, commenting that some women couldn’t wear the clothes, the role of the pill on the rise of Lulu and trying to run the organization like a cult, Chip seemed to be a man on a mission. To sabotage his own brand! He is no longer associated with the company.
Conclusion
Today, Lululemon is not just a brand; it’s a lifestyle choice and a community. Its name and logo carry the weight of a brand that has consistently prioritized customer experience, quality, and community building – a testament to the brand’s resilience and the power of a distinctive, memorable brand identity.
In conclusion, Lululemon Athletica’s journey illustrates that unconventional routes can lead to extraordinary destinations. It is a case study that stands as a shining example for upcoming brands, showing that success often lies in authenticity, innovation, and the courage to be different.
*This article is an original piece written for www.paulwriter.com. All information included is based on publicly available data.*
