As reported by Racked reader and blog 78hand2nd, the Bebe store at 1127 Third Avenue and 66th Street has closed. According to sources close to Racked, the space will be soon filled with another outpost of seemingly unstoppable yogawear company Lululemon Athletica.Thursday, January 31, 2008
Lululemon to Replace Bebe Store on Upper East Side, NY
As reported by Racked reader and blog 78hand2nd, the Bebe store at 1127 Third Avenue and 66th Street has closed. According to sources close to Racked, the space will be soon filled with another outpost of seemingly unstoppable yogawear company Lululemon Athletica.
Lululemon Getaway Jacket Review
Getaway Jacket
-Be active in a fully element protective jacket
-Shoulder season to-and-from
-Water-resistant quick-dry shell with super soft brushed
-Be active in a fully element protective jacket
-Shoulder season to-and-from
-Water-resistant quick-dry shell with super soft brushed
-polyester inner layer for warmth
-Interior storage organized for all your personal items
-Zip-off removable hood
-Chafe free – flat seams
-4-way stretch
-Interior storage organized for all your personal items
-Zip-off removable hood
-Chafe free – flat seams
-4-way stretch
From this blog:
"Isn't it pretty? LOL - so this is the coat I want - I need. Ha Ha... Well it's close. I found this coat at Lululemon the other day while shopping with my Mom and it's so functional and nice and just everything. Well, I just did a total clean sweep of the whole house (with the help of the most wonderful girls) it looks fabulous and during this clean sweep - I got rid of a ton of coats that no longer fit or are in style - etc... I got rid of so much stuff I filled the one girls van 3 times over with stuff for our local Charity.
Now back to the coat - I really love it (it's not the same colour but the same style and print just white with brown's and black's)... BUT they did not have my size. The size that they had was one size smaller than what I normally wear (it fits - but very tight). So my MOM - did the most wonderful thing she bought the coat for me and she is holding it hostage for two weeks until the return time expires. Which is just the thing I need to get myself in gear and shape up a bit to make it fit. I have been going to the gym 3X per week and eating much healthier and trying to stay fit. I have recently lost around 10 pounds and I would like to lose 20 more in total but would be very excited to at least lose another 10. I have a deadline as a few important dates are coming up and I have promised myself that I will try to look and feel better for these events and the coat is just the final motivation I need to lose that secondary 10 pounds... Thanks MOM! :)"
Now back to the coat - I really love it (it's not the same colour but the same style and print just white with brown's and black's)... BUT they did not have my size. The size that they had was one size smaller than what I normally wear (it fits - but very tight). So my MOM - did the most wonderful thing she bought the coat for me and she is holding it hostage for two weeks until the return time expires. Which is just the thing I need to get myself in gear and shape up a bit to make it fit. I have been going to the gym 3X per week and eating much healthier and trying to stay fit. I have recently lost around 10 pounds and I would like to lose 20 more in total but would be very excited to at least lose another 10. I have a deadline as a few important dates are coming up and I have promised myself that I will try to look and feel better for these events and the coat is just the final motivation I need to lose that secondary 10 pounds... Thanks MOM! :)"
Lululemon Sunday Run L/S Tech Light : For the Man who Stinks (myself included)
Sunday Run L/S Tech Light-Light weight top that lets you sweat and dry quickly
-Anti-stink bamboo charcoal technology
-Welded shoulder pocket to secure ipod nano
-Chafe free underarm panels
-Pre-shrunk
-Chafe free - flat seams
-Anti-stink bamboo charcoal technology
-Welded shoulder pocket to secure ipod nano
-Chafe free underarm panels
-Pre-shrunk
-Chafe free - flat seams
From Fitness Magazine
"We’ve got more picks for your favorite health nut. Treat the man in your life to Lululemon’s Sunday Run Long Sleeve Tech Shirt , $56 at Lululemon Atheltica …"
Lululemon vs. Lucy, Lady FootLocker, Target, & Bluefly
From Second City Style
Pumping Iron, Not the Price Point
Rachel Yeomans
For years my workout attire has included one pair of stretched-out yoga pants from college, tank tops that just don’t have the same fit to be seen in public, two pairs of oversized gym shorts (again, from college), one hoodie, and a pair of Asics sneakers. Based on this sad overview, I realize that my workout wardrobe needs a serious makeover. But I admit, I’m not that finicky about my appearance while heaving on the treadmill or pushing out those 100’s during Pilates. With that said, I don’t want to spend a great deal of money on clothing made for voluntary torture, but instead for social and business attire to accentuate the goddess-like body I work to achieve.
A good friend of mine, however, made me a bit more flexible with my workout wardrobe budget. A workout maven herself, she said that really good workout gear lasts forever, almost never stretches out or loses quality, and in the end saves you money. “Also," she pointed out, “your butt just never looks as good unless it’s in Lululemon."
Lululemon, for those of you who don’t know, is the designer Mecca of athletic attire. And those pants my friend mentioned, run on average price point of $90. Ouch! Now, I know I’ve admittedly spent a lot more on a pair of shoes, pants, even some blouses…but $100 with tax on one piece of an athletic wardrobe? I just couldn’t bring myself to do it. So I did some research and found several very well-constructed items made by very reputable designers without price points that would not make me want to wrap the clothing in plastic after purchase.
Lucy, for example, is a similar athletic line to Lululemon known for high-quality comfortable and durable athletic ware. And to my happy discovery, Lucy.com features a very price-friendly option of purchasing two workout tees for $40. And their sales page has items priced as low as $19.99 and capped at $29.99. Lady Foot Locker also had some very fashionable workout attire for compromising costs. I particularly fell in love with their limited edition Pink Ribbon baseball cap.
For very cute zip-ups and tee’s, I recommend surveying the athletic section at Target. Their pants, although sporting a very affordable price tag, weren’t necessarily the best quality — but perhaps I was spoiled after the Lululemon experience.
One day I might cave in and buy those $90 pants because, as my friend said, the rear just never looked so good. But until then, I can perhaps fit in a bit more with the designer-donning ladies next to me at the gym through my account at Bluefly.com.
1. Yoga Pant - Lululemon Athletica lululemon.com
2. Whisper Tank Renew - Lululemon Athletica lululemon.com
3. LucyFoot Trail Jacket $88Speedy Racer Long-Sleeve Top $50Nordic Pant $64Pumping Iron Short-Sleeved Tee $30lucy.com
4. Lady Foot Locker Pink Ribbon Limited Edition Cap $15 ladyfootlocker.com
5. Target - C9 by Champion Brushed Back 1/4-zip Pullover $24.99 target.com
6. Priorities Black Stretch Cotton Hoodie Original $105, Now $63 bluefly.com
7. LinQ Pewter French Terry Fold Over Sweat Pants Original $88, Now $53 bluefly.com
Rachel Yeomans
For years my workout attire has included one pair of stretched-out yoga pants from college, tank tops that just don’t have the same fit to be seen in public, two pairs of oversized gym shorts (again, from college), one hoodie, and a pair of Asics sneakers. Based on this sad overview, I realize that my workout wardrobe needs a serious makeover. But I admit, I’m not that finicky about my appearance while heaving on the treadmill or pushing out those 100’s during Pilates. With that said, I don’t want to spend a great deal of money on clothing made for voluntary torture, but instead for social and business attire to accentuate the goddess-like body I work to achieve.
A good friend of mine, however, made me a bit more flexible with my workout wardrobe budget. A workout maven herself, she said that really good workout gear lasts forever, almost never stretches out or loses quality, and in the end saves you money. “Also," she pointed out, “your butt just never looks as good unless it’s in Lululemon."
Lululemon, for those of you who don’t know, is the designer Mecca of athletic attire. And those pants my friend mentioned, run on average price point of $90. Ouch! Now, I know I’ve admittedly spent a lot more on a pair of shoes, pants, even some blouses…but $100 with tax on one piece of an athletic wardrobe? I just couldn’t bring myself to do it. So I did some research and found several very well-constructed items made by very reputable designers without price points that would not make me want to wrap the clothing in plastic after purchase.
Lucy, for example, is a similar athletic line to Lululemon known for high-quality comfortable and durable athletic ware. And to my happy discovery, Lucy.com features a very price-friendly option of purchasing two workout tees for $40. And their sales page has items priced as low as $19.99 and capped at $29.99. Lady Foot Locker also had some very fashionable workout attire for compromising costs. I particularly fell in love with their limited edition Pink Ribbon baseball cap.
For very cute zip-ups and tee’s, I recommend surveying the athletic section at Target. Their pants, although sporting a very affordable price tag, weren’t necessarily the best quality — but perhaps I was spoiled after the Lululemon experience.
One day I might cave in and buy those $90 pants because, as my friend said, the rear just never looked so good. But until then, I can perhaps fit in a bit more with the designer-donning ladies next to me at the gym through my account at Bluefly.com.
1. Yoga Pant - Lululemon Athletica lululemon.com
2. Whisper Tank Renew - Lululemon Athletica lululemon.com
3. LucyFoot Trail Jacket $88Speedy Racer Long-Sleeve Top $50Nordic Pant $64Pumping Iron Short-Sleeved Tee $30lucy.com
4. Lady Foot Locker Pink Ribbon Limited Edition Cap $15 ladyfootlocker.com
5. Target - C9 by Champion Brushed Back 1/4-zip Pullover $24.99 target.com
6. Priorities Black Stretch Cotton Hoodie Original $105, Now $63 bluefly.com
7. LinQ Pewter French Terry Fold Over Sweat Pants Original $88, Now $53 bluefly.com
Lululemon on Business TV : Popping!
The whole retail sector seems to be on fire today. Interest rate cuts I've said before will help this sector. The financials have also been on the rise. Next interest rate cut will be on March 18. Bear Stearns is calling for another 50 basis point cut.
Retail News : Gildan Raises, H&M Lowers
From Bloomberg:
Gildan Activewear Inc., North America's biggest T-shirt maker, said quarterly profit jumped 76 percent on higher sales after the company raised prices.
First-quarter net income climbed to $27.5 million, or 23 cents a share, from $15.6 million, or 13 cents, a year earlier, Montreal-based Gildan said today in a statement. Profit and sales exceeded the average analyst estimates in Bloomberg surveys. The company boosted its full-year earnings forecast.
The clothing maker said today it raised prices by about 2.5 percent on ``active wear'' to help counter higher costs for cotton. Revenue jumped 35 percent as the company gained record market share on T-shirt and fleece sales. Gildan also started selling underwear to an unidentified U.S. mass-market retailer.
``The quarter was great,'' said Jim Chartier, an analyst with Monness, Crespi, Hardt & Co. in New York. ``The market share gains they were able to get in the wholesale business is a huge positive.''
From Bloomberg:
Hennes & Mauritz AB, Europe's second-largest clothing retailer, said profit growth slowed in the fourth quarter on lower consumer spending in Germany, the U.K. and Sweden, its biggest markets.
Net income rose 22 percent to 4.65 billion kronor ($730 million), or 5.62 kronor a share, in the three months ended Nov. 30, the Stockholm-based retailer said today. Growth weakened from 28 percent in the fiscal year's first nine months.
Sales at outlets open at least a year fell 1 percent in December, H&M said, while the gross margin, a profitability gauge, was 62.1 percent, below JPMorgan Chase & Co.'s estimate. Consumer confidence is ebbing in Europe as higher bills feed inflation, hurting sales at retailers such as Marks & Spencer Group Plc. H&M today said it would open its first Russian stores next year to tap a market with growth outpacing western Europe.
Sales were ``adversely affected'' by demand in Germany, while ``U.K. industry clothing sales were also weak in December,'' JPMorgan analysts including Richard Chamberlain said in an e-mailed note.
H&M fell 8.5 kronor, or 2.6 percent, to 319.5 kronor at 9:09 a.m. in Stockholm. Before today, the shares had dropped 17 percent this year, less than the 18 percent slide by larger rival Inditex SA. Competitor Gap Inc. has declined 13 percent.
Marks, the U.K.'s biggest clothing retailer, reported an unexpected drop in holiday sales, while luxury label Burberry Group Plc said this month it may miss profit estimates.
``We have seen reports from other retailers, especially in the U.K., that sales figures weren't that good towards the end of the year,'' Bjoern Schwarz, an analyst at Sydbank, said ahead of the results. ``If consumers are not spending much money on retail, it will have some impact on H&M as well.''
Gildan Activewear Inc., North America's biggest T-shirt maker, said quarterly profit jumped 76 percent on higher sales after the company raised prices.
First-quarter net income climbed to $27.5 million, or 23 cents a share, from $15.6 million, or 13 cents, a year earlier, Montreal-based Gildan said today in a statement. Profit and sales exceeded the average analyst estimates in Bloomberg surveys. The company boosted its full-year earnings forecast.
The clothing maker said today it raised prices by about 2.5 percent on ``active wear'' to help counter higher costs for cotton. Revenue jumped 35 percent as the company gained record market share on T-shirt and fleece sales. Gildan also started selling underwear to an unidentified U.S. mass-market retailer.
``The quarter was great,'' said Jim Chartier, an analyst with Monness, Crespi, Hardt & Co. in New York. ``The market share gains they were able to get in the wholesale business is a huge positive.''
From Bloomberg:
Hennes & Mauritz AB, Europe's second-largest clothing retailer, said profit growth slowed in the fourth quarter on lower consumer spending in Germany, the U.K. and Sweden, its biggest markets.
Net income rose 22 percent to 4.65 billion kronor ($730 million), or 5.62 kronor a share, in the three months ended Nov. 30, the Stockholm-based retailer said today. Growth weakened from 28 percent in the fiscal year's first nine months.
Sales at outlets open at least a year fell 1 percent in December, H&M said, while the gross margin, a profitability gauge, was 62.1 percent, below JPMorgan Chase & Co.'s estimate. Consumer confidence is ebbing in Europe as higher bills feed inflation, hurting sales at retailers such as Marks & Spencer Group Plc. H&M today said it would open its first Russian stores next year to tap a market with growth outpacing western Europe.
Sales were ``adversely affected'' by demand in Germany, while ``U.K. industry clothing sales were also weak in December,'' JPMorgan analysts including Richard Chamberlain said in an e-mailed note.
H&M fell 8.5 kronor, or 2.6 percent, to 319.5 kronor at 9:09 a.m. in Stockholm. Before today, the shares had dropped 17 percent this year, less than the 18 percent slide by larger rival Inditex SA. Competitor Gap Inc. has declined 13 percent.
Marks, the U.K.'s biggest clothing retailer, reported an unexpected drop in holiday sales, while luxury label Burberry Group Plc said this month it may miss profit estimates.
``We have seen reports from other retailers, especially in the U.K., that sales figures weren't that good towards the end of the year,'' Bjoern Schwarz, an analyst at Sydbank, said ahead of the results. ``If consumers are not spending much money on retail, it will have some impact on H&M as well.''
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Lululemon Remix Lulu Hoodie Review
From fffabulous :
This Remix lulu Hoodie is in my opinion another lululemon athletica must-have. I call it the city version of the lululemon Dance Studio Jacket. It is short and fitted with long sleeves to stay warm... and it is really really comfy. It exists in a ton of fun colors (and they release new colors all the time) so you can go crazy with their bright senorita pink color or stay classic by sticking to the ivory color. I love them all!
I bought my lululemon hoodie 3 years ago, and it still looks brand new - it is preshrunk so the zipper won't buckle and it'll still fit as if you've just bought it. I love wearing my hoodie with a nice pair of jeans on weekends. And I get lots of compliments from guys when I wear it; isn't it saying something?
I bought my lululemon hoodie 3 years ago, and it still looks brand new - it is preshrunk so the zipper won't buckle and it'll still fit as if you've just bought it. I love wearing my hoodie with a nice pair of jeans on weekends. And I get lots of compliments from guys when I wear it; isn't it saying something?
-A "to & from" warm layer with a longer body to provide more coverage!
-Preshrunk so zipper will not buckle
-Chafe free - flat seams
-Chin protecting zipper garage
-Longer sleeves for added warmth
Lululemon Dance Studio Jacket Review
From fffabulous:
"I was shopping at lululemon for the very first time to see if all of Frederique's ranting and raving about the brand was really true. The vibe of the store was very appealing and fun, and there were definitely a lot of unique looking products. As I was browsing the store, I noticed the dance studio jackets hanging on the wall. I thought the black one looked nice and simple, but at first glance, I expected it to be nothing more than a basic, practical hoody--the kind that I could probably find at any other store. I'm also a little heavy right now, so I haven't been very eager to try on anything tight or spandex-y. I started with the size 6, which gave me a little leeway in the arms and stomach, and I figured, why not just try the size 4? So I did, and I was pleasantly surprised. Because of the way the jacket holds you in, the smaller size was even more flattering to my figure--heavy and all. At that moment, I knew the jacket was an instant buy. Better yet, I bought TWO of them (in black and brown), and I love them both. Not only is the fit incomparable, the quality is too, so I can trust that I will be wearing these for years to come." --Erica
-Lightweight and comfortable to and from studio jacket
-Lullure ultra soft lightweight wicking fabric
-Back vent for ventilation
-Front pockets for easy/quick storage
-Ipod inner pocket to keep it in place while moving
-Reflective free logo
-Do not use fabric softener as it inhibits wicking
-Detergent wash reactivates wicking properties of fabric
Lululemon Stock - Sold 50 shares bought at $29.69
Ok, now I sold... We sure got a boost from the 50 basis point cut.
Lululemon at $31.97 - Think of selling some if you bought at $29.50 this am
I'm not selling my 50 shares but obviously we have priced in a 50 basis point cut. We are minutes away...
Lululemon Hot Shorts Review
Thanks to Amanda from DivineCaroline"Lululemon undies are usually rolled up and stashed in bins near the cash register. That way you can pick up a rainbow array, as I did, whenever you’re craving that last minute at-the-counter add-on. These fit perfectly and are a no-show under tight slacks and yoga pants, though one friend gave the tip about cotton undies, to make sure they don’t bunch up, screaming out panty lines."
Lululemon Hot Shorts
-Made out of soft 95% cotton/5%lycra for comfort and control
-Low rise design for no show comfort
-Cotton gusset for comfort
-Full bum for comfort coverage, moderately supportive
Lululemon Hot Shorts
-Made out of soft 95% cotton/5%lycra for comfort and control
-Low rise design for no show comfort
-Cotton gusset for comfort
-Full bum for comfort coverage, moderately supportive
-waistband
Review II ( From MyLululemon)
"These are some of the most comfortable underwear I have ever worn and they look great on too. My collection of these is slowly growing and I find they are my favorite choice to wear for yoga, aerobics or just weight lifting. Basically, if I am wearing a pair of lululemon pants or capri’s, theese underwear are my preferred choice to wear underneath. Although a size large will fit fine, I find that they stretch out quite a bit while on so I will choose a size medium which is more snug at first but stretches out within minutes comfortably."
Lululemon Asana Pant Review
From Spungle"What we love about our Lululemon pants is that we felt for the first time that we found a pant that moves as we move. You can stretch and not feel restrained-- you can reach in any direction—you can lift without a concern about mobility-- and most importantly, you can sweat and not feel a drop as the material wicks the moisture away.Our favorite pant was the Asana pant. We actually will go as far to say that this pant is most likely the last sweat pant you’ll ever need to buy! They are preshrunk which gives you a great piece of mind knowing that post-hemming that they aren’t going to change sizes wash after wash. The material is an awesome cotton/lycra blend that feels and moves great on a hot stick day yet is comfy enough to wear on an early Sunday morning in your Hampton share house. The seems are sewn in a flat-fashion which affords you a chafe-free experience in even the hottest of weather or most active of sports. And, our most favorite feature, was the fact that the fabric has a 10% lycra base protecting the knees and butt from sagging or bagging—something your grandmother paid a ton of money to correct just a few years ago.Essentially, this pant is what all men have been waiting for-- the male counterpart to the Hardtail/Juicy/Gaucho pants that all those jappy girls have been flaunting for years as we were sweatin' away in our jeans!In summary, we’re Lululemons! We’re bonkers for these pants. They are diverse enough to be worn in the gym, fashionable enough to be worn as a cover-up on the beach, and functional enough to be sported by yoga and pilates pros at the finest of NYC gyms.And, in case you’re wondering where you can get these hot pants, we’re proud to announce that Lululemon Athletica just opened their first store in NYC at Naga Yoga, a VERY chic yoga haven down on Chambers street. Feel free to shop around on weekdays/weekends from 11am to 6pm at Lululemon Athletica’s first NYC space."
-Pre-shrunk
-Cotton/Lycra fabric to move with your body and create a long lasting great fit
-Flat seamed inseam to avoid chafing
-Hidden key pocket
-11% Lycra for movement and to prevent knees bagging
-Cotton/Lycra fabric to move with your body and create a long lasting great fit
-Flat seamed inseam to avoid chafing
-Hidden key pocket
-11% Lycra for movement and to prevent knees bagging
Nike upgraded to Overweight by JPMorgan : How about Lululemon next?
See Briefing.com. No explanation yet but hopefully the rest of the sports retail sector rises from this upgrade. Quicksilver (ZQK) was also upgraded to overweight.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Lululemon Striptease Event (Montreal : Greene Ave.)
Lululemon Greene Ave., Montreal
So sad that I missed this poledancing event in the Vegas Lululemon last Jan. 11.
Striptease with Stacey January 30, 2008
Location: Greene Avenue lululemon athletica
A hot, sexy and seductive workout that you will never forget. You will leave feeling more feminine and self confident with a little sumthin' sumthin' to take home to your better half....
Location: Greene Avenue lululemon athletica
A hot, sexy and seductive workout that you will never forget. You will leave feeling more feminine and self confident with a little sumthin' sumthin' to take home to your better half....
Open to all levels!9-10am
Pour tous les niveaux!9h à 10h
So sad that I missed this poledancing event in the Vegas Lululemon last Jan. 11.
Lululemon vs Imitations (J76 and Angela Fashion, Vancouver)
From Canada.com
We all want a great yoga butt -- but can we afford it?
Rebecca Osler, Vancouver SunPublished: Monday, January 30, 2006
As Vancouverites, we suffer from no shortage of breathtaking scenery. Despite their tiresome rhetoric about the endless drizzle (read: jealousy), show me a tourist from Eastern Canada who doesn't go home secretly yearning to import the North Shore mountains on a clear day, the downtown coniferous oasis of Stanley Park, and the perfectly proportioned posteriors.
Yes, I did just lump rumps into our bevy of signature sights.
We West coasters have discovered the well of eternal butt bliss -- we know it's not just the sun salutes that keep us looking so svelte, it's the yoga wear we do them in. I dare say Lululemon should be anointed a religion, having earned a devout congregation by forgiving a multitude of sins. We've all heard of anti-aging creams instantly taking 10 years off our faces. Well Lululemon pants mystically lift 10 cheeseburgers off our backsides.
It doesn't stop there. Lululemon has also soared where sweats stumbled, merging uber-comfort with style that can strut straight from the gym to a Kits coffee shop.
Will our fanatical obsession with yoga wear outlast the bicycle short rage of the late '80s? Only time will tell.
But for the time being, we're hungrier than ever for flared athletic pants. Lately budget knock-off stores like One Tooth, G-1 Fashion, Angela Fashion and J76 Casual Wear are springing up on every trendy strip. It's a phenomenon I call Fool-u-lemon.
Offering goods at half the price of the originals, Fool-u-lemon stores are tempting. But of course, one wonders how much quality has been sacrificed to attain those rock-bottom rates. With the help of Lori Charko, a yoga teacher and owner of Body Harmony Yoga Studio in North Vancouver, The Vancouver Sun pitted two cheaper outlets against Lululemon counterparts.
We West coasters have discovered the well of eternal butt bliss -- we know it's not just the sun salutes that keep us looking so svelte, it's the yoga wear we do them in. I dare say Lululemon should be anointed a religion, having earned a devout congregation by forgiving a multitude of sins. We've all heard of anti-aging creams instantly taking 10 years off our faces. Well Lululemon pants mystically lift 10 cheeseburgers off our backsides.
It doesn't stop there. Lululemon has also soared where sweats stumbled, merging uber-comfort with style that can strut straight from the gym to a Kits coffee shop.
Will our fanatical obsession with yoga wear outlast the bicycle short rage of the late '80s? Only time will tell.
But for the time being, we're hungrier than ever for flared athletic pants. Lately budget knock-off stores like One Tooth, G-1 Fashion, Angela Fashion and J76 Casual Wear are springing up on every trendy strip. It's a phenomenon I call Fool-u-lemon.
Offering goods at half the price of the originals, Fool-u-lemon stores are tempting. But of course, one wonders how much quality has been sacrificed to attain those rock-bottom rates. With the help of Lori Charko, a yoga teacher and owner of Body Harmony Yoga Studio in North Vancouver, The Vancouver Sun pitted two cheaper outlets against Lululemon counterparts.
LULULEMON (five locations, including 2113 W. Fourth Ave., Robson Street and Metrotown)
Baja Shape Jacket, $99
Reverse Groove Pant, $93
Charko considers herself something of a Lululemon aficionado. She owns 14 pieces and can attest to their longevity. "Even though these clothes tend to be more expensive, they have definitely proven their value, in that they have essentially been worn once a week for at least two years," she says.
Beyond the flattering fit, Lululemon's claim to fame is its luon fabric (86-per-cent-nylon, 14-per-cent Lycra), which definitely breathes.
The Baja Shape Jacket we tested came in an appealing blue-violet shade called "twilight," and the stitching was sturdy. The material felt tough yet not heavy and the interior of the coat had a soft finish. The sleeves also folded over into "cuffins," handy makeshift mittens lest your yoga studio has tried to meditate away its heating bills.
Charko had no complaints about the pants, either, which fit with typical Lululemon charm.
The only downside: while Lululemon designs are certainly flexible, some people have no wiggle room in their budget for the chunky price tags. Before you can say "om," you've dropped a couple hundred dollars on a single ensemble.
Scorecard
Cut: 9
Fabric: 10
Cut: 9
Fabric: 10
Worth the price? Yes, but not affordable for everyone.
J76 CASUAL WEAR (six locations, including 1162 Denman, 1445 W. Broadway and Park Royal Mall)
Baja Shape Jacket fake, $59
Groove Pant fake, $49
We were both impressed with J76's valiant attempt to duplicate the same jacket and bottoms. They didn't skimp on the details, either: the jacket had cuffins and both pieces had reflective moon-and-star logos in familiar locations.
"They felt and looked great," says Charko. "But I wonder about the breathability."
The composition of the items is 86-per-cent nylon and 14-per-cent Spandex. At at glance, that could be mistaken for the same weave as the Lululemon goods, but Lycra and Spandex are not necessarily equal.
To be fair, their tags do claim to wick moisture, but the jacket definitely felt slightly flimsier.
"I'm not convinced that the body temperature would remain consistent and comfortable throughout the day," says Charko.
However, she would consider purchasing the items based on esthetic appeal.
The jacket, which came in a cheery bubblegum pink, emulated Lululemon's style. It had the same curvilinear stitching on the bodice, minus one track alongside the exposed zipper (on the original it's concealed under a flap). No bum rap for the pants, which weren't reversible but looked fab all the same.
Baja Shape Jacket fake, $59
Groove Pant fake, $49
We were both impressed with J76's valiant attempt to duplicate the same jacket and bottoms. They didn't skimp on the details, either: the jacket had cuffins and both pieces had reflective moon-and-star logos in familiar locations.
"They felt and looked great," says Charko. "But I wonder about the breathability."
The composition of the items is 86-per-cent nylon and 14-per-cent Spandex. At at glance, that could be mistaken for the same weave as the Lululemon goods, but Lycra and Spandex are not necessarily equal.
To be fair, their tags do claim to wick moisture, but the jacket definitely felt slightly flimsier.
"I'm not convinced that the body temperature would remain consistent and comfortable throughout the day," says Charko.
However, she would consider purchasing the items based on esthetic appeal.
The jacket, which came in a cheery bubblegum pink, emulated Lululemon's style. It had the same curvilinear stitching on the bodice, minus one track alongside the exposed zipper (on the original it's concealed under a flap). No bum rap for the pants, which weren't reversible but looked fab all the same.
Scorecard
Cut: 9
Fabric: 8
Worth the price? Yes
ANGELA FASHION (five locations, including 1055 Georgia, 2821 W. Broadway and Metrotown)
Jacket, $35.99
Groove Pant fake, $27.99
"My experience with fitness clothing is you get what you pay for," says Charko.
Angela Fashion definitely wins for lowest price point, but the quality isn't in the same stratosphere as Lululemon.
"If the shopper's number 1 concern is 'the look,' you may find some good deals," Charko admits.
While the tight-legged pants make the grade for casual wear (to a bar, for instance), their 66-per-cent-polyester, 26-per-cent-cotton and eight-per-cent-spandex makeup forecasts heat waves for anyone who attempts sports in them.
The jacket looked reasonably stylish, but was a little on the short side.
If you're really strapped for cash but are willing to overlook puckered seams, Angela Fashion does have a cotton pant with coloured waistband for $15.99 and a crop version for only $13.99.
Also, we particularly loved the cute pink version of the whisper tank, which is a steal at $21.99.
Scorecard
Cut: 6
Fabric: 4 (cotton pants), 7 (whisper tank)
Worth the price? Yes, but for casual wear only
Cut: 6
Fabric: 4 (cotton pants), 7 (whisper tank)
Worth the price? Yes, but for casual wear only
rosler@png.canwest.com
Lululemon Bellevue Store Review
From NWSource Lululemon Athletica (Bellevue)
11 a.m. - 7 p.m. Sunday
Parking: Free parking
Average reader rating: Not ratedWrite a review
1077 Bellevue Square Bellevue, WA 98004 Phone: 425-462-5530 Fax: 425-462-5021 bellevue-store@lululemon.com Web site Maps & directions
DESCRIPTION
Lululemon yoga wear is, in a word, amazing. Yoga devotees have extolled the virtues and fit of this line for years.
The shop itself is a metaphor for yoga — progressive designs that are constantly re-evaluated and improved, orderly organization of clothing that flows nicely with serene elements such as a trickling wall fountain and a stone-lined water basin. A wall-mounted flat-screen TV shows healthy, smiling yogis and yoginis perfecting their asanas in exotic, tropical locales.
But back to the cute clothes, every pant, top, jacket and hoodie is thoughtfully constructed, down to the tiniest detail. Most are made of Luon (a patented moisture-wicking fabric), every seam is flat stitched so rough edges don't chafe, fabrics are preshrunk, hidden pockets in pants and jackets accommodate keys and cash, jackets have two-way zippers, the logo is reflective, and longer sleeves on jackets can cover hands in the cold. "We’re huge on functional wear with detail," says store owner Nikki Bertelli, showing me a detachable hair tie on the zipper.
Even without the help of the enthusiastic and congenial staff, it's easy to find things that fit here. Bra tops and workout tops are organized from the least to most supportive, and the pant wall ranges from tightest fit to loosest fit. Most pieces are solid and colorful and can easily be mixed and matched. If you see a color you like, nab it. They change about every 21 days to keep things fresh. The selection for men is smaller and more basic, but has all the clever features as the women's clothing. Men's carryall pants are water-resistant and have pockets everywhere.
Prices are reasonable for the excellent quality: Bra tops are about $32, tops are $44-$48, hoodies are $76, and pants go up to $92. The store also offers free hemming services.
Parking: Free parking
Average reader rating: Not ratedWrite a review
1077 Bellevue Square Bellevue, WA 98004 Phone: 425-462-5530 Fax: 425-462-5021 bellevue-store@lululemon.com Web site Maps & directions
DESCRIPTION
Lululemon yoga wear is, in a word, amazing. Yoga devotees have extolled the virtues and fit of this line for years.
The shop itself is a metaphor for yoga — progressive designs that are constantly re-evaluated and improved, orderly organization of clothing that flows nicely with serene elements such as a trickling wall fountain and a stone-lined water basin. A wall-mounted flat-screen TV shows healthy, smiling yogis and yoginis perfecting their asanas in exotic, tropical locales.
But back to the cute clothes, every pant, top, jacket and hoodie is thoughtfully constructed, down to the tiniest detail. Most are made of Luon (a patented moisture-wicking fabric), every seam is flat stitched so rough edges don't chafe, fabrics are preshrunk, hidden pockets in pants and jackets accommodate keys and cash, jackets have two-way zippers, the logo is reflective, and longer sleeves on jackets can cover hands in the cold. "We’re huge on functional wear with detail," says store owner Nikki Bertelli, showing me a detachable hair tie on the zipper.
Even without the help of the enthusiastic and congenial staff, it's easy to find things that fit here. Bra tops and workout tops are organized from the least to most supportive, and the pant wall ranges from tightest fit to loosest fit. Most pieces are solid and colorful and can easily be mixed and matched. If you see a color you like, nab it. They change about every 21 days to keep things fresh. The selection for men is smaller and more basic, but has all the clever features as the women's clothing. Men's carryall pants are water-resistant and have pockets everywhere.
Prices are reasonable for the excellent quality: Bra tops are about $32, tops are $44-$48, hoodies are $76, and pants go up to $92. The store also offers free hemming services.
Lululemon Stock at $29.69 Bought 50 Shares
Tomorrow at 2:15 (Eastern time) we have the federal reserve cutting rates again. If they cut by a quarter point, stocks may go down and I may get to buy in the $26 level again. If they cut by 0.50, we may go up or stay unchanged. It also depends what they say about the possibility of future cuts. If more cuts are in the works, stocks may go up.Monday, January 28, 2008
Lululemon Circular Yoga Mat Review
From Time Out Chicago
First there was the rectangular foam version. Then there were rugs. And now presenting...the circular yoga mat. It’s taken a century to change the shape of the yoga mat, but Equinox instructor and circle mat creator Desiree Bartlett says it’s been a long time coming. “It was a lightbulb moment,” she says. “It should be a circle.” The new mat makes it easier to transition between stances since you don’t have to change the mat’s position every time you move—a nice perk for newbies and folks who tend to fall over or wiggle a lot when segueing to a new pose. Plus, eco-conscious yogis will be happy to hear that these circle mats are made out of earth-friendly material that breaks down in a landfill. Bartlett designed a class for the mat (Yoga 360 will be offered beginning in February at Equinox, 900 N Michigan, 312-924-2500), but you can use it for any of your regular yoga, Pilates and weight-training classes.
Available at lululemon Gold Coast, 900 N Michigan Ave, (312-951-5923, lululemon.com), and lululemon Lincoln Park, 2104 N Halsted St, (773-883-8860, lululemon.com). $48.
Available at lululemon Gold Coast, 900 N Michigan Ave, (312-951-5923, lululemon.com), and lululemon Lincoln Park, 2104 N Halsted St, (773-883-8860, lululemon.com). $48.
Lululemon Limited Edition Hoodie Review
From effin'haute:I ended up at my local mall after a day of running errands with some time to spare. It had been a while since my last visit and after walking around for a little bit, I was pleased to discover that they had recently opened a lululemon.Upon entry, something caught my eye. A new Limited Edition 'When We Met' Remix Hoodie casually strewn across one of the tables. I quickened my pace and my heart started racing. Would I get lucky? Would it be my size?It wasn't. It was the next size up. I tried it on anyway. It was a tad big, but I was planning on wearing it as a jacket anyway. Success! I had wanted one of the LEs for a little while now but was unsuccessful in my search (especially since most of them were ugly). As I disrobed from the hoodie, I noticed myself getting a little bit more attention than usual.A girl I noticed to be wearing the Cypress Green Grid Limited Edition Hoodie was whispering to her companion and pointing at the hoodie. Another girl who had just entered the store with her friends looked at what I was carrying and exclaimed "That's the one!" It seemed as though everyone left in the store was waiting to see if I would put it down so that they could snatch it up.I didn't. And now, I'm the proud owner of this baby.
Needless to say, I felt a little bad. But hey; all is fair in love and shopping.
Lululemon OC - No Sign of Slowing - Ranked #1 in California
From OC Register
November 27th, 2007 · posted by Hang Nguyen
Lululemon Athletica doesn’t do store sales.
The high-end yoga-inspired clothing company, with its one Orange County store at Fashion Island in Newport Beach, stuck to this policy even during the weekend after Thanksgiving when many retailers were forced to drop prices to attract shoppers.
(Lululemon considers sales as temporary lowered prices that later revert back to the original price. However, it did offer a few markdowns — reduced prices that never go back to the regular price, the day after Thanksgiving.)
Even without sales and despite some recent negative press by the The New York Times, revenue rose at the local store.
It jumped 51 percent last Friday vs. the same day a year ago, said Diane Thomas, community leader for the Newport Beach shop. And revenue jumped 70 percent on Saturday and 28 percent on Sunday vs. a year ago, she said.
Based on Friday sales, the Fashion Island store ranked No. 1 in California, where it has 13 other stores and showrooms including one in Beverly Hills. The local store ranked No. 3 in the U.S.
After first arriving in Newport Beach three years ago, expect Lululemon to open more stores in Orange County in 2008 and beyond, Thomas said.
Even though Thomas describes the clothes as more function than fashion, I find them stylish for workout clothes. A few months ago while on vacation, I checked out a store in Vancouver, where the business is based. I was impressed.
Lululemon Athletica doesn’t do store sales.
The high-end yoga-inspired clothing company, with its one Orange County store at Fashion Island in Newport Beach, stuck to this policy even during the weekend after Thanksgiving when many retailers were forced to drop prices to attract shoppers.
(Lululemon considers sales as temporary lowered prices that later revert back to the original price. However, it did offer a few markdowns — reduced prices that never go back to the regular price, the day after Thanksgiving.)
Even without sales and despite some recent negative press by the The New York Times, revenue rose at the local store.
It jumped 51 percent last Friday vs. the same day a year ago, said Diane Thomas, community leader for the Newport Beach shop. And revenue jumped 70 percent on Saturday and 28 percent on Sunday vs. a year ago, she said.
Based on Friday sales, the Fashion Island store ranked No. 1 in California, where it has 13 other stores and showrooms including one in Beverly Hills. The local store ranked No. 3 in the U.S.
After first arriving in Newport Beach three years ago, expect Lululemon to open more stores in Orange County in 2008 and beyond, Thomas said.
Even though Thomas describes the clothes as more function than fashion, I find them stylish for workout clothes. A few months ago while on vacation, I checked out a store in Vancouver, where the business is based. I was impressed.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Lululemon New York Voted Best Weekend Clothes in 2007
From Best of New York
Best Weekend Clothes Lululemon Athletica
1928 Broadway, 212-712-1767
Lululemon (a recent Canadian import) is marketed as workout clothing, but it’s got enough style to pass muster at pretty much any weekend social occasion short of a sit-down dinner. It’s stretchy but cut with an eye to creating a flattering silhouette, even if you haven’t just come from two hours of Pilates. The pants section ($52 to $84) is conveniently divided into categories like “sweating” and “to and from.” The reversible bodysuit ($48) that goes from solid to polka dot is great for layering.
1928 Broadway, 212-712-1767
Lululemon (a recent Canadian import) is marketed as workout clothing, but it’s got enough style to pass muster at pretty much any weekend social occasion short of a sit-down dinner. It’s stretchy but cut with an eye to creating a flattering silhouette, even if you haven’t just come from two hours of Pilates. The pants section ($52 to $84) is conveniently divided into categories like “sweating” and “to and from.” The reversible bodysuit ($48) that goes from solid to polka dot is great for layering.
Lululemon Staff Discount
"The employee discount is 60% off anything and everything, but as everyone has previously mentioned, I think it's a bit imposing. In addition to the 60%, you get free yoga classes anywhere in Toronto and monthly trips to the spa.""I heard that inorder to work there, you have to be involved, in yoga, pilaties, or some sort of gymnastics. and if you are a certified coach you get a 15% discount! its great i use mine all the time."
From Fashion 18
I don't think the spa trips are real perks . Read this.
Elle Macpherson in Lululemon Reverse Groove Pants
Yep it's her in the Reverse Groove. Go down 4-5 posts for other views.
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Lululemon Warehouse Sale 2008 (Calgary) on Youtube
"We did not expect this kind of response (referring to the 10,000 people who lined up)" This has got to reflect on their bottom line. Youtube.
Lululemon : Why They Don't Have Sales
From HotelsByCity
"A Lululemon insider (or as they call their employees, "educator informed me that rather than having small sales from time to time, retail stores return their unsold merchandise to a warehouse, where the apparel accumulates until the building is bursting at its seams. To clear out the warehouse for the following season's line, Lululemon holds an annual warehouse sale in Canada, alternating between Vancouver and Toronto. And 2007 is Toronto's lucky year. The normally expensive yoga tops and bottoms will be sold at ridiculously low prices - after all, they need to get rid of this merchandise and want you to buy it. This year's sale will be running from Thursday, January 25 through Sunday, January 28 with the location (473 Adelaide West, Second Floor) open from 10am through 7pm. Keep in mind that this is a temporary facility, not the Queen Street Lululemon store. The location will accept Visa, Mastercard, Debit and cash.
Lululemon Warehouse Sale 2008 : Customers don't really practice yoga
Dawn Jensen, with daughters Corey Morris, left, and Jen Terris endured the lineups at the Lululemon sale.Leah Hennel, Calgary Herald
From Calgary Herald
Lululemon casts spell on Calgary bargain hunters
Valerie Fortney, Calgary HeraldPublished: Saturday, January 26, 2008
"If you're here for the sale, you got a four-hour wait ahead of you -- in the cold," says the Stampede parking lot gal with a somewhat sadistic smirk.
"They've been coming since 6 a.m. this morning." I tell her that unless Clive Owen is at the end of that line with his lips on full kiss alert, I'm not standing in any outdoor line for even one hour. We then share a conspiratorial chuckle over the folly of such consumer frenzy.
Jen Terris insists she's not the type to wait in giant sale lineups, either.
"They've been coming since 6 a.m. this morning." I tell her that unless Clive Owen is at the end of that line with his lips on full kiss alert, I'm not standing in any outdoor line for even one hour. We then share a conspiratorial chuckle over the folly of such consumer frenzy.
Jen Terris insists she's not the type to wait in giant sale lineups, either.
"I don't even go shopping on Boxing Day," says the 34-year-old stay-at-home mom of two. "There are very few things that would make me do this." Lululemon is clearly one of them. Terris has just spent the last hour and a half outside the Big Four Building at Stampede Park, joined by her sister Corey Morris and mom Dawn Jensen. Both Terris and Morris are covered in head-to-toe Lululemon, much like many of the other thousand or so women who've joined them here on this brisk morning.
Since Thursday morning, more than 6,000 customers -- about 90 per cent of them female -- have snaked their way through this line in their quest to grab a bargain from this made-in-Canada retailer of fashionable athletic goods.
By the time the sale wraps up later today, it's expected that more than 10,000 will have plunked down their credit cards for marked-down clothing with such zen-filled names as the Serenity tank top and Downdawg shorts.
While long lineups are common in this town on Boxing Day, at least at electronics stores famous for deep post-holiday discounts, it's not that common to see such a massive turnout of shoppers, in late January, for what is ostensibly a regular store sale.
But then, Lululemon isn't your regular clothing purveyor.
The company, started by former Calgarian Chip Wilson in 1998, preaches a mantra of positive thinking, peace, love and inner transformation. And, oh yeah, comfortable and trendy athletic wear.
It even has a company manifesto, replete with such cheesy lines as "children are the orgasm of life." Wilson, a six-foot-four former university football player, took up yoga not long after moving to Vancouver in 1986. The entrepreneur with several successful retail ventures already under his belt saw an opportunity to cash in on the exploding yoga trend.
Combining fashionable workout wear with a feel-good philosophy caught on like wildfire. After going public last summer, the company, which both manufactures and sells its clothing, quickly doubled its share price. Its inaugural set of fiscal results as a public company showed a revenue growth of 80 per cent.
But success has not come without a few glitches. Many yoga purists have thumbed their noses up at the Lululemon juggernaut, arguing its rather pricey, fashion-forward offerings fly in the face of what is essentially a spiritual practice that eschews materialism.
Then there was last year's "Seaweedgate," in which the Vancouver-based company was chastised for claiming its VitaSea T-shirts possessed therapeutic benefits.
Since Thursday morning, more than 6,000 customers -- about 90 per cent of them female -- have snaked their way through this line in their quest to grab a bargain from this made-in-Canada retailer of fashionable athletic goods.
By the time the sale wraps up later today, it's expected that more than 10,000 will have plunked down their credit cards for marked-down clothing with such zen-filled names as the Serenity tank top and Downdawg shorts.
While long lineups are common in this town on Boxing Day, at least at electronics stores famous for deep post-holiday discounts, it's not that common to see such a massive turnout of shoppers, in late January, for what is ostensibly a regular store sale.
But then, Lululemon isn't your regular clothing purveyor.
The company, started by former Calgarian Chip Wilson in 1998, preaches a mantra of positive thinking, peace, love and inner transformation. And, oh yeah, comfortable and trendy athletic wear.
It even has a company manifesto, replete with such cheesy lines as "children are the orgasm of life." Wilson, a six-foot-four former university football player, took up yoga not long after moving to Vancouver in 1986. The entrepreneur with several successful retail ventures already under his belt saw an opportunity to cash in on the exploding yoga trend.
Combining fashionable workout wear with a feel-good philosophy caught on like wildfire. After going public last summer, the company, which both manufactures and sells its clothing, quickly doubled its share price. Its inaugural set of fiscal results as a public company showed a revenue growth of 80 per cent.
But success has not come without a few glitches. Many yoga purists have thumbed their noses up at the Lululemon juggernaut, arguing its rather pricey, fashion-forward offerings fly in the face of what is essentially a spiritual practice that eschews materialism.
Then there was last year's "Seaweedgate," in which the Vancouver-based company was chastised for claiming its VitaSea T-shirts possessed therapeutic benefits.
Judging by the exuberant crowd on Friday, such problems have made nary a dint on Lululemon's buying public.
"It's all about comfort and style," Shannon Prestegard tells me as she waits outside. "Everyone's bum looks amazing in their pants, no matter what size you wear." Not being able to do the Sun Salutation is no impediment to purchasing, either.
"I've never done yoga before," admits 19-year-old Megan Ward, who works at the Calgary International Airport as a luggage sorter. "I just like to wear their clothes everywhere, because they look good and are so comfortable." Over a two-hour period, in fact, I am unable to find a single person who practises yoga.
"It's all about comfort and style," Shannon Prestegard tells me as she waits outside. "Everyone's bum looks amazing in their pants, no matter what size you wear." Not being able to do the Sun Salutation is no impediment to purchasing, either.
"I've never done yoga before," admits 19-year-old Megan Ward, who works at the Calgary International Airport as a luggage sorter. "I just like to wear their clothes everywhere, because they look good and are so comfortable." Over a two-hour period, in fact, I am unable to find a single person who practises yoga.
"I wear them to the gym," says a buff Shawn Pilgrim, one of a small number of men to venture out to the sale. "They're the most comfortable gym clothes I've ever had." Outside, Tracy Keough keeps the crowd excited by playing trivia games, giving out Starbucks cards to people who know who Chip Wilson is, along with other Lululemon tidbits.
"Thursday saw the real hard core shoppers," Keough, dressed in a full-length parka and holding a megaphone, tells me. "Today, they're not quite as up on all the Lululemon lingo." It's fun, to be sure, but there's still that slightly uncomfortable, cult-like feeling in the air for a company that seems to have really tapped into the consumer conflict between looking good and finding spiritual enlightenment.
Such so-called mass market manipulation is of no concern to people like Dawn Jensen, though, who's come from High River just to get a good deal on clothing her daughters say is well-made and long-lasting.
"I don't go for all the hype and I don't do yoga," says the 60-year-old Jensen, who within minutes of arriving already has an armful of potential purchases.
"But I know a good deal when I see one." vfortney@theherald.canwest.com
"Thursday saw the real hard core shoppers," Keough, dressed in a full-length parka and holding a megaphone, tells me. "Today, they're not quite as up on all the Lululemon lingo." It's fun, to be sure, but there's still that slightly uncomfortable, cult-like feeling in the air for a company that seems to have really tapped into the consumer conflict between looking good and finding spiritual enlightenment.
Such so-called mass market manipulation is of no concern to people like Dawn Jensen, though, who's come from High River just to get a good deal on clothing her daughters say is well-made and long-lasting.
"I don't go for all the hype and I don't do yoga," says the 60-year-old Jensen, who within minutes of arriving already has an armful of potential purchases.
"But I know a good deal when I see one." vfortney@theherald.canwest.com
Friday, January 25, 2008
Lululemon Has a Monopoly over its Competitors
From Ukula
Whether you sweat or not, leisure wear is in across the nation.
When walking through the streets of any metropolitan city we are spectators to a constant fashion show of the season’s latest trends. Street-wear is the most influential branch of fashion directly affecting sales in stores. For decades ones street attire was easily definable as either Toronto, Montreal or West-Coast. The differences between each cities styles were diverse and noticeable. Still today, when walking down the streets here in Toronto I can sense the more rigid and conservativeness of our everyday dress by comparison to that of our Montreal comrades but we are amidst a transitional stage. Previously the unique codes of dress in our major Canadian fashion centers followed three main rules: Montreal: youthful, Vancouver: recreational, Toronto: professional.
Today street wear has two branches, those who adhere strictly to these rules, and those who cast aside our differences for our universal love of the casual athletic look. The latter has experienced comebacks several times over the years but never with such verve as it has today. The shameful dress of aerobic wear in the 80s was detrimental to this line of apparel for over a decade.
But with the help of the growing popularity of yoga and similar exercises the leisure look is in full swing. This is thanks in a large part to our good friends at Lululemon. Chip Wilson (originally of Westbeach fame) started this line of comfortable yoga wear in Vancouver, British Columbia. An immediate success. Over the past few years stores have opened across the country in fashion centers and beyond. More impressive that his companies success is the success by association that this type of clothing has received.
In Montreal the popularity of lines like SpaceFB or FIDEL had defined the trendiest of the street wear shoppers. Out west lines like Westbeach and more surf oriented clothing had cornered this sect of the market. Here in Toronto as we pride ourselves on being more professional the street wear was dominated by more conservative design houses and then for the younger generation by boutiques like Aritzia.
This is a thing of the past. Today with stores in each of these regions as well as elsewhere, Lululemon has a monopoly over its competitors. The once shunned athletic look is now embraced and associated with luxury and a elite lifesytle. This style is not unique to Lululemon any longer. Smart retailers have pursued this niche as well in an attempt to gain a share of this market but Wilsons company still holds the prestigious first place.
Stores are now popping up in the trendiest of neighborhoods, and these hundred dollar spandex are being sported by not only the yoga savvy but women of all interests and hobbies. It has become equally as prestigious or trendy to be wearing your simple ‘groove pants’ basics from lulu as it was last year to sport the signature Louis Vuitton bags. Sure cutting-edge street wear across Canada is experiencing a colourful and innovative season blending trends of the past half century. But these simply cut, spandex or ‘luon’ clothes are seen as equally as cutting edge styles as the latest runway knockoffs.
I find it a relief that we as women can openly expose the fact that we love jogging pants. For years women have sported their gym and aerobics gear shamefully outside out their recreational facilities. Today the outward acceptance of the spandex apparel has allowed our gender to shed the uncomfortable lifestyles we have led in stilettos suffering for our fashion acceptance. Now we can strut about with the same confidence but wrapped in head to toe comfort.
If a young woman fancies herself an arbiter of style, she cannot rightly claim this title without first having purchased her first of many pairs of Lululemon (or similar) bottoms. I speak for myself as well as for the others who have fallen for Lulu and its followers when I say I hope this lasts a long time.
Lululemon Stock Seeking Alpha article : My Comments
First of all, Victoria Secret already has an established yoga line. It's very competitive with tops and bottoms in the $20 range. If this reporter just typed in victoria secret yoga, he would've easily found it.
Yes, it is expensive but you have to pay for style and function . I have compared Lululemon with competitors like Lucy, Hardtail, Tommy Hilfiger, and Adidas. I have yet to compare it to Juicy Couture and Prana. You always pay for what you get. The better the design, the pricier it will be. Underarmor is actually not that cheap - they have jackets going for $200 and their coldgear is about $100 each.
Yes it trades at a P/E much higher than it's industry peers but you have to pay for growth.
Is it a small cult following that can grow outside of LA and San Francisco? Well, if you call the secular trend of wanting to be healthy and living longer a small cult following I guess it is.
I personally don't practice yoga yet I like their clothing - for comfort and good function. I don't know if men will catch on but if you ask any woman about lululemon they usually mention how good they look in it. The point is, regular people like the clothing, not just yoga practitioners.
If you read this , you will find that most of their customers don't even practice yoga. They like the look, comfort, and high quality.
Insiders pocketing $ is nothing new. Why should they not reap the benefits of taking this company public. Investors would not have been able to profit had they not. As for where money is spent, I'm amazed they don't even advertise. Their marketing dollars go instead into training of their 1700 employees.
Yes, women will cut back on discretionary items during a recession but not knowing what demographic Lululemon shoppers are we don't know to what extent they will cut back. Lululemon seems to pick their locations carefully and situate themselves in areas of high income.
Yes, the company's seaweed debacle did affect it's credibility but it did not seem to affect the bottom line since shoppers were more interested in the fashion not the health benefits. My poll currently shows that 80% don't care about Seaweed in their Lululemon.
As for Bob Meers and his resume, well it's not excusable if he really did color it but based on my poll again, 30% of people have doctored or embellished their resume.
The sales per square foot seems incredible but that's probably because of the high cost of their apparel and the strong unit economics of their new stores. They never have sales except for their warehouse sale and most of the time, people pay full retail. How many stores did he visit to gauge this metric (sales per square foot)? One? Two? They have 81, not 70. Read the webcast notes - John Currie, CFO, talks about this in the recent ICR Conference. No doubt in time, any company will need to taper down it's growth but hopefully not while it's in expansion mode.
Will the stock go into the single digits? Currently, the company has reaffirmed guidance and until the end of February when they disclose their earnings, we don't know where the stock is headed. I will continue to pick at this stock and profit from it until the story changes. Incidentally, a third of my readers think it will go to $60 this year, a third think it will do that in 2009, and the final third think the stock has peaked. In short, investors are divided. Retail stocks have suffered greatly in the last 2 months some of them dropping 30-40%. Interest rates are coming down however and that bodes well for this sector. Money managers will be trying to find value in this market and rotate back into the beaten up financials and retail names. I must say though that when stocks are tanking, the media likes to come out in full force and talk about the demise of stocks, adding to the bearish tone. Panic begets panic. Well, that's their job. Oftentimes, by the time all the articles come out, the market has already bottomed, like it did on Jan 22 when the DOW opened 500 pts. lower, and it's time to reinvest in stocks. (Lulu opened at $26.99)
Also, will the writer of the article disclose if he has a short position on the stock?
Yes, it is expensive but you have to pay for style and function . I have compared Lululemon with competitors like Lucy, Hardtail, Tommy Hilfiger, and Adidas. I have yet to compare it to Juicy Couture and Prana. You always pay for what you get. The better the design, the pricier it will be. Underarmor is actually not that cheap - they have jackets going for $200 and their coldgear is about $100 each.
Yes it trades at a P/E much higher than it's industry peers but you have to pay for growth.
Is it a small cult following that can grow outside of LA and San Francisco? Well, if you call the secular trend of wanting to be healthy and living longer a small cult following I guess it is.
I personally don't practice yoga yet I like their clothing - for comfort and good function. I don't know if men will catch on but if you ask any woman about lululemon they usually mention how good they look in it. The point is, regular people like the clothing, not just yoga practitioners.
If you read this , you will find that most of their customers don't even practice yoga. They like the look, comfort, and high quality.
Insiders pocketing $ is nothing new. Why should they not reap the benefits of taking this company public. Investors would not have been able to profit had they not. As for where money is spent, I'm amazed they don't even advertise. Their marketing dollars go instead into training of their 1700 employees.
Yes, women will cut back on discretionary items during a recession but not knowing what demographic Lululemon shoppers are we don't know to what extent they will cut back. Lululemon seems to pick their locations carefully and situate themselves in areas of high income.
Yes, the company's seaweed debacle did affect it's credibility but it did not seem to affect the bottom line since shoppers were more interested in the fashion not the health benefits. My poll currently shows that 80% don't care about Seaweed in their Lululemon.
As for Bob Meers and his resume, well it's not excusable if he really did color it but based on my poll again, 30% of people have doctored or embellished their resume.
The sales per square foot seems incredible but that's probably because of the high cost of their apparel and the strong unit economics of their new stores. They never have sales except for their warehouse sale and most of the time, people pay full retail. How many stores did he visit to gauge this metric (sales per square foot)? One? Two? They have 81, not 70. Read the webcast notes - John Currie, CFO, talks about this in the recent ICR Conference. No doubt in time, any company will need to taper down it's growth but hopefully not while it's in expansion mode.
Will the stock go into the single digits? Currently, the company has reaffirmed guidance and until the end of February when they disclose their earnings, we don't know where the stock is headed. I will continue to pick at this stock and profit from it until the story changes. Incidentally, a third of my readers think it will go to $60 this year, a third think it will do that in 2009, and the final third think the stock has peaked. In short, investors are divided. Retail stocks have suffered greatly in the last 2 months some of them dropping 30-40%. Interest rates are coming down however and that bodes well for this sector. Money managers will be trying to find value in this market and rotate back into the beaten up financials and retail names. I must say though that when stocks are tanking, the media likes to come out in full force and talk about the demise of stocks, adding to the bearish tone. Panic begets panic. Well, that's their job. Oftentimes, by the time all the articles come out, the market has already bottomed, like it did on Jan 22 when the DOW opened 500 pts. lower, and it's time to reinvest in stocks. (Lulu opened at $26.99)
Also, will the writer of the article disclose if he has a short position on the stock?
Lululemon Stock Heading for Single Digits : Seeking Alpha
From Seeking Alpha Lululemon Athletica: Heading for Single Digits
Do Canadian retailers deserve Chinese Internet valuations? Lululemon (LULU), a specialty retailer of yoga inspired athletic wear based in Canada, is the most overvalued stock in the retail universe, even at the current sharply discounted price. Having traded as high as $70 a share, the common is now at about $30. But even at the current lower price, the forward PE is about 45.
How does that compare to some other specialty retailers? Under Armor (UA), also sharply down from a previous high and now trading at about 35, is trading at a forward PE of 25. Another former apparel darling, Crocs (CROX), is trading at a forward PE of 15. The lesson to be learned here is that the retail momentum crowd is exceptionally fickle, and, once a company disappoints on earnings, or offers less than shining guidance, the stock gets punished brutally. Other metrics tell the same story; price/sales are 9.6, the industry average is 1.0. Price/cash flow is 78; the industry average is 12. The dominant retailer in the athletic space is Nike (NKE); it trades at a forward PE of less than 15. LuLu’s net income for the quarter ended October 31 was $11.2 million, yet it has had a market cap north of $5 billion dollars at its peak.
LuLu has 70 stores, and at the current market cap of $2.8 billion, each store is valued at about $40 million; that’s phenomenal. I’ve been in several of these retail locations, and they’re just fine, but nothing unusual; we’re talking about perfectly conventional retail sales outlets, both in malls and street level retail; the sizes of the retail locations are very modest, perhaps 1,000-2,000 square feet or so; there is absolutely no barrier to entry in establishing this retail channel, which forms the bulk of Lulu’s sales. Also, this market can easily be entered by others, Victoria’s Secret has announced plans to do so.
If you visit LuLu, you’ll also find that the items are very expensive; I haven’t found anything, even a tee-shirt, for less than about $60. Compare this with Under Armor, which sells many of it’s shirts for around $20. While very expensive and trendy yoga inspired apparel will appeal to a small cult following, the question is how big that following can grow outside a few very trend conscious cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco? The entire market cap assumes hyper growth and new store openings. But with recession clouds gathering, how large is the market for people buying very expensive exercise apparel? There are certain things that women will not cut back on, such as makeup and skin care. But one would assume that high end exercise apparel would be one of the first discretionary items to go as households cut back.
There is also the whiff of something just not quite right at LuLu. As reported in previous posts on Seeking Alpha, insiders pocketed 78% of the proceeds of last year’s IPO, rather than investing these funds in the growth of the business, making a clear statement about what they thought about the company’s future prospects. The company makes the very new age, and completely unverified, claim that the materials that are incorporated into the fabrics, such as silver, have health benefits. For instance, you can visit their web site to learn about a very simple looking tee-shirt that is promoted as using “Silverescent technology using X-STATIC, the silver fiber”. The exotic materials are said to directly release amino acids and vitamins in the skin while working out. Really? It might just as well be shown down the road that such materials are health hazards, or more likely, that the claims are just another form of quackery. In fact, as has been previously documented in this space and elsewhere, those materials claimed to be woven into LuLu’s apparel may simply not exist, as the New York Times discovered when it sent some Lulu items to independent labs for verification and found no evidence of a special seaweed fabric alleged to provide health benefits.
There are just so many gaps in this story; such as CNBC reporter unsuccessful Herb Greenberg’s attempts to verify the claims on CEO Bob Meers’s resume. And some of the numbers, like sales per square foot, seem too good to be true, based on my experience in the stores. Begging the question, can you trust the reported numbers any more than you can trust the content labels on the clothing, or the CEO’s resume, or the original investors’ time horizon?
On the 22nd LuLu was downgraded by BMO Capital markets to underperform. On January 15 Goldman downgraded the whole athletic sector due to recession concerns, and also cut the price target on LuLu. When this stock is trading in the single digits a few months from now, people will look back at the company’s history and wonder how this small collection of quirky yoga gear ever was valued for billions of dollars; we’ll all smugly say how we tasted, and then spit out, this lulu of a lemon.
John Groom
Do Canadian retailers deserve Chinese Internet valuations? Lululemon (LULU), a specialty retailer of yoga inspired athletic wear based in Canada, is the most overvalued stock in the retail universe, even at the current sharply discounted price. Having traded as high as $70 a share, the common is now at about $30. But even at the current lower price, the forward PE is about 45.
How does that compare to some other specialty retailers? Under Armor (UA), also sharply down from a previous high and now trading at about 35, is trading at a forward PE of 25. Another former apparel darling, Crocs (CROX), is trading at a forward PE of 15. The lesson to be learned here is that the retail momentum crowd is exceptionally fickle, and, once a company disappoints on earnings, or offers less than shining guidance, the stock gets punished brutally. Other metrics tell the same story; price/sales are 9.6, the industry average is 1.0. Price/cash flow is 78; the industry average is 12. The dominant retailer in the athletic space is Nike (NKE); it trades at a forward PE of less than 15. LuLu’s net income for the quarter ended October 31 was $11.2 million, yet it has had a market cap north of $5 billion dollars at its peak.
LuLu has 70 stores, and at the current market cap of $2.8 billion, each store is valued at about $40 million; that’s phenomenal. I’ve been in several of these retail locations, and they’re just fine, but nothing unusual; we’re talking about perfectly conventional retail sales outlets, both in malls and street level retail; the sizes of the retail locations are very modest, perhaps 1,000-2,000 square feet or so; there is absolutely no barrier to entry in establishing this retail channel, which forms the bulk of Lulu’s sales. Also, this market can easily be entered by others, Victoria’s Secret has announced plans to do so.
If you visit LuLu, you’ll also find that the items are very expensive; I haven’t found anything, even a tee-shirt, for less than about $60. Compare this with Under Armor, which sells many of it’s shirts for around $20. While very expensive and trendy yoga inspired apparel will appeal to a small cult following, the question is how big that following can grow outside a few very trend conscious cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco? The entire market cap assumes hyper growth and new store openings. But with recession clouds gathering, how large is the market for people buying very expensive exercise apparel? There are certain things that women will not cut back on, such as makeup and skin care. But one would assume that high end exercise apparel would be one of the first discretionary items to go as households cut back.
There is also the whiff of something just not quite right at LuLu. As reported in previous posts on Seeking Alpha, insiders pocketed 78% of the proceeds of last year’s IPO, rather than investing these funds in the growth of the business, making a clear statement about what they thought about the company’s future prospects. The company makes the very new age, and completely unverified, claim that the materials that are incorporated into the fabrics, such as silver, have health benefits. For instance, you can visit their web site to learn about a very simple looking tee-shirt that is promoted as using “Silverescent technology using X-STATIC, the silver fiber”. The exotic materials are said to directly release amino acids and vitamins in the skin while working out. Really? It might just as well be shown down the road that such materials are health hazards, or more likely, that the claims are just another form of quackery. In fact, as has been previously documented in this space and elsewhere, those materials claimed to be woven into LuLu’s apparel may simply not exist, as the New York Times discovered when it sent some Lulu items to independent labs for verification and found no evidence of a special seaweed fabric alleged to provide health benefits.
There are just so many gaps in this story; such as CNBC reporter unsuccessful Herb Greenberg’s attempts to verify the claims on CEO Bob Meers’s resume. And some of the numbers, like sales per square foot, seem too good to be true, based on my experience in the stores. Begging the question, can you trust the reported numbers any more than you can trust the content labels on the clothing, or the CEO’s resume, or the original investors’ time horizon?
On the 22nd LuLu was downgraded by BMO Capital markets to underperform. On January 15 Goldman downgraded the whole athletic sector due to recession concerns, and also cut the price target on LuLu. When this stock is trading in the single digits a few months from now, people will look back at the company’s history and wonder how this small collection of quirky yoga gear ever was valued for billions of dollars; we’ll all smugly say how we tasted, and then spit out, this lulu of a lemon.
John Groom
Lululemon Used Facebook
From CBC News
I wouldn't stand out here for an electronics sale. It's got to be true love, I guess," said the boyfriend of another woman as he stood in line in the -10 C weather.
Thousands of shoppers lined up for hours at Calgary's Stampede Park to get a crack at a clothing sale that used no traditional advertising to get the word out.
Popular athletic retailer Lululemon kicked off a three-day inventory sell-off Thursday but said it was caught off guard by the reaction. The lineup to get in stretched in excess of three hours.
"I love yoga pants and all that stuff!" said one woman as she rushed into the warehouse sale.
"I wouldn't stand out here for an electronics sale. It's got to be true love, I guess," said the boyfriend of another woman as he stood in line in the -10 C weather.
"I wouldn't stand out here for an electronics sale. It's got to be true love, I guess," said the boyfriend of another woman as he stood in line in the -10 C weather.
Lululemon posted information about its sale on Facebook, a social networking site, which was soon shared among thousands of Facebook users.
A shopper browses through the Lululemon warehouse sale.(CBC)
"Everybody has Facebook. Everybody gets the message. Look what happens," said shopper Chris Cohan.
More and more companies are using Facebook to post ads, which gives the consumer the feeling of being more involved, said University of Calgary business professor Debi Andrus.
"It's about control people in the social network," she said. "They want transparency because that's why they are there and created their communities."
Lululemon said the sale featured some items at 80 per cent off.
A shopper browses through the Lululemon warehouse sale.(CBC)
"Everybody has Facebook. Everybody gets the message. Look what happens," said shopper Chris Cohan.
More and more companies are using Facebook to post ads, which gives the consumer the feeling of being more involved, said University of Calgary business professor Debi Andrus.
"It's about control people in the social network," she said. "They want transparency because that's why they are there and created their communities."
Lululemon said the sale featured some items at 80 per cent off.
Lululemon Calgary Warehouse Sale 2008 Feedback
(this is not the Calgary Warehouse, but the Toronto one) From HonestForum
"Well worth standing outside for 2 hours (arrived at 8am)- I got lots of tops, bras, pants but I couldn't find gym bags and didn't have time to look"
"i got there at 10 to 9 and was in the HUGE fucking line. I waited until 9:15 and then left. I wasn't even at the main building yet! I'm so sad. I wanted tops so badly !!!Were you wearing joey supers? I saw three pairs...two muc with white stitching and one with multi colored stitching. I was so envious!"
"I was lucky - my fiance works on the Stampede grounds so him and his supervisor sneaked me in through the back door. Of course, the back door was connected to the men's changing area so I was turning beet red when I walked through... then the security guards were wondering how the heck I got through the back door but didn't ask further when I said my fiance works here. Good thing I didn't get kicked out.Prices were not that great. I did buy a lot of stuff since I workout a lot and do teach Yoga on the side. It was not worth the line-up though, that I can tell you. I got there at 10:00am. At the same time people who were waiting since 7:30am had just been let in.They loaded out the big gym bags right when I was about to pay, but they were still $69 so not that much cheaper. Also had some scuba hoodies for $89. Crazy!By noon I heard the lineup was as far as Humpty's (so WAY past Erlton Stampede station)."
"holy crum! HOw much were tanks? I'm dieing to know. All I wanted was tanks and head bands and it just wasn't worth the time to wait. On a side note....lululemon brought down some of their prices (at least at the Market Mall location in Calgary). Pants that were $98 around xmas dropped to $86 (or maybe 89? 80-something I can't remember), and some as low as $67, all regular price. There is TONS of print hoodies, I'm not really interested in them anymore."
"Tops were like $29-39. I bought a couple of the whisper tanks and some strappy ones... all $39. Bras were $29. Pants range anywhere from $29-69. I didn't think I saw any headbands; I did see those sandals that was in store for like $46 before... not sure how much they are now, however. Shorts were like $19-29.Those printed hoodies are not so much limited ever since the 5th print and on... I didn't see any of those at the sale. They had some solid color ones but yeah, those were $89. Then there were some of those really thin jacket ones for $69-79 (not worth it imo)."
"Those prices sound like store sale prices!"
"I was wearing joey big t's and a juicy couture angel winter coat w/fur hoodieI paid $ 39 for my pants and workout tops and $29 for a sports bra. I needed gym clothes despirately but it was so much fun waiting because me and some people in the line were chatting and joking around."
"boo. I'm actually thinking about *maybe* going again and seeing how the line is... but I most likely won't"
Lululemon Warehouse Sale 2008 Calgary Craziness
Thousands of Calgarians braved the cold to take in the Lululemon Warehouse sale at the Big Four Building on the Stampede grounds Thursday. The sale runs throughout the weekend, offering discounts of 40 to 80 per cent.Jenelle Schneider, Calgary Herald
From Calgary shoppers go loco for Lululemon by Jamie Komarnicki, Calgary Herald
Lulu lunacy took over the city as thousands of Calgarians swarmed the Stampede grounds Thursday, waiting for hours in search of a bargain on workout gear.
For the first time ever, the city hosted Lululemon Athletica's annual warehouse sale.
Kira Armstrong, 17, arrived at the Big Four building with her friends at 8:45 a.m. -- 15 minutes early. Four hours later, they finally got in.
"(People) were lined up past the parking lot, then looped around," she said.
"It was crazy."
Armstrong bought a couple of pairs of pants and a hooded sweater -- spending $170 and saving an estimated $60.
Prices for the popular workout wear are marked down, in some cases as much as 50 per cent or more, for the four-day inventory clearout.
Paul Carner took the day off work to plunk down nearly $1,000 for gifts for his girlfriend, who was out of town and couldn't make the sale.
"I came in for one sweater. But when you stand in line that long, you might as well make the best of it," said Carner, with a giant sack slung over his shoulder.
Inside, rows of items are organized by size and priced with colour-coded stickers. Customers have to shed their coats and bags before they can get in -- but it's wise to check your modesty at the door as well.
There are just two large change rooms, one each for men and women, for shoppers to try on duds en masse. Only about 750 people are allowed in to the sale at a time.
"We've never done a warehouse sale of this scale. I didn't know what to expect," said Tracy Keough, Lululemon regional community manager.
The popular Vancouver-based yogawear retailer has experienced an explosive year, weathering a product-labelling controversy over its VitaSea line of clothing to come out with record-breaking profits.
The company hired about 350 University of Calgary athletes to staff the Calgary warehouse event, said Keough.
The Calgary response to the sale is astonishing, she said. "The city of Calgary has really taken to our culture. It's a very active, athletic city."
Keough said racks are replenished about every 15 minutes, which is good news for the legions of shoppers lined up outdoors.
Caralee Boettcher, 18, wore her Lululemon pants to stand in line, because, she said, "they're comfortable and they're warmer than jeans, and because I knew it would be cold."
Six hours later, when she left the grounds, purchases in hand, she admitted she was somewhat deflated after all the hype of the sale.
"The sales weren't really as good as I thought they would be," she said. "I figured I'd come because I love Lululemon, but it was a really long, cold wait."
The sale continues today and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
jkomarnicki@theherald.canwest.com
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Lululemon Cobra Tank vs Victoria Secret Keyhole-Back Bra
Victoria Secret Keyhole-Back Lululemon Cobra TankVictoria Secret has many choices for yoga and they are cheap too. The Keyhole-back Bra Top on the left is on clearance for $10. It has a shelf bralette with substantial stretch for support with no show-through. Imported cotton/spandex.
The Cobra Tank ($45) has a great medium to high support tank for yoga, open back for ease of movement and ventilation, power mesh bra to increase support, chafe free-flat seams, wicking/quick dry , and 4-way stretch .
No idea which is better but $10 is really cheap.
Lululemon Downgrade By BMO Analyst Should have Happened Higher
Who downgrades a stock near its 52 week low? Why not do it at $60 when Lulu had a price to earnings ratio much much higher? Notice that Lulu has bounced from it's lows and topped out at $34 this morning. This analyst is downgrading this stock at the wrong time. The retail sector is now experiencing moneyflow since it's been beaten down so badly in the last 2 months. It's now time to buy, not sell. Interest rates are coming down and it's time to get into retail stocks. At $25, it should have been upgraded instead. Shows you how frustrating it can be to listen to so-called analysts. Sometimes, they give contrarian signals.
Lululemon Stock Headed for Fall : National Post
From National Post
Lululemon Headed For Fall: Analyst
Fear Of Selloff; High valuation relies on U.S. market sentiment
Fear Of Selloff; High valuation relies on U.S. market sentiment
The bloom seems to be off the lotus at yogawear retailer Lululemon Athletica Inc., whose share price has been shaved in half since it hit an all-time high in October.
During a rocky time for consumer stocks, market watchers are wondering where their Lululemon shares will be sitting today after the company exits a 180-day lockup period for insider.
During a rocky time for consumer stocks, market watchers are wondering where their Lululemon shares will be sitting today after the company exits a 180-day lockup period for insider.
Only 27% of the company's stock was offered in its highly touted initial public offering in July, and there is fear that an insider selloff could put the retail stock into a permanent downward dog.
Bruised somewhat since a November scandal in which reports surfaced claiming Lululemon's seaweed-infused clothing contained no seaweed, analysts are now starting to wonder whether bullish predictions about the retailer will bear out.
Adam Clark of BMO Capital Markets has downgraded Lululemon's shares to "under-perform" from "market perform," citing concerns over a consumer spending slowdown in the United States and its still-high trading valuation.
"Despite the stock being down 44% in the last three months, we still believe there is more downside given it is trading at [a price to earnings ratio of ] 41 times earnings in this market," he said in a note to clients. Mr. Clark's target price is $26.
As part of the broader surge in the stock markets yesterday, Lululemon shares on the Toronto Stock Exchange jumped by $3.31 to close at $30.58, or more than 12%. But Mr. Clark noted much of Lululemon's future growth plans are tied to expanding successfully in the U.S. market, which is expected to slow further or possibly enter a recession this year. "We believe speculation that the two major private-equity shareholders [whom together own 29% of the shares outstanding] could seek to sell a majority of their position after their 180-day lockup expires."
Advent International Corp. has 21.7% of the shares and Highland Capital Partners LLC has 5.5%. Company founder Chip Wilson holds 36.1% of the shares. The initial public offering spun off just 27% of the company to new investors and with 67.5 million shares outstanding, market watchers are concerned that the private-equity stakeholders might dump their holdings and drive the stock price down.
The shares also suffered after losing the support of a high-profile booster, Jim Cramer, the CNBC host of Mad Money. Mr. Cramer was an early convert after venturing into the chain's retail stores and buying a bunch of gear. One day after the investing guru made it a hot stock pick in August, Lululemon's shares rose 17%. But the seaweed scandal did not pass the smell test with Mr. Cramer. In November, he said that he felt "betrayed" and sold the stock after its meteoric rise because he was "not in the mood to give back any gains."
Bob Gibson, retailing analyst at Octagon Capital Corporation in Toronto, believes worries about the economy are taking a toll on Lululemon, which during the holiday sales period substantially boosted its profit outlook for the year 2007 to between 40¢ and 42¢ a share, from 30¢ to 33¢.
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I think [the stock] is a bellwether for the Dow because it is so liquid," he said. "If the U.S. market is tanking, the stock is tanking. It has less to do with the fundamentals of the company than the general market sentiment."
In this more conservative climate, he noted, consumers become more risk-averse and lose their appetite for stocks with sky-high valuations. Shares that have traded with high price to earnings ratios -- including another former Jim Cramer darling, athletic apparel company Under Armour Inc. -- have suffered. Under Armour, whose shares have risen and fallen in tandem with Lululemon's and suffered last week after the company said it would miss earnings expectations, peaked at a 65 times price to earnings ratio, when competitors were trading at a P/E of 18 to 20. Lululemon's peak was close to 90 times earnings. "Now people are thinking they will invest in value [stocks]," Mr. Gibson said.
Retail analysts have also noted numerous strong competitors have infiltrated Lululemon's niche. In August, consumer-goods giant VF Corp., which owns a powerhouse stable of fashion brands including Wrangler, Lee, The North Face and Nautica, bought the up-and-coming yoga retailer Lucy of Portland, Ore. And Liz Claiborne's purchase of yoga and outdoor activewear company Prana in 2005 has expanded the apparel line's reach considerably, particularly within department stores.
lululemon stock 100 shares sold at 33.60 this morning
Profit was $789.10. Total lulubucks earned to date $3143.25. By buying and selling small portions and reducing my cost basis, I now have enough to buy an extra 100 shares. Total available to buy at present is 200 shares. Shares owned = 250.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Lululemon Om, Dance Studio Jacket and Jive Legwarmer Review - a dancer's dreamwear
From Trendhunter:
"As the company gains global recognition, with expansions into new markets like the US, Australia and Japan, their product lines are also become more diverse. Those familiar with Lululemon likely think of the Omega-branded spandex Yoga Pants that flatter just about every figure, or the ultra-cozy, fitted Scooba Hoodies.
The Om Jacket is so nice and long, it further emphasizes long, lean yoga bodies and the material is shear enough to fit under one of Lululemon’s other zip-ups. The Dance Studio Jacket is similar to the Scooba Hoodie, but is made of a more light-weight material. It also has an inner Ipod pocket that keeps it in place while exercising. In keeping with the dance theme, Lululemon also has a range of other dance-related items including the ultra-soft Jive Legwarmers"
Om Jacket
-Warm up jacket that can be worn with longer style tanks
-Thumbholes to prevent draft and sleeves from riding up
-Front style lines to visually flatter your figure
-High collar for warmth
-Chafe free - flat seams
-Wicking/quick dry
-4-way stretch
-Lightweight and comfortable to and from studio jacket
-Lullure ultra soft lightweight wicking fabric
-Back vent for ventilation
-Front pockets for easy/quick storage
-Ipod inner pocket to keep it in place while moving
-Reflective free logo
-Do not use fabric softener as it inhibits wicking
-Detergent wash reactivates wicking properties of fabric
Jive Legwarmer
-Super soft legwarmer keeps muscles warm when dancing
-Velvet elastic keeps them in place
-Customize length by folding down cuff
-Elastic ankle cuff helps retain shape
-Id tag so you never loose your gear
-Hand wash lay flat to dry
Lululemon Power V Tank Review
Thanks to 
Straight.com
Price Tag: $48
"The new year is a time of new beginnings, new resolutions, and, for many of us, dropping the five pounds we gained eating fruitcake and cookies. Although losing weight is never fun, getting cute workout gear can be inspiring. Lululemon's Power V tank isn't just pretty; it has a power-mesh bra for extra support and removable cups to increase or decrease your chest size, and is made from wicking fabric to keep you dry. It also has a mini pocket for your iPod, so you can listen to tunes while you sweat. Look for the matching zip-up jacket and yoga pants with patterned detail down the sides, so you can do the Downward Dog decked out from head to toe. The tank also comes in a reverse colour scheme: white with black detail."
-Classic athletic fit!
-Inner shelf bra pocket to store your IPOD nano
-Power mesh bra to increase support
-Removable cups for more coverage
-Chafe free - flat seams
-Wicking/quick dry
-4-way stretch
Straight.comPrice Tag: $48
"The new year is a time of new beginnings, new resolutions, and, for many of us, dropping the five pounds we gained eating fruitcake and cookies. Although losing weight is never fun, getting cute workout gear can be inspiring. Lululemon's Power V tank isn't just pretty; it has a power-mesh bra for extra support and removable cups to increase or decrease your chest size, and is made from wicking fabric to keep you dry. It also has a mini pocket for your iPod, so you can listen to tunes while you sweat. Look for the matching zip-up jacket and yoga pants with patterned detail down the sides, so you can do the Downward Dog decked out from head to toe. The tank also comes in a reverse colour scheme: white with black detail."
-Classic athletic fit!
-Inner shelf bra pocket to store your IPOD nano
-Power mesh bra to increase support
-Removable cups for more coverage
-Chafe free - flat seams
-Wicking/quick dry
-4-way stretch
Lululemon Stock Absolutely Rockets - More to Come?
Congratulations to those who bought this a.m. You made a lot of money. I did not sell any today. We may have some more room to push upward. Underarmour topped out at $36 and I feel we may be headed there next. Volume was 3x normal so people really poured in.
Lululemon Stock Will Go Up due to Rotation and Expected Rate Cut
Pharma, Tech, and Commodities are being sold and funds are rotating into Financials and Retail. This bodes well for this stock. Compound this with another expected rate cut next week.
Be price sensitive however - I am waiting to add and will buy again at the $23 level since I was able to add this a.m. at the $26 level. This market will let you in easily at those levels.
Be price sensitive however - I am waiting to add and will buy again at the $23 level since I was able to add this a.m. at the $26 level. This market will let you in easily at those levels.
Lululemon Stock under $26 - Thank You Sir Bought 100 shares
Lockup expires today and insiders can unload shares. Might be selling off with Apple as well which opened 10% lower but that seems strange. Cost Basis is now $32.91.Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Lululemon Deep V Tank Renew Review
"I bought one black and one white Deep V Tank Renew with cups. I like it because you don't have to wear a bra with it and it's a very flattering halter top."
Thanks to Lululemonlove
2nd review
"When i bought my first Lulu Lemon yoga top, I didn't know anything about sustainability. I loved it. It's stylish feminine and feels great to work out in. I'm tempted to wear it out on a Friday night. After learning that nylon and polyester comes from petroleum, I took a look at my top, all nylon. *frown face* I did some research today and Lulu Lemon is coming out with a line made with organic and sustainable fibers, and they have committed to a 5 year plan to make their clothing more waste efficient, as well as having LEED certified buildings for their retail stores. " Thanks to SustainLane
-Racer back to prevent straps slipping during your workout
-For low to medium impact activities
-ipod pocket
-wetDRYwarm shelf bra with soft/brushed elastic for comfort
-Removable cups for more coverage
-Chafe free - flat seams
-Wicking/quick dry
-Preshrunk
Lululemon and Starbucks : Great Companies Think Alike
From Seattle Weekly :The M.F. Truth: Just Lu It
Groovy, non-consumerist community doesn't come cheap at Lululemon.
By Mark D. Fefer
January 2, 2008
Groovy, non-consumerist community doesn't come cheap at Lululemon.
By Mark D. Fefer
January 2, 2008
For a burgeoning yoga apparel company, friendship is the bottom line. Sort of. If there's one thing this city's been crying out for, it's a new place to buy expensive, highly technical T-shirts. Well, fret not. Last month, Lululemon, the maker of "yoga-based" clothing with the distinctive horseshoe/ovary logo, opened up a store in University Village. There you can outfit yourself with all the intricately designed, heavily R&D'ed apparel necessary in order to optimally stand and bend on a padded mat in a climate-controlled room.
For years, I've been seeing that logo on fancy scoop-backs and cropped bottoms in yoga class. (Incidental observation! Wasn't staring! Calm down!) But I'd never known what the company was about, never understood its exquisite marketing panache—until this year, when some yoga studio apparently sold its customer list and I found myself the lucky recipient of a free subscription to Yoga Journal, where Lululemon is a regular advertiser.
Lululemon's ads are more like anti-ads, statements of higher purpose. Founded in Vancouver, B.C., a decade ago, Lululemon has since expanded to almost 70 stores. The company received a huge infusion of private equity money in 2005, installed a new American CEO (the former head of Reebok) in 2006, and then had an IPO a few months ago, when its shares jumped 50 percent their first day. But this company is hardly about money, as its own ads will tell you.
My favorite, which is posted inside the new Seattle store, shows two young women in what looks to be the alterna-mama demographic, holding each other and smiling out at us. The headline: "Some of the richest people in life do not have money."
The ad continues:
"What makes someone rich? Their bank account? Their savings? The bottom line? What if the bottom line was a tally of friendships made, of families gathered, of sunsets watched, of laughs shared or of communities helped? What if everyone tried to maximize that kind of bottom line? One thing is for sure. The world would be richer for it."
All of which is slightly absurd from a company that recently announced it had managed to expand its gross profit margin to 54 percent in the third quarter, a gain of two percentage points over last year. Gross profits are what the company clears after the cost of making goods. There are many other costs before you get to the net profit, but it's safe to say that Lululemon is making money down over dog. Looking at the ad, I also had to wonder how anyone who was rich—but not, you know, in the money way—could possibly afford the expert brow jobs these two women were sporting.
Thomas Frank observed years ago that corporate America had managed to completely appropriate the language and imagery of "rebellion" and redirect it toward buying stuff. (This was in Nike's heyday.) And now, the success of companies like Lululemon is testament to just how shrewdly marketers are managing to monetize our distaste for materialism. Lululemon is just one of the new lines of high-end consumer goods by which you can signal your rejection of consumerism.
Starbucks helped pave the way here. Its success was built on the notion that it stood for something more than commerce, that in patronizing its stores you weren't just buying a cup of coffee, you were embracing an entire set of enlightened, socially responsive, globally aware, quality-minded values. Obviously this technique has been around a long time, but it seems to me that no one, prior to Starbucks, so successfully married rapacious capitalist reach with a marketing message (and some actual practices) that explicitly rejected pure rapacious capitalism.
At the Lululemon opening party—a jammed affair where pairs of women, angel wings affixed to their backs à la Victoria's Secret models, performed partner poses on pedestals—a friend regaled me with details of all the clothing company's good works: They're very community-minded. They offer lots of free classes at their stores and a free running club. They promote all the other yoga studios in the area. They recruit local "ambassadors"—teachers/athletes who appear in the company's ads and get extra visibility, and free product, in exchange for promoting the brand.
That's all great. It's hard not to prefer the new, more benevolent corporatism, phony and forced as it may seem sometimes, to a business model that appeals only to our vanity and itch for a bargain. Still, you're not going to get me to buy that $54 T-shirt. I just don't see how good karma should require such fat margins.
Lululemon Stock at $32 after 75 basis point cut - Unloading 100 bought at $29
I am being opportunistic again and unloading 100 shares purchased last week at $29 for a
$300 profit. All retailers are rebounding but we opened at $26+ and a 25% move is a too much to resist.
Monday, January 21, 2008
Lululemon Pants are a "One Cannot-Live-Without Pregnancy Item."
"They are riotously expensive, highly washable, and they will make your fat/skinny/distended/lumpy or otherwise unacceptable bottom look fabulous. I have been singing their virtues for years, and now they're available in the US, too. They are Lululemon yoga pants, and yes, they are made for yoga but they are also made for Moms-to-be and just-given birth Moms and Moms who work from home. I have no idea what they put in the fabric, but the material stretches around expanding hips, bum, and stomach with minimal effort and with the astounding ability to make your shape cute no matter the amount of rice pudding you have consumed. I wore mine for my ten month gestation period, and for several months afterward, they still fit me - they just snapped back to their pre-pregnancy size (again: magic, do not know how.) In fact, I am wearing a pair right now, and my chicken flabby do-not-exercise-enough thighs look all magically streamlined even though this is my 112th wearing.They're expensive, they'll run you over 100 bucks a pair. However, if you wear them 1000 times, which you totally will, that's 10 cents a wearing and you can totally justify that. What was your one cannot-live-without pregnancy item?"
From ParentDish
Lululemon Studio Pant Lined Review
"I have fallen in love with these warm-up pants from Lululemon! The pant is designed like a yoga pant on the inside with a lightweight flexible pant layer on the outside for more warmth. The pant length is adjustable as well. I wear these for just a warm up or for an entire workout. They are fantastic and versatile. Not many workout pants can keep you warm in 30-degree weather and still look stylish and flattering. They are worth the price of $90.00."
Thanks to Epic Self
-Lightweight to and from warm up pant
-Fold up waistband with drawstring for more coverage
-Inner liner is seperate for adjustable leg look
-Soft elastic waist doesn't dig in
-Drawstring in hem to adjust pant length
-Stretch fabric insert allows extra stretch through hip
-Reflective free logo for on stage wear
-Chafe free - flat seams
-Do not use fabric softener as it inhibits wicking
-Detergent wash reactivates wicking properties of fabric
-Fold up waistband with drawstring for more coverage
-Inner liner is seperate for adjustable leg look
-Soft elastic waist doesn't dig in
-Drawstring in hem to adjust pant length
-Stretch fabric insert allows extra stretch through hip
-Reflective free logo for on stage wear
-Chafe free - flat seams
-Do not use fabric softener as it inhibits wicking
-Detergent wash reactivates wicking properties of fabric
Lululemon SnowPlow Pullover Review
"This second skin long sleeve from Lululemon comes from their organic and natural fibers collection. It’s made with natural azlon fiber also known as “vegetable cashmere.” Having a soft, warm natural fiber directly next to the skin is divine on those crisp winter days. Layer it with a snowboard jacket and hit the slopes or a fleece jacket for that morning trial ride."
-Hooded comfortable next to skin layer
-Made with azlon fiber (that's a good thing!)
-Is known as the "vegetable cashmere"
-Preshrunk
-Chafe free - flat seams
-Made with azlon fiber (that's a good thing!)
-Is known as the "vegetable cashmere"
-Preshrunk
-Chafe free - flat seams
Thanks to Epic Self
Lululemon Origins : Why Highland Capital Decided to Invest
From Betting on The Lotus by Tom Stemberg as told to Mark Pothier
Two years ago I left my company Staples to become a venture capitalist. Here's why it wasn't such a stretch for me to invest $18.8 million on a stylish little yoga-wear chain called Lululemon.
Sophie LaMontagne, an associate at Highland, said there was a company in Toronto called Lululemon. It was a lot like Lucy, she said. So I called Katherine Chapman, my partner in Toronto who runs Olly Shoes, the children's shoe company I founded. [Chapman and Stemberg also have a 2-year-old son together.] "Oh, yeah, Lululemon is great," she said. "I buy stuff there."
Then I was off to Toronto on a steamy Thursday afternoon in August. The city, same as Boston, clears out in the summer, so the streets were almost empty. I go into the store and it's like an Arab marketplace on a Saturday. There are people fighting for garments and a long line at the register, yet the service is pretty good. I'm going, "Wow!" And then I walk outside and notice it doesn't even say the name of the store on a sign, there's just a logo. And I go, "Wow!" again. I saw two more stores that day in Toronto, and it was the same thing. They were just as crowded.
I called Karen Grajwer back in Lexington and said, "Cold-call this company." She did and told them, "Tom Stemberg of Staples has joined us. We think we can help you guys grow." Eventually, she got through to Chip Wilson, Lululemon's founder. "You know, I've actually been trying to buy Stemberg's book," he said, referring to Staples for Success, the book we published on the 10th anniversary of Staples. It was basically a PR move – not many copies were sold. Karen thought fast and said, "I think Tom would be delighted to deliver you one in person. In fact, I think he might be in the area next week."
I called Karen Grajwer back in Lexington and said, "Cold-call this company." She did and told them, "Tom Stemberg of Staples has joined us. We think we can help you guys grow." Eventually, she got through to Chip Wilson, Lululemon's founder. "You know, I've actually been trying to buy Stemberg's book," he said, referring to Staples for Success, the book we published on the 10th anniversary of Staples. It was basically a PR move – not many copies were sold. Karen thought fast and said, "I think Tom would be delighted to deliver you one in person. In fact, I think he might be in the area next week."
I rearranged my schedule and went to Vancouver. Chip showed me around his stores and explained his philosophy. We hit it off immediately. He sold only his stuff and it was brilliantly engineered. The fabric was distinctive, preshrunk and with flat seams so there was no chafing. I bought some more of his clothes for my partner Katherine. Chip had maybe 19 or 20 stores then, and they were profitable. At the time, he didn't have any outside investors. "How can I check you out?" he asked. I gave him the names of companies on whose boards I sat and the names of all the CEOs I've worked with. He found out that I'm not a guy who's just going to say, "Yes, Chip," and sit back and cheer. I can be demanding, but I'm fair. My job is to help you build a great company and I'm going to work my butt off to help you do that The deal happened way faster than any of us had imagined. In December '05, we invested $20 million Canadian [$18.8 million US]. Advent International – a private equity investment company based in Boston – put in $80 million. Chip retained the rest, 52 percent of the company.
The horizon we look at for staying invested in something like this is five years. I still spend a tremendous amount of time on Lululemon. But you never want to be running a company you've invested in. You just assemble a great leadership team. A small, largely Canadian private company is a whole different thing from a public company that's five times larger and operating in multiple countries. Fortunately, Chip Wilson knew that to take it to the next level he shouldn't be the CEO. Not every company founder understands that. He's still at the company, now as chairman of the board and chief product designer. Before we even encouraged him to step aside, he offered the CEO job to Bob Meers, the former president of Reebok, who was working with Advent. We helped Bob hire Mike Tattersfield as chief operating officer. We also helped him hire some other key executives. The idea is to grow as fast as you can without compromising the culture or the shopping experience. In this case, we're not trying to get the mass market – it's a narrow niche. The clothes are extremely high quality, but they're not cheap.
Don't think that there weren't things Chip wanted to do that we didn't agree with. For example, he planned to expand to the United Kingdom. He backed off after I explained to him about the landlord cartel there – you sign a 25-year lease that's reviewed every five years. It can be adjusted up, but not down.
Young companies are like children. Over time, they grow up and don't require as much outside involvement. The last thing I want to do is give advice to people who no longer need it. I like to think I'll look back at Lululemon as something I had a great time with and is doing well. I just won't have to do bed checks anymore. Discovering a company like this and getting a deal done is gratifying. It's fun, it's all fun. And I plan on doing it forever.
Lululemon Video : Stock a Buy $8-10 lower, "It's a DOG."
If this is the case, I may split my last 50 shares into 4 buys; 12 shares at $26, another at $23, another at $20 and finally at $16-17. Wow, what a steal under 20 if it gets to that.
The analysts speak of the federal reserve announcing an emergency rate cut before January 30 when they meet - maybe as soon as this week in fact. I am doubtful this will happen since the feds have been behind every step of the way during all this subprime mess.
Lululemon Tanks (No, not the clothing, the stock)
The US markets were not open today but based on today's closing ont the TSX, Lulu will be in the $26US range tomorrow.
The Toronto Stock Exchange dropped 600 points and Asian and European markets sold off after Chinese and French governments mentioned they had subprime related losses.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Lululemon Whisper, Gather Tank and Hip Pant Review
"The Whisper Tank is one of the first tops that I got at lululemon and has incredibly flattering fit. But if your breasts are slightly abundant, be warned, you will find yourself more sultry looking than intended during the twisting poses."
-Medium support and coverage tank
-Made with organic cotton
-No pesticides, herbicides or other harmful chemicals are used to grow organic cotton
-wetDRYwarm shelf bra
-Chafe free - flat seams
-Preshrunk
"The Gather Tank (below) is my favorite of all because it is long, almost tunic length and doesn't ride up. I don't have to adjust it
down after every downward dog. "-Great layering piece
-Long body to flatter waistline
-Narrow straps to provide comfort
-Lighter weight luon!
-wetDRYwarm shelf bra
-Chafe free - flat seams
-Wicking/quick dry
-4-way stretch
"My favorite bottoms are the Hip Pants, with their flared bottoms, help counter my weighty hips and thighs. Oh well, I'm working on it... "
-Low rise, dance pant with flare leg and slim knee
-Coolmax gusset designed for sport
-Chafe free - flat seams
-Wicking/quick dry
-4-way stretch
-Coolmax gusset designed for sport
-Chafe free - flat seams
-Wicking/quick dry
-4-way stretch
To read more, go to Loving This at The Succulent Wife.
Lululemon Marketing
"The first Lululemon design shop, in Vancouver, became a yoga studio at night so Wilson could test the designs. This community-as-testing ground approach is still the way the company operates, reaching out to high profile yoga and Pilates instructors, personal trainers and others by offering clothing in exchange for feedback and the publicity their wearing the garments engenders.The company limits its traditional advertising to a monthly ad in Yoga Journal because, as Wilson explained, "We put our marketing dollars into training."
The company's 1,700 employees all go through a training program that ranges from sorting out the myriad Lululemon styles and fabrics to life skills like goal setting and positive thinking. They also are expected to listen to "The Psychology of Achievement," eight hours of audiotapes by the self-help guru Brian Tracy."
To read more go to the Herald Tribune.
Lululemon Vegas Grand Opening Recap
From the Succulent Wife -a site dedicated to all things wonderful for women.
"The long awaited lululemon store finally opened its first Las Vegas location last month and had its Grand Opening celebrations yesterday. Most of the activities were orchestrated by majordomo par excellence, Sue Kupka, the fab, fab, fab lululemon Community Coordinator.
It was one of the most engaging openings that I have ever attended, the whole celebration beginning with a session of Yoga Under the Cloud (the Cloud being the extravagant outdoor sun shading contraption that covers a plaza and faces The Strip, aka Las Vegas Blvd. (see it here). The whole event was totally in keeping with the lululemon’s manifesto, which besides promoting the benefits of yoga, also treated its guests to scrumptious food, networking opportunities, entertainment and glorious gift bags (more on that later"
"The absolutely delish food came from one of my favorite local spots Go Raw Café while the entertainment came in the form of the obligatory but always amusing Elvis & Marilyn impersonators. At least this Elvis could sing. All the local yoga glitterati was there, including my very good friend, Ki Kosut and her son, Olivier David, both lululemon ambassadors. That would be them in the background photo.
But, for me, the most thrilling part of this event was that The Succulent Wife got to source the goodies that went into the gift bags. A few lucky people got bags filled with custom items designed for the occasion by The Succulent Wife’s artists. Among other things, Bread and Badger’s custom drinking glasses reflected yogic silhouettes, Lucky Accessories Little Reminder pendants displayed the lululemon logo and select words from the Manifesto, and Lady Guru’s affirmation greeting cards were a perfect tie-in. It was fun to see the delight of those who opened their bags on the spot. "
" In a future post, I will share with you what extraordinary “marketing” I am witnessing from lululemon. They have managed to engage their own staff & management team and customers beyond any that I have seen. Stay tuned for that commentary.In the meanwhile, bravo lululemon for another fun experience! "
Lululemon Men's Endeavor Pant Limited Edition gives you that upscale look
-Secure pda pocket on left thigh
-Inner stash pocket for coins or keys
-Inner stash pocket for coins or keys
"It's a new year. It's a new you. It's a new me.
You and I will step it up in the days ahead and shed a gazillion pounds and pump iron and use the Cybex Arc Trainer machine like nobody's business. By summer, we'll sport six-pack abs, killer biceps and tight buns and run around Lady Bird Lake without stopping to rest.
We will be the envy of everyone we know — even when we're dressed in our workout clothes.
If you haven't taken a gander of late, sportswear makers such as Nike, Adidas and Lululemon Athletica are delivering fashionable tank tops, shorts, tees and yoga-inspired pants that not only look splendid and athletic but are stink-and sweat-free. They also come with stitching and comfort to last a hard-core workout.
Before you head off to another workout in sweatpants, I must say this: I have always believed that if you look your absolute best going to the gym, your performance will be sooooooo much sweeter.
Janet Lee, deputy fitness editor at Shape magazine, agrees. "We see a lot fewer people who go to the gym in their cotton T shirt and their frumpy shorts," she tells me. "The dress code at the gym is being taken to a new level. People are paying attention to what they are wearing."
In other words, put the Jennifer Lopez tracksuits and the freebie T-shirts in the back of the closet.
In other words, put the Jennifer Lopez tracksuits and the freebie T-shirts in the back of the closet.
For 2008, ready-to-wear with technical and eco-friendly fabrics will influence sportswear. For instance, Under Armour gear and Nike's Pro line, spotted at Academy Sports & Outdoors store in North Austin, appear perfect for outdoor exercise to keep heat in and let moisture out.
And then there's the ski offerings in bright colors and plaids from Burton and Spyder at St. Bernard Sports (401 W. Third St.). And how about the high fashion of selections from Stella McCartney for Adidas at Bettysport at the Domain or West 12th Street locations?
Lee says the biggest trend of 2008 won't be high fashion per se, but instead Earth-happy fabrics such as bamboo, Cocona fiber, polylactic acid, soy and hemp in gym gear. Some of them offer protection from the sun and could be ideal for outdoor exercise.
And then there's the ski offerings in bright colors and plaids from Burton and Spyder at St. Bernard Sports (401 W. Third St.). And how about the high fashion of selections from Stella McCartney for Adidas at Bettysport at the Domain or West 12th Street locations?
Lee says the biggest trend of 2008 won't be high fashion per se, but instead Earth-happy fabrics such as bamboo, Cocona fiber, polylactic acid, soy and hemp in gym gear. Some of them offer protection from the sun and could be ideal for outdoor exercise.
Another biggie is better wicking fabrics using materials such as silver to produce clothing that is lightweight, breathable and sweat-resistant. They also fight odor.
Third on Lee's hot-for-'08 list are items such as the perfect-fit pants inspired by the popularity of yoga and Pilates and carried by several Austin retailers such as Bettysport and Lululemon (3700 Kerbey Lane). Owning a good pair of basic black gym pants, for instance, is a good way to start building a collection of sportswear, says Katie Woodruff, manager of the Bettysport store at the Domain.
For women, other necessary pieces include appropriate bras and foundation pieces and shoes for the gym. (Look for shoes that offer support even if they aren't the prettiest.) And of course, there are the racks and racks of selections, including the predicted 2008 favorite: the Gym Girl skirts from Skirt Sports, similar to what you'd see Venus Williams wear on the court. Another trend: the continuing popularity of dance-inspired apparel.
On the men's front, changes in clothes are a bit more subtle and technical because male gym-goers usually don't head straight to high-fashion exercise apparel. "Men are creatures of habit," says Stephanie Terrell, co-owner of Bettysport. "Just as fashion changes, women want their clothes to change. Women want their sportswear to replicate fashion. Fashion has played a big part in the women's side of sportswear."
Particularly attractive men's offerings, however, can be found on a rack at Lululemon, which sells yoga-inspired clothes for women and men with added pockets and built-in slots for headphones. I liked the Endeavor Pant Limited Edition, plaid gym pants designed to give personal trainers an upscale look as they get their clients in shape. (I left the showroom with a new gym bag on my most recent visit.) Popular selections from Lululemon include the Deep V Tank, the Reverse Groove Pants and the Shape Jacket. "I would call them the investment pieces of your wardrobe," says Monica Alas, community coordinator for the Austin showroom.
Men's sportswear offerings in Austin will grow in 2008. In February, Bettysport and Rogue Training System will open a store called Rogue Equipment (500 San Marcos St.) that will carry more menswear and lifestyle pieces (picture it as Bettysport for men) than women's and offer running specific gear. "Men just don't have many places to go," Terrell says.
No matter if you have plenty of options as you get back to the gym, here's Lee's advice: "Buy some cute workout clothes and wear them to the gym. It will help your workout. The clothing is just as important as the equipment to getting a great workout."
With that said, I think it's time for a run on Lady Bird Lake in my new Brooks sneakers.
Before I do, I offer this: Happy running trails and gym tales to you in 2008."
Men's sportswear offerings in Austin will grow in 2008. In February, Bettysport and Rogue Training System will open a store called Rogue Equipment (500 San Marcos St.) that will carry more menswear and lifestyle pieces (picture it as Bettysport for men) than women's and offer running specific gear. "Men just don't have many places to go," Terrell says.
No matter if you have plenty of options as you get back to the gym, here's Lee's advice: "Buy some cute workout clothes and wear them to the gym. It will help your workout. The clothing is just as important as the equipment to getting a great workout."
With that said, I think it's time for a run on Lady Bird Lake in my new Brooks sneakers.
Before I do, I offer this: Happy running trails and gym tales to you in 2008."
Thanks to mharper at Statesman
Friday, January 18, 2008
Lululemon Pant Tank Bra Review - 6 reviews in one!
"Monday afternoon, my chicasana partner in crime, Stephanie, and I went to the Lululemon store near Lincoln Center. We were on a mission to see if the store might be THE place where yogini and fashionista meet.We'd never been to the bright, shiny yogawear mecca, so the excitement was palpable.Our Findings:The store itself is lovely. It's bright and the wares are well organized by size, style, color, etc.Steph and I left no stone unturned, first cruising the perimeter looking at every piece, weighing in on our likes and dislikes (Cropped pinstripe yoga pants with a belt? Maybe for Gwen Stefani circa 2001. Maybe.) and then picking out key pieces to try on.That's where we ran into our first problem: There were empty dressing rooms and lots of available salespeople, but the one dressing room attendant was busy talking to another customer. She kept looking at us and saying "I'll be with you in a moment"...after about three minutes of this, another woman stood in line behind us. Three women, four empty dressing rooms and one attendant in the middle of an unending conversation quasi-ignoring us. Finally one of the other salespeople helped us out. (If we hadn't been on a mission, both Steph and I would have plopped down our goods and walked right out of the store.)Once we were able to get down to business...and the cavalcade of cameltoe commenced!Steph and I have very different body types, yet the 7 different styles of pants we tried all failed the secret smile test. Then there was the problem of the fabric...NOT flattering...the pants are made with the type of lycra that highlights EVERY bump, even those that don't actually exist. Some styles had seams in unflattering places, and other had weird, unnecessary ruching."
Yoga Pant Weird Ruching is ugly AND bad for Cobra pose
Reverse Groove Pant Unflattering Seams
Fitness Pant Belt=Ouch
"If you're tall and lanky, some of the styles (like the one in the middle, above) will work well, but a woman with any sort of curves or musculature should proceed with extreme caution.Next up were the tops: I could barely get a cute black wrap sweater (size large) over my arms, the sportsbra w/ hook closure hurt when I pressed my back into the wall and their signature v-neck top threatened to turn my jump back into a peep show at any moment. Stephanie had a REALLY hard time getting the tops on (which is a feat unto itself when you're a size zero). When she did wriggle into a blank tank with crisscross stiching (which cut her in all the wrong places), one of the salesgirls started the hard sell."
Deep V Tank with Pockets Too Low For Anyone With Boobage.
Wrap Tank Flattens the chest and criss cross is unflattering.
Bounce Breaker Holds you in, but the hooks in back may cause chafing.
"Apparently, Lululemon's sales strategy is all about an unrelenting, bullying attitude towards their customers. I think it's safe to say that most yoginis know a thing or two about their bodies...and none are going to spend $60-$100 on an article of unflattering yoga attire, no matter how annoyingly persistent the salesperson.Undeterred by Steph's pleas to the contrary, the salesgirl insisted she try a larger size. It was too big, as Steph had surmised, but the salesgirl just kept at it...she then exclaimed that the tops are really great for old people because they provide lots of coverage. Um...what, my dear little salesgirl, are you inferring? (For the record, Stephanie is not old, nor does she look old.)Steph was contemplating a purchase...a very cute White Zip-Up Jacket that was very Swiss Alps Chic...but decided she didn't want to give the store a cent."
Shape Jacket The Almost-Purchase. Very cute and super-fitted
We left, annoyed and disgusted. Did that really happen? Were we really subjected to that shit? Did I actually try on a pair of see-thru white lycra gauchos?
I'd now like to introduce you to the OM Scale...one OM being poor and 4 OMs being excellent.
Lululemon1928 Broadway (at 64th Street)
Store Design: 3 OMs
Clothing: 2 OMs (Great if you're a tall, leggy gal)
Service: 0 Oms (Rude, pushy and fake)
Thanks to Snow White for this really honest useful review!
Lululemon Deep V Bra Review : For Big Busted Ladies
"So here's a sad fact: I've never owned a sports bra that wasn't dead ugly. Given that I'm not exactly falling short in the knockers department, I've always been pushed aside to the worst section of the athletic store. We're talking the big thick white jobbies that turn the rack into something closely resembling a rectangular block. I always assumed that colourful, pretty athletic undergarments (and the adorable athletic tanks that invariably are allowed to accompany them) were just out of my league. Alas, such was the plight of the heavy-cupped lady.
Nonetheless, after a particularly jarring post-yoga changing room experience last week, I'd had enough. For pete's sake, I had to at least try. So I marched my chesty self over to Lululemon and asked for their most supportive flattering bra. The sales associate assured me that the Deep V was it. Despite my skepticism, I purchased it along with an adorable tank and decided to give it a shot.
Then came tonight's pilates class. We moved a lot. We twisted. We turned. We rotated. We were up, we were down. End result? Breasts positioned exactly as they had been when I walked in the studio.
Big-busted ladies, rejoice! This may not be what you want for high-impact cardio, but for the rest of it? Let's get it on.
Available at Lululemon stores. If you don't have one in your city, have a girlfriend elsewhere send one your way. Rest assured, it's worth it."
-Racer back to prevent straps from slipping during your workout
-Ipod Shuffle pocket
-Fit for low to medium impact activities
-Removable cups for more coverage
-wetDRYwarm shelf bra
-Chafe free -flat seams
-Wicking/quick dry
-Preshrunk
Thanks to Hitched
Lululemon Stock 155000 Shares just bought
Definitely an institutional buy. Cost : $4,755,400. This baby is goin up!!!!
Lululemon What Recession?
Kristin Bentz, known as the Talented Blonde who follows the retail industry and a LULU bull had a heading today in one of her columns saying Laid Back LULU: What recession? I don't have access to her premium content but I know she just attended the recent ICR_XChange conference. Could it be she is saying that Lululemon is experiencing no letup in their business? Hope So.
Lululemon Stock at $29 - Buying 100 shares near IPO price!
Lulu is trading in sympathy with Underarmour today which reduced guidance. We know however that they have inventory problems and Lululemon business has nothing to do with them. Management has reaffirmed guidance recently and the only other reason would be the anticipation of the lockup period on the 23rd. I am purchasing 100 shares right here at under $29. Interesting to note that other retailers like Nordstroms are up. Even the basket of retailers RTH is up nearly 3% today.My buy includes the 50 shares that I sold earlier at $34.50 on Jan 16 and the 50 I mentioned I would buy at $29. My cost basis is now $34.78. You are always wanting to reduce this by buying and selling a portion of your holdings ! I have 50 more shares to buy hopefully if the stock goes to $26.
On July 30 when it IPO'd, it opened at about $28, I'm not sure.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Hayden Panettiere in Lululemon - Wowza!
Yepp, that's her in the Lululemon Reverse Groove Pant (damn it's popular)...
For a review go to Reverse Groove Pant review
0r go to lululover review of the NEW Reverse Groove Pant Straight Leg
Lululemon Lockup Period
From Edgar
Lockup Expiration : 1/23/2008
"When a lockup period ends, which is referred to as the lockup expiration, insiders are free to sell their stock. The fear: They will unload their shares, inundate the market and drive the stock price down.
The conventional thinking says a stock's price will flatten or fall in the days and weeks before that date arrives -- just on the perception that insiders will dump their stock when the selling restrictions are lifted. The stock will then come back in the days after the lockup expiration. Or, maybe it won't"
From Dagen
Lockup Expiration : 1/23/2008
"When a lockup period ends, which is referred to as the lockup expiration, insiders are free to sell their stock. The fear: They will unload their shares, inundate the market and drive the stock price down.
The conventional thinking says a stock's price will flatten or fall in the days and weeks before that date arrives -- just on the perception that insiders will dump their stock when the selling restrictions are lifted. The stock will then come back in the days after the lockup expiration. Or, maybe it won't"
From Dagen
Lululemon Reiterated Strong Buy by ThinkEquity
"ThnkEquity notes LULU presented today at the ICR XChange. Co assured attendees that unit growth, sales, and supply chain initiatives, are all on track to show tremendous growth in both sales and earnings this year. A retail specialist from a market research firm described at the forum how the type of service provided at a lululemon store is exactly what the consumer is looking for. Firm believes the growth ahead offers investors a significant buying opportunity, especially if the upcoming lockup expiration leads to a further drop in the price of the stock."
Google Finance
Google Finance
Lululemon Reaffirms Guidance at ICR Inc_XChange Conference
If you don't want to read everything and are only interested in the summary, read highlighted sections top and bottom:
LULU Lululemon Athletica at ICR Xchange Conference- reaffirms Y07 guidance given after Q3 report (33.45 +1.43). Notes tax rate coming down in 2007′ was very high and distorted earnings; expect tax rate in the low 30s
WEBCAST NOTES (SORRY FOR THE TYPOS)
Started with video lulu promo
im bob meers ceo of lulu speaks at lulu since q4 05little background on lulu; design comprehensive line of technically advanced apparel through 81 of our company owned stores; we are capitalizing on the healthy living movement around the worldliving longer, dining organically, and living a longer life.
We have a very distinctive image that is not confused with other athletic brand. the active apparel market is 113 billion dollars and growing 6% a year. Active lifestyleis becoming a way of life. we focus on a broad demographic this is not a very narrow market opportunity. we operate and focus primarily for the 32+ market; 90% of our business comes fromw women butwe appeal to the baby booomer who exercise regularly as well as the younger population butwe don't focus on teens or team athletes. Our store is vertically integrated. We control our product sales, our guest experience, and we produce function. we use advanced materials with advanced with advanced technologies and we givethe customer what they want thru a unique feedback system. we take advantage of the evolution of fabric that is enhancing activities rather than just covering your body.
We do have a sustainable point of differenc called 4 pillars of success1. all of our designers are athlets and design for athletes - all our designersrun min of 2 design meetings per year in every region of ca and usa. and we use technical fabrics and bec of vertical retail model we are able to put more cost and qualtityin product rather than take it out to hit a particular price point.2. we locate our stores in neighborhoods that are surrounded by yoga studios, athletic clubsand that have a high activity level in excercise and fitness. we create a unique invitingexperience in the store through a large investment in training product knowledge and goal settingenvironment. this is a differentiator for our company in terms of the quality of the guest experience and the type of people we attract.we influence the community throu 100 grass roots marketing. we recognize the power of celebrity athletes and power marketing. but finess is veryprivate and local so a very strong person in a community - those are the people we createan ambassador relationship with and each store has 10.
we have a significant growth platform ahead of us. we are very happy with our initial forayin usa japan australia canada. This year we only are at less than 10% potential in NA alone. Weve made major supply chain initiatives and brought in key executivs and made strong relationships witht he best factories and fabric mills.
we add to our management team and have both ecommerce and internationsl growth initiativelin 09 and beyond. we have potential for 300 stores in NA alone. we have 81 of those in operationin 07 and we said we would open 27 and we have finalized leases in 80% of our targeted 08expansion of 35 stores. WE have north of $1500 annualized sales a square foot.
US is a prime target where we focus a lot of energy and management talent. First we targeted thekey markets. when i joined in 05 we had only a handful of stores to fix the supply chaintraining, community locations, etc. So in 2005 we really focused our througput. 2006 we took modest growth just entering the eastern part of the usa and centera usa and focussingon getting our formula right. this year we kicked it into gear and we added 27 stores andshowrooms. For us this how we influence the market. the showrooms are open and we sendcommunity coordinator in the market place where they attend fitness classes and find people to become educators to run goalsetting classes, trunk shows and then our showrooms open up in the weekends to invite the customer in which produces sales.
08 we continue significant expansion in usa. we still have selective growth insidecanada and australia and japen. supply chain is critical so we have made investmenstin people assests and operational assest. weve taken 2 key execs from nike sourcing who have done a wonderful job of expanding our intl sourcing opp as well as establising a strong base in usa and canada for quick replenishment.
we hav opened a liason office in china so that we can interface with all of our factory partners and we have started consolidate. we decetralize manufacturing so no one produces more than 30% 75% is from asia indonesia thailand cambodia vietnam china taiwan. 15% comes form Ca and USA manufacturing and 10% in Peru and Israel with Peru being a high growth opp in terms of hi qual manufacturing and duty free access into usa and europe
our focus is on quality and not price. our focus is on key sizes and keeping it in stock and ontime seasonal delivery. distribution is central. one in vancouver one in washington state. vancouver is usa is 3rd party servcie so we hav eexpansion capabilty without large capital.weve moved both those locations into larger more efficient operations in q3 o7 and wewere able to service the christmas season very well.
we have a new erp systems that are coming online in feb08. our management team continues to expand. 2 new hires christine day 20 yr sbux vet - all of their hi growth years. oversee areas stor ops employee managment and consumer marketing and will eventually be in real estateselection and training.
Mike Tattersfield ceo - focused on supply chain for our co.exansion in ecommerce in intl expansion, factory compliance and social resp.
Soon is anela powell - real estate development group from william sonoma and limited.
John Curry performance to date:
past 3 years revenue growth compounded annual rate of 90% this continues into 2007 where the first 9 months we enjoyed growth of over 75%. this is from 2 soruces new store opeiningswe finished q3 with 70 stores which is up from 51 end of 2006. by the end of 07 81 storesworldwide. what is more impt is storng consistent comp store sales increases in all storesold and new. past 3 years comp store increases averaging in low 20s - accelerating into year2007 wehre 9mo year to date 30% comp store sales over prev yr- brought sales per square foot to $1526 per sq ft.
Key to this is strong unit economics of our new stores. our minimum is 750 per sq foot in2750 sq ft. buildout cost and other pre opening costs totalling 900000 and we look for 18 month payback.
gross profit was up 83% for the 9month ytd and that reflects expansion in our gross marginfrom 51% last year to 53% ytd.
couple of items. ive talked about net revenue and gross profit. sgna up from last year 36% of revenue.you are seeing new store op cost in there but primarily cost from building of management team in latter of 2006 and 2007 but now well in place.
weve seen some expansion in our op marging but going fwd we see further leverage in our gna. and a target of 20 % op margin in 2009 is realistic.
historically our income statemetnin prior years has reflected a high tax rate which has distorted our income. thats coming down in 2007 and 2008 since we amended some intercompanytransfer pricing inefficeicies. we expect to have a tax rate in the low 30swhich will obviously drop to our net income and eps line. we have a strong balnce sheet and no lt debt or st debt. we have a storng cash position. even with our store expansion even with new it systemswe are postive cash flow in 2007 and going fwd.
lastly just to remind you of earnings guidance for the balance of the year at thh end of q3, we see sales coming in for the full year at 255 to 260 mil.comps for the year in the high 20s overall which drops down to 40-42 cents per share on a diluted share base of 70.3million. back to bob
Transcripts of these actually cost $106 at Alacrastore !
LULU Lululemon Athletica at ICR Xchange Conference- reaffirms Y07 guidance given after Q3 report (33.45 +1.43). Notes tax rate coming down in 2007′ was very high and distorted earnings; expect tax rate in the low 30s
WEBCAST NOTES (SORRY FOR THE TYPOS)
Started with video lulu promo
im bob meers ceo of lulu speaks at lulu since q4 05little background on lulu; design comprehensive line of technically advanced apparel through 81 of our company owned stores; we are capitalizing on the healthy living movement around the worldliving longer, dining organically, and living a longer life.
We have a very distinctive image that is not confused with other athletic brand. the active apparel market is 113 billion dollars and growing 6% a year. Active lifestyleis becoming a way of life. we focus on a broad demographic this is not a very narrow market opportunity. we operate and focus primarily for the 32+ market; 90% of our business comes fromw women butwe appeal to the baby booomer who exercise regularly as well as the younger population butwe don't focus on teens or team athletes. Our store is vertically integrated. We control our product sales, our guest experience, and we produce function. we use advanced materials with advanced with advanced technologies and we givethe customer what they want thru a unique feedback system. we take advantage of the evolution of fabric that is enhancing activities rather than just covering your body.
We do have a sustainable point of differenc called 4 pillars of success1. all of our designers are athlets and design for athletes - all our designersrun min of 2 design meetings per year in every region of ca and usa. and we use technical fabrics and bec of vertical retail model we are able to put more cost and qualtityin product rather than take it out to hit a particular price point.2. we locate our stores in neighborhoods that are surrounded by yoga studios, athletic clubsand that have a high activity level in excercise and fitness. we create a unique invitingexperience in the store through a large investment in training product knowledge and goal settingenvironment. this is a differentiator for our company in terms of the quality of the guest experience and the type of people we attract.we influence the community throu 100 grass roots marketing. we recognize the power of celebrity athletes and power marketing. but finess is veryprivate and local so a very strong person in a community - those are the people we createan ambassador relationship with and each store has 10.
we have a significant growth platform ahead of us. we are very happy with our initial forayin usa japan australia canada. This year we only are at less than 10% potential in NA alone. Weve made major supply chain initiatives and brought in key executivs and made strong relationships witht he best factories and fabric mills.
we add to our management team and have both ecommerce and internationsl growth initiativelin 09 and beyond. we have potential for 300 stores in NA alone. we have 81 of those in operationin 07 and we said we would open 27 and we have finalized leases in 80% of our targeted 08expansion of 35 stores. WE have north of $1500 annualized sales a square foot.
US is a prime target where we focus a lot of energy and management talent. First we targeted thekey markets. when i joined in 05 we had only a handful of stores to fix the supply chaintraining, community locations, etc. So in 2005 we really focused our througput. 2006 we took modest growth just entering the eastern part of the usa and centera usa and focussingon getting our formula right. this year we kicked it into gear and we added 27 stores andshowrooms. For us this how we influence the market. the showrooms are open and we sendcommunity coordinator in the market place where they attend fitness classes and find people to become educators to run goalsetting classes, trunk shows and then our showrooms open up in the weekends to invite the customer in which produces sales.
08 we continue significant expansion in usa. we still have selective growth insidecanada and australia and japen. supply chain is critical so we have made investmenstin people assests and operational assest. weve taken 2 key execs from nike sourcing who have done a wonderful job of expanding our intl sourcing opp as well as establising a strong base in usa and canada for quick replenishment.
we hav opened a liason office in china so that we can interface with all of our factory partners and we have started consolidate. we decetralize manufacturing so no one produces more than 30% 75% is from asia indonesia thailand cambodia vietnam china taiwan. 15% comes form Ca and USA manufacturing and 10% in Peru and Israel with Peru being a high growth opp in terms of hi qual manufacturing and duty free access into usa and europe
our focus is on quality and not price. our focus is on key sizes and keeping it in stock and ontime seasonal delivery. distribution is central. one in vancouver one in washington state. vancouver is usa is 3rd party servcie so we hav eexpansion capabilty without large capital.weve moved both those locations into larger more efficient operations in q3 o7 and wewere able to service the christmas season very well.
we have a new erp systems that are coming online in feb08. our management team continues to expand. 2 new hires christine day 20 yr sbux vet - all of their hi growth years. oversee areas stor ops employee managment and consumer marketing and will eventually be in real estateselection and training.
Mike Tattersfield ceo - focused on supply chain for our co.exansion in ecommerce in intl expansion, factory compliance and social resp.
Soon is anela powell - real estate development group from william sonoma and limited.
John Curry performance to date:
past 3 years revenue growth compounded annual rate of 90% this continues into 2007 where the first 9 months we enjoyed growth of over 75%. this is from 2 soruces new store opeiningswe finished q3 with 70 stores which is up from 51 end of 2006. by the end of 07 81 storesworldwide. what is more impt is storng consistent comp store sales increases in all storesold and new. past 3 years comp store increases averaging in low 20s - accelerating into year2007 wehre 9mo year to date 30% comp store sales over prev yr- brought sales per square foot to $1526 per sq ft.
Key to this is strong unit economics of our new stores. our minimum is 750 per sq foot in2750 sq ft. buildout cost and other pre opening costs totalling 900000 and we look for 18 month payback.
gross profit was up 83% for the 9month ytd and that reflects expansion in our gross marginfrom 51% last year to 53% ytd.
couple of items. ive talked about net revenue and gross profit. sgna up from last year 36% of revenue.you are seeing new store op cost in there but primarily cost from building of management team in latter of 2006 and 2007 but now well in place.
weve seen some expansion in our op marging but going fwd we see further leverage in our gna. and a target of 20 % op margin in 2009 is realistic.
historically our income statemetnin prior years has reflected a high tax rate which has distorted our income. thats coming down in 2007 and 2008 since we amended some intercompanytransfer pricing inefficeicies. we expect to have a tax rate in the low 30swhich will obviously drop to our net income and eps line. we have a strong balnce sheet and no lt debt or st debt. we have a storng cash position. even with our store expansion even with new it systemswe are postive cash flow in 2007 and going fwd.
lastly just to remind you of earnings guidance for the balance of the year at thh end of q3, we see sales coming in for the full year at 255 to 260 mil.comps for the year in the high 20s overall which drops down to 40-42 cents per share on a diluted share base of 70.3million. back to bob
Transcripts of these actually cost $106 at Alacrastore !
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Lululemon Mogul Jacket Review
"On a recent trip to Lululemon I saw this jacket and liked it immediately. It is another ultra warm sweater/jacket from Lululemon. I think I was first drawn to the color because it is the deep rich plum that I first saw it in. I tried it on and I have to say that I really like the fit as well as the look. It has longer sleeves for added warmth as well as a inner iPod pocket and cord tunnel. I have not purchased it yet but it is a definite on my wish list!"
Thanks to MizzRobin at ChickAdvisor
-A perfect to & from layer with stretch for comfort!
-Preshrunk
-Zipper will not buckle
-Chafe free - flat seams
-Lycra in fabric to hold its shape
-Inner ipod pocket and cord tunnel
-Longer sleeves for added warmth
-Preshrunk
-Zipper will not buckle
-Chafe free - flat seams
-Lycra in fabric to hold its shape
-Inner ipod pocket and cord tunnel
-Longer sleeves for added warmth
Luluemon Manifesto LS Tee - C'mon Lulu, a bit much...
Manifesto Tee
-Great for top layering to and from class
-Made with micromdal fibre which is extracted from beech wood
-Wicking/quick dry
-Seam free technology
This tee is part of the Oqoqo line of clothing from Lululemon that are made from natural materials.
-Made with micromdal fibre which is extracted from beech wood
-Wicking/quick dry
-Seam free technology
This tee is part of the Oqoqo line of clothing from Lululemon that are made from natural materials.
No, I did not buy this but I really don't think anyone will. The tee has written all over it the Lululemon Manifesto that describes the beliefs of the company.
Lululemon vs. Hardtail
Bottom line (forgive the pun), who looks hotter? This is a tough one...Hardtail Rollover Legging (LEFT)
$57
90% Cotton, 10% Lycra
vs. Reverse Groove Pant (RIGHT)
$70
-Reversible, inner layer is a solid colour
-Gusset for comfort (for definition check out lululover)
-Smooth flattering waistband
-1 1/4 inch contrast color band sits 2 1/4inch below top of pant
-Fitted through the waist, hips and upper thighs with a bootcut leg
-Comes in Regular or Tall length
-Gusset for comfort (for definition check out lululover)
-Smooth flattering waistband
-1 1/4 inch contrast color band sits 2 1/4inch below top of pant
-Fitted through the waist, hips and upper thighs with a bootcut leg
-Comes in Regular or Tall length
I think the higher price for the lululemon gives you a lot of good tailoring technology. Reversible, gussets for durability, and many many colors to choose from.
Here's a more detailed comparison from SqueezeOC.com
The Look: Classy chic, clean lines, fun colors like poppy.
Typical client: Hard-core yogis. Thirty and older professional women who work hard and play hard.
Price for basic pant: $84-$96 depending on material and size.
Most popular item: The Reverse Groove Pant, made of a Lycra and nylon blend called "Luon."
Background: A Canadian-based company launched by a man who turned to yoga in the 1990s to heal athletic injuries. He saw a need for clothes made especially for yogis. The store in Fashion Island is the only Orange County location.
Fanfare: Christy Northrop, 37, a mother of two and a gym instructor at 24 Hour Fitness in Costa Mesa and Equinox Fitness Club in Newport Beach, said she wears Lululemon during hard, long sweaty workouts, and while shuttling her kids to and from school.
"Lululemon just looks unique. It doesn't look like anything else out there," she said.
Perks: The pants are crafted with synthetic materials that keep colors from fading even after multiple washes. Sizes run from regular to tall and the tees are longer with free hemming services for petites.
Typical client: Hard-core yogis. Thirty and older professional women who work hard and play hard.
Price for basic pant: $84-$96 depending on material and size.
Most popular item: The Reverse Groove Pant, made of a Lycra and nylon blend called "Luon."
Background: A Canadian-based company launched by a man who turned to yoga in the 1990s to heal athletic injuries. He saw a need for clothes made especially for yogis. The store in Fashion Island is the only Orange County location.
Fanfare: Christy Northrop, 37, a mother of two and a gym instructor at 24 Hour Fitness in Costa Mesa and Equinox Fitness Club in Newport Beach, said she wears Lululemon during hard, long sweaty workouts, and while shuttling her kids to and from school.
"Lululemon just looks unique. It doesn't look like anything else out there," she said.
Perks: The pants are crafted with synthetic materials that keep colors from fading even after multiple washes. Sizes run from regular to tall and the tees are longer with free hemming services for petites.
Available in Nordstrom and some yoga stores
The Look: Harder edge, in vibrant colors.
Typical client: The younger, toned athlete
Price for basic pant: $54-$58
Most popular item: Classic Roll Down Pant ($54-$58)
Background: A Santa Monica-based company found by Dick Cantrell, who built a reputation as a retailer of premium-cotton T-shirts.
Fanfare: Hannah Gordon, 27, is a 24 Hour Fitness trainer in Orange who bartends on the side. Gordon said she likes Hard Tail's airy cotton tees because they are form-fitting but not suffocating.
She used to buy mainstream fitness wear brands but found the pants were too short, didn't fit as well, and faded after not even a year's worth of washing.
"I'd rather spend $60 on a pair of nice pants that are going to last me, than $16 on pants that won't last me as long," Gordon said.
Perks: Offers longer pants for taller women. Pants also fit different torso lengths because of the adjustable roll-down waist material.
The Look: Harder edge, in vibrant colors.
Typical client: The younger, toned athlete
Price for basic pant: $54-$58
Most popular item: Classic Roll Down Pant ($54-$58)
Background: A Santa Monica-based company found by Dick Cantrell, who built a reputation as a retailer of premium-cotton T-shirts.
Fanfare: Hannah Gordon, 27, is a 24 Hour Fitness trainer in Orange who bartends on the side. Gordon said she likes Hard Tail's airy cotton tees because they are form-fitting but not suffocating.
She used to buy mainstream fitness wear brands but found the pants were too short, didn't fit as well, and faded after not even a year's worth of washing.
"I'd rather spend $60 on a pair of nice pants that are going to last me, than $16 on pants that won't last me as long," Gordon said.
Perks: Offers longer pants for taller women. Pants also fit different torso lengths because of the adjustable roll-down waist material.
Lululemon vs. Tommy Hilfiger
Which would you rather wear: Tommy (left) or Lulu's Port de Bras Shrug (right) which is totally sexy.From the Financial Post:
"The references to Coke and Pepsi have been removed from its Manifesto. However, stepping back — a little — from its holier-than-thou stance hasn’t done Lululemon a great deal of good in the stock market. Its shares have been hammered since Christmas, falling from just over $48 to below $34. This despite naming former Starbucks executive Christine Day to head its retail operations.Certainly the retail market is looking murky, particularly in the U.S., where Lululemon was planning a major expansion, but the company has an additional reason to be concerned because apparel giant Phillips-Van Heusen Corp., whose brands include Kenneth Cole and Tommy Hilfiger, recently announced that it would launch a range of women’s athletic wear.Those short sellers must be smiling now."
****Firstly, Christine Day was just hired at the beginning of the year. Anybody should be given at least a year to implement any improvements. Secondly, she has nothing to do with the malaise the stock has been experiencing. All retail stocks have been suffering since the start of the year. We will know truly how Lulu is doing by the end of February 2008.
I tried to search the web for Van Heusen athletic apparel and came up with NOTHING. Even brands under their umbrella like Gap, Tommy Hilfiger or Kenneth Cole have nothing close to Lululemon. The above was the best I could find from Tommy and it sure looks tacky. Last time I checked, Kenneth Cole makes shoes. The Gap can't even save itself from a slow death since teens have shifted their purchasing to Abercrombie and Fitch.
Lululemon Stock Popping to 34 and a half - Sold my 50 bought at $31
For those of you who bought at $31, you have made a cool 10%. Pretty tough in this market.
For a move like this on no news, I like to be opportunistic so I sold the 50 shares I bought at 31.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Lululemon Hot Yoga Bra Recommendation
Thanks to Shop Girl in Houston :
"There is no reason to work out in sloppy sweats. Investing in the right clothing for your body can boost your look and even your workout. Fit Athletic Club personal trainer Monica Iles encourages women to buy good pieces.
``Don't cut corners when it comes to workout wear. It may be pricey, but it pays off in the long run,'' Iles said. She favors cute, colorful pieces by Nike, Adidas and Under Armour found at stores such as Academy, Nordstrom and Macy's.
Fit is important. Avoid the temptation to pull on baggy clothes - they will just stick to your skin once you start sweating. Jennifer Syrnyk, community coordinator for the new Lululemon Athletica stores in Highland Village and The Woodlands, suggests keeping some basics in your workout wardrobe - such as an athletic top or sports bra and pants. The Canadian import features street-friendly clothing perfect for the yoga studio or spinning class.
Purchase a well-fitted pant or crop that is moisture-wicking and flat-seamed and has a four-way stretch, Syrnyk advises. ``It is not only a smart athletic investment, it also makes you feel great about yourself,'' she said. The Reverse Groove Pant at Lululemon fits that bill.
Since working out involves movement, it's important to support and cover your assets.
``Remember, you are bending over and lunging, so you want clothes to cover you. You can wear lightweight Nike shorts underneath your clothes,'' Iles said. ``A bra is important, too. You want one that will hold you in place - or you can double up if you need to.''
Lululemon's bra selection includes a Hot Yoga Bra designed specifically for that activity, and the Heart Beat Bra, which monitors your heart rate during a workout. During her three years as a trainer at Fit, Iles has found bra styles from Maidenform, Bali and Under Armour good choices."
``Don't cut corners when it comes to workout wear. It may be pricey, but it pays off in the long run,'' Iles said. She favors cute, colorful pieces by Nike, Adidas and Under Armour found at stores such as Academy, Nordstrom and Macy's.
Fit is important. Avoid the temptation to pull on baggy clothes - they will just stick to your skin once you start sweating. Jennifer Syrnyk, community coordinator for the new Lululemon Athletica stores in Highland Village and The Woodlands, suggests keeping some basics in your workout wardrobe - such as an athletic top or sports bra and pants. The Canadian import features street-friendly clothing perfect for the yoga studio or spinning class.
Purchase a well-fitted pant or crop that is moisture-wicking and flat-seamed and has a four-way stretch, Syrnyk advises. ``It is not only a smart athletic investment, it also makes you feel great about yourself,'' she said. The Reverse Groove Pant at Lululemon fits that bill.
Since working out involves movement, it's important to support and cover your assets.
``Remember, you are bending over and lunging, so you want clothes to cover you. You can wear lightweight Nike shorts underneath your clothes,'' Iles said. ``A bra is important, too. You want one that will hold you in place - or you can double up if you need to.''
Lululemon's bra selection includes a Hot Yoga Bra designed specifically for that activity, and the Heart Beat Bra, which monitors your heart rate during a workout. During her three years as a trainer at Fit, Iles has found bra styles from Maidenform, Bali and Under Armour good choices."
Lululemon Stock Snaps Back after 10% loss today
Opened at 33 , Low was at 31 - a couple of 25K buy orders one of which you can see (blue line in middle). What a day where the Dow dropped nearly 300 points. Can't believe the chart above and below are from the same day.
Lululemon Stock at 31 and change - Bought 50 shares
Lululemon Cut to Neutral by Goldman and new price target : $35. According to analysts, this was the weakest retail holiday since 2002. I've got 100 more shares to buy. Next buy is at $29 and then after that $26.
From Yahoo Finance
"Analyst Brad Cragin said in a note to investors that Goldman economists expect the U.S. economy will slip into recession this year as the impact of the housing slump and tighter credit conditions extend into the broader economy.
Goldman Sachs expects personal consumption expenditures or PCEs -- funds spent on goods and services targeted for individual consumption -- to fall about 0.5 percent in the second and third quarter, respectively.
While footwear spending is only loosely correlated with PCEs, the lack of a key merchandising trend in the sector will be exacerbated by a recession, Cragin wrote.
He downgraded Foot Locker Inc. to "Sell" from "Neutral," due to an expected decline in U.S. sales productivity in 2008, which will cause margin pressure despite store closures. He started coverage of Collective Brands Inc. at "Neutral," predicting that the positive impact of the company's Stride Rite acquisition will likely be offset by a recession.
Cragin cut price targets on shares of Nike, Columbia Sportswear, K. Swiss Inc., Lululemon Athletica Inc. and Under Armour Inc., and lowered earnings estimates for Foot Locker, Nike, Columbia Sportswear, K. Swiss, Collective Brands, Luluemon, Under Armour, Finish Line Inc. and Genesco Inc. to an average of about 20 percent below current Wall Street consensus projections."
Goldman Sachs expects personal consumption expenditures or PCEs -- funds spent on goods and services targeted for individual consumption -- to fall about 0.5 percent in the second and third quarter, respectively.
While footwear spending is only loosely correlated with PCEs, the lack of a key merchandising trend in the sector will be exacerbated by a recession, Cragin wrote.
He downgraded Foot Locker Inc. to "Sell" from "Neutral," due to an expected decline in U.S. sales productivity in 2008, which will cause margin pressure despite store closures. He started coverage of Collective Brands Inc. at "Neutral," predicting that the positive impact of the company's Stride Rite acquisition will likely be offset by a recession.
Cragin cut price targets on shares of Nike, Columbia Sportswear, K. Swiss Inc., Lululemon Athletica Inc. and Under Armour Inc., and lowered earnings estimates for Foot Locker, Nike, Columbia Sportswear, K. Swiss, Collective Brands, Luluemon, Under Armour, Finish Line Inc. and Genesco Inc. to an average of about 20 percent below current Wall Street consensus projections."
Lululemon L'Odeur - Lululemon Blog 100th Post
Hope people get a laugh from this. Thanks for reading my blog.
Lululemon Studio Trench Review
Part I
I was stunned. THIS IS LULULEMON! The land of spandex pants and sports bras! Of course I tried it one and it fit me perfectly (which is surprising, because usually coats with belts are too long waisted for me since I have a really short torso), and bought it. A $170 well spent!
From Pearls and Purses
Part II
I was stunned. THIS IS LULULEMON! The land of spandex pants and sports bras! Of course I tried it one and it fit me perfectly (which is surprising, because usually coats with belts are too long waisted for me since I have a really short torso), and bought it. A $170 well spent!From Pearls and Purses
Part II
"So Daisy, the receptionist, wore this really cute English style cropped trench today so of course I had to find out where she got it from. Lo and behold, it was Lululemon! I had no idea they came out with them. This coat is called Studio Trench and is water resistant (great for Vancouver weather)!! However, when I looked it up on their website, it looked a bit different than it looked on Daisy... definitely not as cute in the picture. On Ebay, they're selling it for $225USD but I've seen it for $175.$100+ seems like the going price for nice coats these days eh? It almost seems like $200 for a coat is what you're gonna have to pay for if you want something somewhat durable and fashionable. Actually, for our weather, coats are definitely a good investment."
Thanks to Natasha
-Water resistant
-Inner micro fleece
-Machine washable
-Inner micro fleece
-Machine washable
Lululemon Sun Run Club 2008 (Vancouver)
(how many lululemon products can you identify?) There are at least 6...GET READY FOR THE 2008 VANCOUVER SUN RUN WITH LULULEMON ATHLETICA ROBSON’S SUN RUN CLUB!
STARTS Monday February 25th 2008 at 6:00pm! Only $25.00Want to get fit, lose weight and have fun! Join lululemon athletica Robson Street’s Sun Run Club! Our OPEN FITNESS LEVEL run club is based on a progressive walk/run program including warm up and yoga-style stretching.
What You Get:- lululemon athletica technical shirt
OPEN FITNESS LEVEL Progressive walk-to-run workouts- Warm-up Drills and Yoga-style stretching- Weekly running homework to keep you on track- Support from the running group to keep you motivated
Fee: $25.00Day: Monday Nights from 6:00-7:15pm
Dates: February 25th to April 14th 2008
Meet At: lululemon athletica Robson, 1148 Robson StreetRegistration
Inquires: robson-community@lululemon.com***In-store Registration ONLY***
Another link to the Lululemon Run Club
Monday, January 14, 2008
Lululemon Boxer Briefs Review
This boxer brief is made of Vitasea material.I'm not a boxer guy since I've never found a comfortable boxer. I may be getting these after this review at lululover.
Lululemon Endeavor Pant Review - Good for Bouldering
"These Endeavor pants are great. They stay warm on those brisk mornings and they dry really well when they get wet. I find the stretch in them really nice for climbing and working out but the overall look of them allows me to scamper around town too. On long trips out Bouldering they never stink up and they also pack really light!"
Thanks again to akaphotoboy
-Wicking and durable fabric with UV protection
-Soft wicking inner waistband
-Secure PDA pocket on left thigh
-Soft wicking inner waistband
-Secure PDA pocket on left thigh
Lululemon Hidden Tiger Pant Review - Good for Climbing
These Hidden Tiger pants are really comfortable on those mornings where you want to just stay in and watch movies. But alas, I have done the Santa Monica stairs in them and they have great flexibility for those kind of movements. I have also done some really nice climbing gym sessions in them and they are great for those, " Bring your Heel to your Head " moves. I personally feel they are just an awesome work out basic that needs to be known.
Thanks to akaphotoboy
Lululemon Men's Pants - Finally, A Male Perspective
Dawn Dog Gym Class Sporto Wideleg Kung Fu
"I was in the groovy lululemon athletica store—in the groovy Yorkville district of Toronto—trying to buy a pair of sports pants, or whatever it is these days you call the garment that covers the lower half of the body while you’re exercising or performing an outdoor activity. In the old days, by which I mean the late 1980s, you wore wool or you wore cotton. Later on it got slightly but not much more complicated: There was fleece and Lycra, and even sometimes silk.
But today? Today you cannot buy a pair of “activity pants”—don’t they sound like something a baby should be wearing?—without going into therapy. Say what you like about the perils of the North Face of Everest, or hanging from the Spider on the Eiger. I would take three days hanging on the Eiger over a single hour in lululemon, trying to buy a pair of sweatpants.
Lululemon is the Vancouver-based yoga-wear chain started by Chip Wilson, who invented a Lycra-laced yoga pant that did as much for the female backside as Newton did for gravity, albeit in the opposite direction. As a result, every lululemon store in Canada is packed with fashionable and sexy women—a coterie around which a man does not want to be trying on sports pants, especially on a Saturday afternoon. It had been my wife’s idea to go there.
Lululemon is the Vancouver-based yoga-wear chain started by Chip Wilson, who invented a Lycra-laced yoga pant that did as much for the female backside as Newton did for gravity, albeit in the opposite direction. As a result, every lululemon store in Canada is packed with fashionable and sexy women—a coterie around which a man does not want to be trying on sports pants, especially on a Saturday afternoon. It had been my wife’s idea to go there.
Complicating matters was the bewildering array of pants. The Down Dawg Pant, for instance, didn’t look much different from the Gym Class Pant, except that it was cut off at the knees. It was not clear why or how the Sporto Wideleg pant was either Sporto or Wideleg: It also looked exactly like the Gym Class Pant. But Sydney, a young saleswoman, explained that it was different because Sporto Wideleg pants are made of Luon, a proprietary lululemon fiber that wicks perspiration. Of course, that’s not the only thing modern activity garments do. To judge from the breathless descriptions on the tags, it’s a wonder your sweatpants can’t also drive you home, make a martini, and bash out a 12,000-word thesis on the role of the hammer in Irish fiction.
Did I say I was shopping for a large-sized pant? Alas, I was, and I managed to grab a pair of large in everything lululemon had, whereupon Sydney steered me over to the noisy changing area and a fellow named Mike. “Mike’s great,” Sydney assured me. “He knows a lot about this stuff.”
Did I say I was shopping for a large-sized pant? Alas, I was, and I managed to grab a pair of large in everything lululemon had, whereupon Sydney steered me over to the noisy changing area and a fellow named Mike. “Mike’s great,” Sydney assured me. “He knows a lot about this stuff.”
Mike was 27, dark, and Italian. He was wearing black lululemon Down Dawg crops and a tight lululemon Tech T. Mike’s a teacher in real life, but on weekends he has the greatest job on earth for a single man: Mike runs the changing room at lululemon. All day long he helps yogafied babes try on form-fitting clothes and assesses the results. He’s constantly saying things like “Try the white one” and “Try the four instead of the six.” We were the only guys in the changing room.
“What’s your name?” Mike asked. I told him. Mike wrote my name on a wipe board on one of the rooms: my own personalized compartment.
I needed it. The first pair of pants I tried on were lightweight, light gray Sporto Widelegs. They were tight, so tight they ought to have been renamed. Are you familiar with Google Earth, and the way it uses satellites to zoom down on a neighborhood—right down to your front steps? Wearing the Sporto Wideleg was the fashion equivalent, with my crotch as the center of the map. It was possible to discern not only how many parking spaces I have in front of my house, but also whether they are cobbled or paved. All I could see when I looked in the mirror, frankly, was my penis. There was a Lycra-stitched nonchafing seam around the package zone that made my wasker look as if it were in a private museum. That was when I realized: Yoga clothes are now designed to be crotch-enhancing.
I stepped into the common area, crowded with half a dozen women, and called for my wife. “Pull up the shirt,” she said, “let me see the front.”
I did. “I think, a little tight, bad for my health,” I mumbled.
“That’s not too tight,” Mike said.
“They, um, look vulnerable,” Johanna said. “Turn around.”
“Bum looks good,” she said.
“Agh,” I said. This was exactly the kind of thing you don’t want your wife to say in public: It sounds as if she is reassuring your anxieties. I could hear snickering in the background. Or, to be more accurate, I thought I could hear snickering.
I needed it. The first pair of pants I tried on were lightweight, light gray Sporto Widelegs. They were tight, so tight they ought to have been renamed. Are you familiar with Google Earth, and the way it uses satellites to zoom down on a neighborhood—right down to your front steps? Wearing the Sporto Wideleg was the fashion equivalent, with my crotch as the center of the map. It was possible to discern not only how many parking spaces I have in front of my house, but also whether they are cobbled or paved. All I could see when I looked in the mirror, frankly, was my penis. There was a Lycra-stitched nonchafing seam around the package zone that made my wasker look as if it were in a private museum. That was when I realized: Yoga clothes are now designed to be crotch-enhancing.
I stepped into the common area, crowded with half a dozen women, and called for my wife. “Pull up the shirt,” she said, “let me see the front.”
I did. “I think, a little tight, bad for my health,” I mumbled.
“That’s not too tight,” Mike said.
“They, um, look vulnerable,” Johanna said. “Turn around.”
“Bum looks good,” she said.
“Agh,” I said. This was exactly the kind of thing you don’t want your wife to say in public: It sounds as if she is reassuring your anxieties. I could hear snickering in the background. Or, to be more accurate, I thought I could hear snickering.
“She said your bum looks good,” Mike said.
“Agh.”
I rushed back into the changing room. I ripped off the Sportos and whipped on the Kung Fu pants, but they had the same problem. So did the Down Dawg crops. They were all package-enhancing.
“Agh.”
I rushed back into the changing room. I ripped off the Sportos and whipped on the Kung Fu pants, but they had the same problem. So did the Down Dawg crops. They were all package-enhancing.
Only in black did the obviousness problem go away. I am not bragging here: You could have put these pants on a praying mantis and he would have looked like John Dillinger, at least until a female chomped his head off.
Therein lies the dilemma: Do you or don’t you? Men always want women to see and approve of their packages: We want to believe that the peepee is important. (The history of male fashion is in large part the story of this delusion.) But do women?
Helpfully in this regard, as I jumped in and out of ill-fitting pants in my lululemon cubicle, I could hear my wife discussing the issue with women in the changing room lineup. Without exception, they were against having to look at the male genitals while exercising. Apparently at a party, in a pair of jeans, maybe. But when namaste is at issue, it’s nah, mister. “I don’t want to see anything,” I could hear a woman saying, “unless I’m at the ballet.” Peals of laughter ensued.
I had been in the changing room for 40 minutes when I finally tested Hot Yoga Shorts, which resembled a black bicycle short. They seemed modest enough. I stepped out. All eyes went to the, um, zone.
“Oh, those are nice,” my wife said. “I like that seam, across the backside.” I thought maybe I was onto, or at least into, something. Then she added: “Planet Ass wears those.”
Planet Ass, it turns out, is her yoga instructor. It seems women may not want to notice the package, but they do appreciate a nice butt. Especially if it’s not their husband’s.
Agh."
Helpfully in this regard, as I jumped in and out of ill-fitting pants in my lululemon cubicle, I could hear my wife discussing the issue with women in the changing room lineup. Without exception, they were against having to look at the male genitals while exercising. Apparently at a party, in a pair of jeans, maybe. But when namaste is at issue, it’s nah, mister. “I don’t want to see anything,” I could hear a woman saying, “unless I’m at the ballet.” Peals of laughter ensued.
I had been in the changing room for 40 minutes when I finally tested Hot Yoga Shorts, which resembled a black bicycle short. They seemed modest enough. I stepped out. All eyes went to the, um, zone.
“Oh, those are nice,” my wife said. “I like that seam, across the backside.” I thought maybe I was onto, or at least into, something. Then she added: “Planet Ass wears those.”
Planet Ass, it turns out, is her yoga instructor. It seems women may not want to notice the package, but they do appreciate a nice butt. Especially if it’s not their husband’s.
Agh."
Thanks to the original article : Desperately Seeking Sweatpants by Ian Brown
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Lululemon Rehearsal Pant review (and how it helped me study for the bar exam)
"In the world of yoga gear, Lululemon is my personal fave. It doesn't matter if you don't do yoga! They're the perfect bar exam wear. I just got two pairs of their Rehearsal pants and they are the most flattering, comfortable pants. Unlike the Reverse Groove, the Rehearsal pant features a completely straight leg and folds over on top to slouch sexily on the hips. They're not as tight either. I shall live in these pants as I study for the bar. You will recognize me at the exam as The Girl With the Awesome Pants that Make Her Ass Look Great.
And this is related to the bar because (1) I listened to the PMBR cds on the way to the store, and (2) I will be comfortable and not distracted by uncomfortable clothing during my studying."
She also has nice comments about the the Reversible Groove Pant.
Lululemon Authorized Dealer: Exhale Pilates Studio
Voted Best Pilates Studio in 2007 by the Charleston City Paper,"Exhale Pilates Studio is the only authorized dealer of Lululemon athletic wear in Charleston, SC. You may view the entire collection at http://www.lululemon.com/.
What are the technical features of the lululemon garments?
All lululemon clothing is flat-seamed to prevent irritation or chafing of the skin.
All pants and jackets have been preshrunk to ensure a perfect fit for our customers.
Our zippers are put into our jackets after they have been pre-shrunk so that they do not buckle after you wash them.
Depending on the garment and it's intended purpose, we add the best technical feature
What does lululemon make its clothing from?
We use numerous technical fabrics for our various lines of clothing. Some examples include:
Luon™ - A fabric made with 86% nylon, 14% lycra. This fabric wicks moisture away from the skin, and has a 4-way stretch for full range movement.
Silverescent™ - A new technology that incorporates actual silver into the fabric. The silver has anti-bacterial properties that do not allow odour to develop in the fabric.
Vitasea™ 70% Cotton, 23% Seacell™, 7% Lycra. This fabric uses Seacell™, a seaweed compound, which releases amino acids, minerals and vitamins into the skin upon contact with moisture. (DON'T KNOW IF THIS SHOULD STILL BE POSTED GIVEN THE SEAWEED BENEFITS RETRACTION FROM LULULEMON)
Stretch French Terry - A fabric made of 86% cotton, 9% polyester, 5% lycra. The lycra in this fabric holds its shape very well, and allows for easy movement in the garment. If you would like to preview or purchase any Lululemon products, please contact Lauren Whitfield directly at Lauren@ExhaleAtV.com or call 843-442-9618. "
What are the technical features of the lululemon garments?
All lululemon clothing is flat-seamed to prevent irritation or chafing of the skin.
All pants and jackets have been preshrunk to ensure a perfect fit for our customers.
Our zippers are put into our jackets after they have been pre-shrunk so that they do not buckle after you wash them.
Depending on the garment and it's intended purpose, we add the best technical feature
What does lululemon make its clothing from?
We use numerous technical fabrics for our various lines of clothing. Some examples include:
Luon™ - A fabric made with 86% nylon, 14% lycra. This fabric wicks moisture away from the skin, and has a 4-way stretch for full range movement.
Silverescent™ - A new technology that incorporates actual silver into the fabric. The silver has anti-bacterial properties that do not allow odour to develop in the fabric.
Vitasea™ 70% Cotton, 23% Seacell™, 7% Lycra. This fabric uses Seacell™, a seaweed compound, which releases amino acids, minerals and vitamins into the skin upon contact with moisture. (DON'T KNOW IF THIS SHOULD STILL BE POSTED GIVEN THE SEAWEED BENEFITS RETRACTION FROM LULULEMON)
Stretch French Terry - A fabric made of 86% cotton, 9% polyester, 5% lycra. The lycra in this fabric holds its shape very well, and allows for easy movement in the garment. If you would like to preview or purchase any Lululemon products, please contact Lauren Whitfield directly at Lauren@ExhaleAtV.com or call 843-442-9618. "
Website:
Don't know if they have any affiliation with the Exhale Spa below.
Lululemon 10% Sale at Exhale Spa (Chicago)
"One of my favorite spas, Exhale Spa (http://www.yelp.com/biz/1DUnA9mXM-BWMIBabrJ24A) is having a party to launch Lululemon next Thursday, January 18 from 6 pm- 8 pm. I LOVE Lululemon (http://www.yelp.com/biz/ZWOCZ--Uv51QMpY4fGzncg) so I'll be there if you want to join me for some shopping, food and wine! Details... Come join us in celebrating the launch of Lululemon athletica, yoga-inspired athletic apparel, at exhale! Receive 10% off all Lululemon retail this one night only. For every $100 you spend, receive a raffle ticket for fabulous lululemon merchandise. Food and wine will be served. Gift bags from lululemon for first 100 to RSVP. RSVP to 312-753-6500"
The exhale spa website offers no verification of this so I'm not sure if it's legit or not but here is the source:
Lululemon Warehouse Sale Feedback from 2007
"The sale this year only has items at 30% off AT MOST. Don’t go. It’s a waste of time waiting and the items there are really ugly!!" "Don’t go. It was terrible. It was all the stuff leftover from boxing day and at the same prices. Stuff was about 30% off. Waited 4 hours in the freezing cold. Definitely not worth it. Just go to the store and buy what you want. Or just wait until boxing day. It’s all the colours no one wants to wear."
"My good friend went to the one in Toronto today, and she said it wasn’t a great deal at all. dissapointing. no bags, ugly colors, and she waited (get this) 5 hours! A different friend went to the one in Edmonton lst year and said it was so so, but when you figure in all the time you spend waiting in line, (4 hours ish), taking a day off work, and MUCH coffee just to stay sanely warm in line, its NOT worth it."
"I spent an hour in line, barely making a dent. It was too cold to wait any longer. The line moves very slowly. We asked people who did manage to get in and $90 pants are about $69 but factor in that you have to pay for them to be shorted and it may not seem worth it to freeze your behind off. We were told the tanks were about $39, so only slight savings. We heard from Lululemon staff working at the retail store that most small sizes were not available. Time is money."
"I didn’t go the first three days because I heard about the lineups and lack of selection but my husband and I decided to check it out today just on a whim because it was the last day. We went around noon and there was no lineup and we got in there and they announced that every jacket was $19, every short $15, every top $15, every skirt $9, so we totally cleaned up. And for every $100 you spent you got a free Jetset bag which is worth $49 in the store. It was totally worth it to wait until the last day as we got a tonne of great stuff! But seriously, if you want great Lululemon deals, check out ebay. There is so much Lulu stuff there for great prices."
Taken from:
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Lululemon Warehouse Sale 2008 (Ottawa and Calgary) announced
The famed annual warehouse sale has been announced.
"lululemon athletica is please to announce that the annual Warehouse Sale will be held in Ottawa at the Aberdeen Pavillion in Landsdowne Park. The event will be held from January 31 until February 3.
There will also be a sale in Calgary January 24th - 27th @ The Round Up Centre, Stampede Grounds. From what I understand, the sales will be better than they have been with new merchandise being released daily.
Go to http://www.lululover.com/ for more info as well.
Felicity Huffman in Lululemon
She's got the most cut body in showbusiness. Here she is on the left wearing the Scuba Lulu Hoodie which keeps her warm while training for those marathons.
On the right she's wearing the Shape Jacket with a Deep V Tank inside.
Read a review of the Deep V Tank:
Lululemon USA could support up to 350 stores
RBC Capital Markets analyst Howard Tubin rated the stock "outperform" before the IPO, saying it was worth US$23.
That was ridiculous then but looks modest now.
Clearly, people are a bit too excited.
So it's time for a breathing exercise, some stretches and a closer look at the Lululemon manifesto for a bit of wisdom, spiritual or otherwise.
"Choose a positive thought. The conscious brain can only hold one thought at a time."
Mr. Tubin's report only holds one thought: Lulu is a screaming buy, though he could barely keep up with the market. He giddily speculates the U.S. could support up to 350 stores, and he seems very impressed that Lululemon workers post life goals on store walls and exercise on-site. That gives the firm an edge of "authenticity" over rivals, he says. This is Internet-bubble era analysis and it's pretty thin (RBC wasn't one of the underwriters but provided other services to the firm). The report misses the list of risk factors Lululemon itself notes in its prospectus. For example, it plans to more than double the number of stores in the next two years, focusing on the U.S., where sales per square foot have been lower and costs higher than in Canada. Sales growth at existing stores has been prone to wild swings. Lululemon holds no patents or exclusive property rights, meaning it is vulnerable to rivals undercutting its high prices.
That was ridiculous then but looks modest now.
Clearly, people are a bit too excited.
So it's time for a breathing exercise, some stretches and a closer look at the Lululemon manifesto for a bit of wisdom, spiritual or otherwise.
"Choose a positive thought. The conscious brain can only hold one thought at a time."
Mr. Tubin's report only holds one thought: Lulu is a screaming buy, though he could barely keep up with the market. He giddily speculates the U.S. could support up to 350 stores, and he seems very impressed that Lululemon workers post life goals on store walls and exercise on-site. That gives the firm an edge of "authenticity" over rivals, he says. This is Internet-bubble era analysis and it's pretty thin (RBC wasn't one of the underwriters but provided other services to the firm). The report misses the list of risk factors Lululemon itself notes in its prospectus. For example, it plans to more than double the number of stores in the next two years, focusing on the U.S., where sales per square foot have been lower and costs higher than in Canada. Sales growth at existing stores has been prone to wild swings. Lululemon holds no patents or exclusive property rights, meaning it is vulnerable to rivals undercutting its high prices.
"Visualize your eventual demise, it can have an amazing effect on how you live for the moment."
Do you think, maybe, the yoga craze is a fad? Just 25% of Lulu's sales are for yoga use, which means wearing Lululemon is largely a fashion statement -- one likely to become less so when everyone and her aunt wears it. My bet is that Lululemon either proves to be a flash in the pan, or else the company's aggressive expansion plans will prove its undoing.
Do you think, maybe, the yoga craze is a fad? Just 25% of Lulu's sales are for yoga use, which means wearing Lululemon is largely a fashion statement -- one likely to become less so when everyone and her aunt wears it. My bet is that Lululemon either proves to be a flash in the pan, or else the company's aggressive expansion plans will prove its undoing.
"Creativity is maximized when you're living in the moment."
To give Lululemon a US$23 target price, let alone the US$30 it flirted with yesterday, requires some wild speculation. Mr. Tubin estimates Lululemon will more than triple earnings from last year's level in three years -- and that those 2009 earnings deserve a 35-to 36-times multiple now. That's a 40% to 45% premium over a peer group of other U.S. retailers and manufacturers including Crocs and J. Crew.
"Friends are more important than money."
"Friends are more important than money."
Mr. Wilson and his backers have taken an awful lot of money off the table already. Mr. Wilson sold 48% of Lululemon in December, 2005, to two U.S. private equity firms for US$93-million, and another US$123-million in shares in the IPO. That leaves him with 26 million shares, or 38%, but it still means that even if Lululemon tanks, he's cashed in well over US$200-million. The two private-equity firms that bought his stake have cashed out US$163-million in the IPO, taking all their invested money plus a 75% return. So if their remaining 22 million shares collapse in value, they've still done well.
"Do one thing a day that scares you."
Sell that stock you paid too much for, before reality sets in.
Christine Day (more info) and her staff discount
Christine Day , one of Howard Schultz's first hires at Il Giornale, a company he founded in the 1980s that bought Starbucks two years later, has left the coffee giant to be executive vice president of retail operations at the Vancouver, B.C.-based apparel company lululemon athletica.
Day, 45, was president of Starbucks' Asia-Pacific Group until last February. Lululemon will pay her a salary of $365,000 — that's Canadian dollars — plus options and an annual bonus of at least 60 percent of her salary. Among the inducements Christine Day will get, is the standard 60 per cent staff discount on all Lululemon products (this last bit from the globe and mail).
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/retailreport/2004119054_retailreport11.html
Day, 45, was president of Starbucks' Asia-Pacific Group until last February. Lululemon will pay her a salary of $365,000 — that's Canadian dollars — plus options and an annual bonus of at least 60 percent of her salary. Among the inducements Christine Day will get, is the standard 60 per cent staff discount on all Lululemon products (this last bit from the globe and mail).
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/retailreport/2004119054_retailreport11.html
Friday, January 11, 2008
Lululemon a Buy amongst many Sells
David Heupel, a portfolio manager for Thrivent Large Cap Growth fund (AAAGX)
a says that while growth investors might gravitate towards sectors like health care and energy, and might avoid consumer-related names in the current economy, none of those sectors is an across-the-board buy or sell.
In a radio interview, Heupel said it's the small picture - prospects on an individual business - rather than the overarching sector view that make a stock a buy or sell.
Heupel said he's been avoiding consumer-related stocks in the current economy, but he made Lululemon Athletica (LULU) lululemon athletica inc comand Altria Group (MO:
altria group inc com Bys, and said he would sell Staples (SPLS:
Staples Inc and Gander Mountain (GMTN)
http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/look-companies-not-sector-trends/story.aspx?guid=%7B19F29ADA%2D3B95%2D4102%2DA155%2D03FD4C4D00A0%7D&siteid=yhoof
a says that while growth investors might gravitate towards sectors like health care and energy, and might avoid consumer-related names in the current economy, none of those sectors is an across-the-board buy or sell.
In a radio interview, Heupel said it's the small picture - prospects on an individual business - rather than the overarching sector view that make a stock a buy or sell.
Heupel said he's been avoiding consumer-related stocks in the current economy, but he made Lululemon Athletica (LULU) lululemon athletica inc comand Altria Group (MO:
altria group inc com Bys, and said he would sell Staples (SPLS:
Staples Inc and Gander Mountain (GMTN)
http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/look-companies-not-sector-trends/story.aspx?guid=%7B19F29ADA%2D3B95%2D4102%2DA155%2D03FD4C4D00A0%7D&siteid=yhoof
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Lululemon's Chip and Shannon Wilson on Oprah (one day)
Chip Wilson recently started a foundation called imagine1day where he used $10million to start a charitable project in Ethiopia. To read more click on : http://www.imagine1day.org/default.aspx?PriceCat=1
"Shop online and choose exactly how you want to invest your money.
Only 145 of the school’s columns and walls remain. For under $55 you will shelter children and teachers from harsh climate conditions in the summer months and the rainy season.
imagine1day uses sustainable materials to build its schools which means that your investment will benefit children for over 30 years. Your investment will help educate over 9,000 children.
Start this New Year out with a bang. Join imagine1day in building its first school in Ethiopia. imagine1day will keep you informed of the progress of the Seffo Mailalekti project with stories, photos and videos about the construction, the children and the community."
Only 145 of the school’s columns and walls remain. For under $55 you will shelter children and teachers from harsh climate conditions in the summer months and the rainy season.
imagine1day uses sustainable materials to build its schools which means that your investment will benefit children for over 30 years. Your investment will help educate over 9,000 children.
Start this New Year out with a bang. Join imagine1day in building its first school in Ethiopia. imagine1day will keep you informed of the progress of the Seffo Mailalekti project with stories, photos and videos about the construction, the children and the community."
Lululemon Stock : Stabilization at 34
It seems like we've found a floor at 34 and this seems to be a level of support. I'm no chartist but those of you who are remember this stock bouncing from 34 a couple of times in the last six months. How do we know we've reached some kind of bottom? Well, the retail numbers for December (see below) were poor yet the RTH or the retail index opened in positive territory today. When stocks rally on bad news then it may be a sign of a bottom. The second spike in the middle to $35 was when Bernanke spoke of a possible rate cut 3 weeks from now. People also sold into that. The final spike at just over $35.50 was when Bank of America (BAC) announced it was in takeover talks with Countrywide Financial (CFC). For those of you into daytrading, 34 may be a temporary bottom to note... at least for the next 3 weeks where this stock may remain.
Retail a mixed Picture
Retail chains are reporting December numbers and it seems that consumers are on the cheap. Costco and Walmart are doing great while high end clothing like Ann Taylor are not doing so well with same-store sales falling 9.4%. TJX, Aeropostale and Guess on the other hand are all raising their estimates.
Click on table to get big picture.
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Lululemon Stock After Hours Info
Somebody seems to have bought in the afterhours. The volume in blue reads about 38000 shares. Don't know what this means for tomorrow morning but seeing the bulls coming out of the woodwork this afternoon and pumping the dow by 146 points, I'm guessing we may have found some kind of a temporary bottom. There's also talk a surprise rate cut by the feds... don't hold your breath.Lululemon Stock at 34 and change
Just bought 50 shares. Be cool in this market like the Lululemon Santa Monica ambassador above.
Lululemon Stock - Buy in WIDE SCALES : We are in RECESSION
Goldman Sachs just said 2008 will be a recession year for the economy. Stocks have been plummetting with no end in sight. If you are investing in the stock market, buy in very wide scales. Take Lulu for instance, I'm now using Crox as a backdrop for what may happen to this stock. Crox capitulated to $27 and then bounced back to $30 when probably the shorts covered. No, not lululemon shorts like in the review below:
but more like shorts which refers to people that make money betting a stock will go down. They have made money since the stock went down so they are now purchasing the stock again so that they can make money on the way up. If you are going to buy Lulu stock, there's 10 points from the current price to about $27. I plan to buy 50 shares at 35, another 50 at 32, another at 29 and a last buy at about 26.
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Chip Wilson Interview
"Wilson has shown an affinity for tapping the market at the right time. Known as "Chip," he first gained notice in the athletic apparel community when he founded the iconic Westbeach Snowboard Ltd. in 1980. The company brought the surf, skate and snowboard culture to the mainstream, before he sold it in 1997 to Morrow Snowboards.
Now Wilson, 52, who works with a personal trainer four times a week and does 25 minutes of yoga everyday, is working to bring his healthy, holistic lifestyle to the masses through Lululemon.
What follows are edited excerpts from a recent Associated Press interview with Wilson.
Now Wilson, 52, who works with a personal trainer four times a week and does 25 minutes of yoga everyday, is working to bring his healthy, holistic lifestyle to the masses through Lululemon.
What follows are edited excerpts from a recent Associated Press interview with Wilson.
Q: You've been referred to as a "brilliant trendspotter." What tips you off?
A: I'm a natural designer, so I'm bored all the time, and I'm always looking for the new thing. I looked at yoga and went 'This is going to be the next big thing.' Much more than surf, skate or snowboard, people could do it anywhere, anytime. You didn't have to wait for the right wave or wait for the perfect snow conditions.
A: I'm a natural designer, so I'm bored all the time, and I'm always looking for the new thing. I looked at yoga and went 'This is going to be the next big thing.' Much more than surf, skate or snowboard, people could do it anywhere, anytime. You didn't have to wait for the right wave or wait for the perfect snow conditions.
Q: How has hiring the former president and chief executive of Reebok, Robert Meers, helped the company?
A: I just think he's the greatest thing since sliced bread. Reebok was really one of the first to concentrate on the women's market. The good part about Bob is he had been there, done that. He'd seen what worked and what didn't. He was very clear that we're not in competition with anybody. We're the antithesis of the men's market -- we're soft, we're round and we're cooperative.
A: I just think he's the greatest thing since sliced bread. Reebok was really one of the first to concentrate on the women's market. The good part about Bob is he had been there, done that. He'd seen what worked and what didn't. He was very clear that we're not in competition with anybody. We're the antithesis of the men's market -- we're soft, we're round and we're cooperative.
Q: Do you have any concerns about expanding in the U.S., or about the habits of U.S. consumers?
A: One thing I have learned is that there are different buying patterns and cultures in each city. I don't think you can say the U.S. is different. What can be said is the Northeast is much different from the Southwest U.S.
Notwithstanding that, the U.S. cannot be won by Canadians. For this reason, I sold 48 percent of the company in 2005 to two U.S. retail private equity companies, Advent International and Highland Capital headed up by Tom Stemberg, founder and ex-CEO of Staples.
With the rolodex of these two companies we brought in Bob Meers and a strategist from The Limited. Our biggest challenge is ensuring we secure the right locations as we grow.
A: One thing I have learned is that there are different buying patterns and cultures in each city. I don't think you can say the U.S. is different. What can be said is the Northeast is much different from the Southwest U.S.
Notwithstanding that, the U.S. cannot be won by Canadians. For this reason, I sold 48 percent of the company in 2005 to two U.S. retail private equity companies, Advent International and Highland Capital headed up by Tom Stemberg, founder and ex-CEO of Staples.
With the rolodex of these two companies we brought in Bob Meers and a strategist from The Limited. Our biggest challenge is ensuring we secure the right locations as we grow.
Q: How do you foresee the business changing in the future?
A: There's more money in the world (today). Ultimately, people figure out that there's no point in having money unless you're healthy. So people are trying to find a balance between how much money they're making, and how much time and effort they're going to put into their health, so I can only see it going up. I think we're just at the tip of the iceberg.
A: There's more money in the world (today). Ultimately, people figure out that there's no point in having money unless you're healthy. So people are trying to find a balance between how much money they're making, and how much time and effort they're going to put into their health, so I can only see it going up. I think we're just at the tip of the iceberg.
Q: A personal goal you're working toward?
A: My goal is to, by the year 2018, bring primary education to every child in Ethiopia. I've set up a charity called Imagine 1 Day. We have hired all the people for it and we've set up our board of directors and funded it with $10 million to get it going. We've built three schools now. That's all within the last four or five months.
A: My goal is to, by the year 2018, bring primary education to every child in Ethiopia. I've set up a charity called Imagine 1 Day. We have hired all the people for it and we've set up our board of directors and funded it with $10 million to get it going. We've built three schools now. That's all within the last four or five months.
Q: Your current workout regimen?
A: It's called the Grouse Grind. It's a one-hour climb straight up a mountain in the north of Vancouver. My goal is to do that 70 times this year.
Q: What would you say to convince someone to try yoga?
A: I would look them straight in the eye and tell them they are going to get old one day, and the longer they can keep their muscles and their joints limber, the possibility of living a much more fun life as they get older is going to be exponential
A: It's called the Grouse Grind. It's a one-hour climb straight up a mountain in the north of Vancouver. My goal is to do that 70 times this year.
Q: What would you say to convince someone to try yoga?
A: I would look them straight in the eye and tell them they are going to get old one day, and the longer they can keep their muscles and their joints limber, the possibility of living a much more fun life as they get older is going to be exponential
Taken from:
Lululemon Japan Expansion (old but good info)
"Canadian yoga apparel brand, Lululemon Athletica, is expanding operations in Japan through a partnership with sports and apparel firm, Descente in a deal negotiated with Itochu Shoji. Lululemon already had a store in Tokyo before the deal, and the Itochu/Descente partnership, operating via new company Lululemon Japan, will see the firm opening up to 20 stores here by 2010. Lululemon has a controlling stake in the new company which has taken over the existing store in Aoyama, Tokyo, and opened a second Tokyo store in Mejiro last month. A further three stores in Tokyo are planned to open within the first year. As reported in last month’s JapanConsuming, Itochu owns an estimated 30% of the sports apparel market in Japan and is expanding into new areas such as yoga and related health sports. The deal confirms again the major market being developed in yoga in Japan and the continued opportunities available to good brands."
Lululemon beats Nike or Adidas : Abi Ferrin
"Lululemon is by far the best athletic wear around. It easily beats out Nike or Adidas," said Abi Ferrin, a Los Angeles designer who left San Francisco after a year's stay in 2004, disgusted with its denizens' nighttime "uniform of jeans and a black sweater." Ferrin takes heart, however, that San Franciscans are coming around to high-fashion sportswear. She applauds Lululemon's sexy fits and investment in cutting-edge synthetics and cottons.
Lululemon means saying goodbye to jeans?
Jessica Alba in Jeans vs Eva Longoria in Lululemon "Fact: Based on household income, San Franciscans spend more on clothing than any other urban market in the United States.
Then why do so many San Franciscans work and do laundry in the same garb? Is it really possible, as Scarborough Research recently reported, that the typical San Francisco household spends $5,700 annually on apparel?
Lululemon, a high-end, yoga-inspired athletic wear company, may provide a partial answer to this rarely debated subject. The Vancouver firm has become all the rage among the hyper-fit, clothes-conscious set in San Francisco, who may not drop major dimes for Saturday night dinner wear, but will go to the upper limit of their budgets to look chicly sporting at the grocery store.
During a recent afternoon at Lululemon's store on Union Street, half a dozen women and one man happily admitted to spending $100 for such Lululemon items as the rose- and port-colored Baja Shape Jacket, with features such as "cuffins," a cross between cuffs and mittens that prevent heat loss in recently exerted hands; a zipper pull that doubles as an emergency hair elastic; and an "inner zip garage" that eliminates contact between a zipper's metal and a human's skin.
Lululemon also offers its customers free hemming services, so that no one should get distracted by dangling hems during downward dog.
"The right length hem is important for activities like yoga and Pilates," said Kelley Howard, manager of Lululemon's San Francisco store.
By the dressing room, a petite brunette stood on a stool, while a store clerk, who along with Lululemon's 650 other employees, has undergone extensive training, worked a tape measure around the end of her $84 reversible Groove Pants.
"I don't even wear jeans anymore," said Taylor Jenkins, a 36-year-old San Francisco native, mother and soon-to-be Spinning instructor for indoor cyclers. "I live in my Lulu Moped Pants" -- thick organic cotton bottoms that ride low on the waist and are preshrunk to withstand the most aggressive dryer.
Jenkins, who was shopping for a post-Christmas present for her mother, admitted to owning 50 Lululemon items, a possible record, given that the Cow Hollow store opened in November 2004. She wears her Lululemon outfits to the gym, at home and even to dinner. Felicity Huffman of "Desperate Housewives'' appears to be in agreement about Lululemon's versatility. An October issue of People magazine ran a photo of her in a red Lululemon Deep V Tank, which has built-in cups that seem to vie in gravity-defying power with the Wonderbra."
Taken from:
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2006/01/08/LVGKRGGFKV1.DTL
Samantha Harris in Lululemon while pregnant
Is pregnant the new sexy? Well, maybe it always has been. The clothes sure help. To know what she is wearing and to find out how she got back to her size 27 jeans, go to:
Niki Taylor and Samantha Harris wearing Lululemon
All I can say is gorgeous!
For more info on what they are wearing check out:
http://www.lululover.com/
Monday, January 7, 2008
Lululemon Deep V Tank Review (Second one)
I really like this site. Wonderful information on all things lululemon:
http://www.lululover.com/the-deep-v-tank-will-make-your-boobs-look-bigger/
"While the Deep V Tank isn’t my absolute favorite lululemon piece, almost all of my friends swear that this is the best lululemon tank on the face of the earth. I’m pretty certain this is because it makes their boobs look big.
The Deep V Tank has been released in a few different styles since its inception. There was the Athletic Deep V Tank (with mesh and an iPod cord wrangler), the Deep V Tank Renew (with a slightly more relaxed shelf bra), the Deep V Tank With Pockets (the first version of the tank to have a built in iPod pocket), the Deep V Tank Organic (made from herbicide and pesticide free organic cotton) and also the regular ol’ Deep V Tank. They are all fairly interchangeable - and are simply seasonal or yearly updates on one another. All have a built in shelf bra, wide straps for added support, built in removable cups to lift and separate the bosoms, and a great racer-back. They are also fairly lengthy in the torso so there is lots of coverage if you are wearing low rise pants. The tank is slightly relaxed through the stomach.
The more I describe the Deep V Tank the more I realize just how awesome it is. And if I didn’t need something that offered just a little bit more support, this might just be my workout tank of choice. The support is what I would consider low to medium - and if you anything above a B cup, you’ll have to pair it with an additional bra. My less than busty friends love the removable cups. They add instant va-va-voom and easily removable. Aside from adding a cup size, they also add extra support.
I also can’t live without the new iPod pockets lulu has built into most of their newer tanks. While it only fits an iPod nano, I use it to store my gym pass, a $5 bill, an extra hair tie, or even a key. It’s great for all those things we used to shove in our shoe and had to dig out after a sweaty workout.
In short, if you want a flattering workout tank with medium support and all the bells and whistles, the Deep V Tank will hit the spot. It has come out in every color on the face of the earth and is constantly being reinvented. By 2010 I’m sure it will have a built in camel pack and probably release some special amino acid to actually make your boobs bigger."
Lululemon Stock Sale at $38 : Time to buy
Lulu has reached my buy levels and at about $38, I've bought 100 shares. On Dec 12, I sold 100 at $48 and am repurchasing at discount levels, the way I like to buy stocks. The market is awful and there seems to be no end to the selling. Another specialty retailer Crox is at $27. Sometimes, these retailers trade in sympathy so in the back of my mind, there is a possibility that Lulu may go below $34 and into the $20s. I still have about 150 shares I can buy and am actually hoping LULU gets cheaper. I have $2000 extra from my Lulu profits which is about 50 shares more at current levels.
Lululemon Stock - Be Patient
We got knocked down hard last week - 20% down in a week. Be careful and understand the US retail environment is not a good space to be in. If you want to be in this stock, understand it could go down to $34 again like it did on Nov. 20 so buy accordingly. Space yourself in. This market may bounce since the Feds are ready to make a move to stimulate the economy with a rate cut but the bounce merely that, a temporary move. If you let yourself this stock at discount prices, you will be rewarded. I am waiting for sub-$40 prices before I make a buy again. My average price in this stock is about $39 and I own about 150 shares.
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Lululemon Hiring
Some examples
Educator
Mission: providing components for people to live a longer, healthier and more fun life. Vision: elevating the world from mediocrity to a place of greatness. Educator Vaughan Mills, ON We are seeking enthusiastic, upbeat, and authentic individuals to join our team, as Full and Part Time Educators
Senior Web Applications Developer
lululemon athlectica is looking for a senior web developer to join a newly formed web development team. This is a great opportunity to grow with a young company that is quickly becoming a leader in the yoga and fitness community.
Lululemon Critics Speak
Chip Wilson's provocative words on child labour and garment workers put Lululemon under scrutiny.
By Scott DeveauPublished: February 17, 2005
TheTyee.ca
The Tyee.ca
It takes a very brave man to walk into a conference promoting sustainable local economies and give a speech on the merits of child labour and outsourcing to Asia. But that's just what Lululemon founder and CEO Chip Wilson did last month at the Business Alliance of Local Living Economies conference in Vancouver.
Wilson is no stranger to controversy. He named his high-end yoga wear company Lululemon because he thinks the trouble Japanese people face pronouncing L's works as an extra marketing tool for his product in that country, according to a National Post Business Magazine article which awarded him a special citation for product innovation and marketing.
In the same article, Wilson went on to say "It's funny to watch them try and say it."
Wilson's speech at the BALLE BC conference went over like a lead balloon. Several delegates questioned where the high-end yoga-wear chain is headed in its reach for the global market.
Since 1998, Lululemon has expanded rapidly from its original shop in Kitsilano. Its network now extends across Canada, and in Japan, Australia, and California. The company will soon open stores in Sweden and London, England. But questions are being raised about the company's new outsourcing and how it will remain a responsible retailer.
Child labour can be 'okay'
ADVERTISEMENT
According to those who attended BALLE BC conference, Wilson told the delegates third world children should be allowed to work in factories because it provides them with much-needed wages. They also say he argued that even in Canada there is a place for 12- and 13-year-old street youths to find work in local factories as an alternative to collecting handouts.
"I look at it the same way the WTO does it, and that is that the single easiest way to spread wealth around the world is to have poor countries pull themselves out of poverty," Wilson told The Tyee.
BALLE BC executive director Penny Scott was at the speech in January.
"He was really raising a grey area, and didn't address the other issues, like where these kids are living, what they're being paid, if they're going to school, if they're being taken care of in those other ways," Scott said.
Vancouver-based Lululemon built its reputation as an "ethical brand" by using local labour to manufacture its clothing. Until recently, Lululemon produced most of its clothing in a non-union shop in East Vancouver with a little more than 100 workers.
Vancouver sweatshops common
Vas Gunaratna, manager of UNITE, the Canadian textile union manager in Vancouver, said just because something is produced locally is no guarantee fair wages are being paid and that the factory is operating in accordance to the labour code.
"There are roughly 150 factories in Vancouver I would consider sweatshops," Gunaratna said. "But I have not heard any complaints about this one."
Gunaratna said competition from Asia in the garment industry has resulted in the almost complete collapse of the Canadian garment industry. The termination in December of the international MultiFibre Agreement, which protected clothing manufacturers in industrialized countries, and the prospect of future free-trade deals with China will surely finish it off entirely in the coming years, Gunaratna said.
Even now, many of the Canadian suppliers in the garment industry are going belly-up. Wilson said three of his suppliers have gone bankrupt in the last year.
Garment rules have changed
In response to this and its growing market, Lululemon hopes to produce half its merchandise in China by the end of the year, Wilson said.
"This is how it works," Wilson said. "If we made something here for $20, it would probably cost $10 US to make in China, but by the time we've changed the US dollar, paid for shipping duty, and everything else that went with it, it might land at $19. From that point of view, it might not make a difference, so why not make it here, which we did."
But now that the brand is expanding into Japan, Australia, Sweden, and England, Wilson said, a $20 Canadian produced garment, which is as cheap as it could be made in this country, lands in those other countries for $30.
"If I ship it out of the Orient it costs $20, which is what our competitors would do. So we have two choices, which are to manufacture everything in the Orient offshore, or to not be in business," Wilson said. "You do it or die."
Faced with such a market, Lululemon can hardly be blamed for moving its operations to Asia. The question remains, though, what is the most ethical way of moving a local fair-labour product into Asia?
Ad had obtuse message
Lululemon didn't get off to a good start.
Last May, when Lululemon started outsourcing to China, the company placed a controversial ad in Yoga Journal magazine showing a fake newspaper article with adults dressed in diapers, with bonnets and pacifiers, at sewing machines. Attached to the article is a post-it note from Chip asking, "How did this get out?"
The ad was meant "to elicit reactions on the global travesty of child labour in an ironic, humorous way."
"We're also sensitive of society's tendency to villianize corporations, and as we grow, we wanted to be proactive and deter individuals and the media from condemning an innocent, ethical company as unethical," Wilson went on to say in a press release
The Chinese factory that Lululemon will use is operated by the same person who owns the current Lululemon factory in Vancouver. Wilson said he has personally inspected the facility in China and feels confident it is far from a sweatshop.
"Ninety-five per cent of the factories I've seen in the Orient are far better than ones in North America," Wilson said. "In China, many people come from the western provinces and their goal is to work seven days a week 16 hours a day, because in five years they want to have a pile of money to go home with and start a business."
Wilson sees a similar situation in Canada.
"In Canada for instance, 99 per cent of our factory workers are Chinese women sewers. If you were to work them eight-hour days, they will be mad at you. If you only work them five days a week for only eight hours, they'll say, 'What are you doing? I don't want to work for you.' If you do only work them that much, they walk out of their shift at 4 o'clock and walk across the street to another factory and work another six hours. This is in Vancouver, in Canada." Not everyone believes Wilson is qualified to judge the labour standards of another country.
Foreign auditing needed
Denise Taschereau, manager of social and environmental responsibility at Mountain Equipment Co-op, was at the BALLE BC conference and said Wilson demonstrated a marked lack of understanding of the issues surrounding offshore manufacturing.
"The question is, Chip, how do you know that? Show me the money. Are you auditing those factories? Have you seen those payroll stubs? What are their overtime wages? If he's suggesting that overtime or inaccurately paid wages are not an issue in offshore factories, then he's walking through them with his eyes closed," Taschereau said.
MEC has faced the booming business growth that Lululemon now enjoys. It tried to grow in a socially and environmentally conscientious way. During its development, MEC established an infrastructure of internal auditing of its domestic and international factories and hired a third party to spot check its factories and report on its findings. MEC now outsources a little more than 40 per cent of its manufacturing overseas, but has held its factories to the highest standards, Taschereau said.
For any major Canadian brand, she said, "as you grow up as a brand in Canada, your commitment to and your systems around being a responsible and ethical retailer have to grow up with you."
Miriam Palacios, BC program coordinator for Oxfam Canada, agrees. "Just because the factories look modern on the inside does not mean the workers inside are being treated fairly – being paid a living wage, or are provided with health care or an education," Palacios said.
In 2004, Oxfam auditors found several human rights violations in the Chinese garment industry – from rampant child labour, unhealthy and unsanitary working conditions, not enough washrooms, not enough breaks, and inadequate wages and benefits. Women were also forced to give urine samples to prove they were not pregnant in order to keep their jobs.
Wilson 'misunderstood'
To guide Lululemon into the next phase of its development, the company has hired former MEC auditor Kerri McKenzie as its production manager, to develop a code of conduct as the company ramps up its operations overseas.
While the company has already begun its outsourcing, McKenzie does not expect the code of conduct to be complete until the end of the 2005. She, like MEC, also plans to hire a third party auditor, Verite , to spot check Lululemon's operations.
McKenzie speaks fluent Mandarin and this week will head to China to audit the Lululemon factory for the first time.
"We're a new company that is just exploding at the seams," McKenzie said. She said her boss is sometimes "misunderstood" and she chalks up his speech at the BALLE BC conference and the child labour ad as examples of this. Lululemon trusts her "implicitly" to guide it into the next phase, McKenzie said, who admitted working with Wilson has sometimes been "frustrating."
"I can't answer for the man, he's misunderstood in his own way," McKenzie said.
Scott Deveau is on staff at The Tyee.
By Scott DeveauPublished: February 17, 2005
TheTyee.ca
The Tyee.ca
It takes a very brave man to walk into a conference promoting sustainable local economies and give a speech on the merits of child labour and outsourcing to Asia. But that's just what Lululemon founder and CEO Chip Wilson did last month at the Business Alliance of Local Living Economies conference in Vancouver.
Wilson is no stranger to controversy. He named his high-end yoga wear company Lululemon because he thinks the trouble Japanese people face pronouncing L's works as an extra marketing tool for his product in that country, according to a National Post Business Magazine article which awarded him a special citation for product innovation and marketing.
In the same article, Wilson went on to say "It's funny to watch them try and say it."
Wilson's speech at the BALLE BC conference went over like a lead balloon. Several delegates questioned where the high-end yoga-wear chain is headed in its reach for the global market.
Since 1998, Lululemon has expanded rapidly from its original shop in Kitsilano. Its network now extends across Canada, and in Japan, Australia, and California. The company will soon open stores in Sweden and London, England. But questions are being raised about the company's new outsourcing and how it will remain a responsible retailer.
Child labour can be 'okay'
ADVERTISEMENT
According to those who attended BALLE BC conference, Wilson told the delegates third world children should be allowed to work in factories because it provides them with much-needed wages. They also say he argued that even in Canada there is a place for 12- and 13-year-old street youths to find work in local factories as an alternative to collecting handouts.
"I look at it the same way the WTO does it, and that is that the single easiest way to spread wealth around the world is to have poor countries pull themselves out of poverty," Wilson told The Tyee.
BALLE BC executive director Penny Scott was at the speech in January.
"He was really raising a grey area, and didn't address the other issues, like where these kids are living, what they're being paid, if they're going to school, if they're being taken care of in those other ways," Scott said.
Vancouver-based Lululemon built its reputation as an "ethical brand" by using local labour to manufacture its clothing. Until recently, Lululemon produced most of its clothing in a non-union shop in East Vancouver with a little more than 100 workers.
Vancouver sweatshops common
Vas Gunaratna, manager of UNITE, the Canadian textile union manager in Vancouver, said just because something is produced locally is no guarantee fair wages are being paid and that the factory is operating in accordance to the labour code.
"There are roughly 150 factories in Vancouver I would consider sweatshops," Gunaratna said. "But I have not heard any complaints about this one."
Gunaratna said competition from Asia in the garment industry has resulted in the almost complete collapse of the Canadian garment industry. The termination in December of the international MultiFibre Agreement, which protected clothing manufacturers in industrialized countries, and the prospect of future free-trade deals with China will surely finish it off entirely in the coming years, Gunaratna said.
Even now, many of the Canadian suppliers in the garment industry are going belly-up. Wilson said three of his suppliers have gone bankrupt in the last year.
Garment rules have changed
In response to this and its growing market, Lululemon hopes to produce half its merchandise in China by the end of the year, Wilson said.
"This is how it works," Wilson said. "If we made something here for $20, it would probably cost $10 US to make in China, but by the time we've changed the US dollar, paid for shipping duty, and everything else that went with it, it might land at $19. From that point of view, it might not make a difference, so why not make it here, which we did."
But now that the brand is expanding into Japan, Australia, Sweden, and England, Wilson said, a $20 Canadian produced garment, which is as cheap as it could be made in this country, lands in those other countries for $30.
"If I ship it out of the Orient it costs $20, which is what our competitors would do. So we have two choices, which are to manufacture everything in the Orient offshore, or to not be in business," Wilson said. "You do it or die."
Faced with such a market, Lululemon can hardly be blamed for moving its operations to Asia. The question remains, though, what is the most ethical way of moving a local fair-labour product into Asia?
Ad had obtuse message
Lululemon didn't get off to a good start.
Last May, when Lululemon started outsourcing to China, the company placed a controversial ad in Yoga Journal magazine showing a fake newspaper article with adults dressed in diapers, with bonnets and pacifiers, at sewing machines. Attached to the article is a post-it note from Chip asking, "How did this get out?"
The ad was meant "to elicit reactions on the global travesty of child labour in an ironic, humorous way."
"We're also sensitive of society's tendency to villianize corporations, and as we grow, we wanted to be proactive and deter individuals and the media from condemning an innocent, ethical company as unethical," Wilson went on to say in a press release
The Chinese factory that Lululemon will use is operated by the same person who owns the current Lululemon factory in Vancouver. Wilson said he has personally inspected the facility in China and feels confident it is far from a sweatshop.
"Ninety-five per cent of the factories I've seen in the Orient are far better than ones in North America," Wilson said. "In China, many people come from the western provinces and their goal is to work seven days a week 16 hours a day, because in five years they want to have a pile of money to go home with and start a business."
Wilson sees a similar situation in Canada.
"In Canada for instance, 99 per cent of our factory workers are Chinese women sewers. If you were to work them eight-hour days, they will be mad at you. If you only work them five days a week for only eight hours, they'll say, 'What are you doing? I don't want to work for you.' If you do only work them that much, they walk out of their shift at 4 o'clock and walk across the street to another factory and work another six hours. This is in Vancouver, in Canada." Not everyone believes Wilson is qualified to judge the labour standards of another country.
Foreign auditing needed
Denise Taschereau, manager of social and environmental responsibility at Mountain Equipment Co-op, was at the BALLE BC conference and said Wilson demonstrated a marked lack of understanding of the issues surrounding offshore manufacturing.
"The question is, Chip, how do you know that? Show me the money. Are you auditing those factories? Have you seen those payroll stubs? What are their overtime wages? If he's suggesting that overtime or inaccurately paid wages are not an issue in offshore factories, then he's walking through them with his eyes closed," Taschereau said.
MEC has faced the booming business growth that Lululemon now enjoys. It tried to grow in a socially and environmentally conscientious way. During its development, MEC established an infrastructure of internal auditing of its domestic and international factories and hired a third party to spot check its factories and report on its findings. MEC now outsources a little more than 40 per cent of its manufacturing overseas, but has held its factories to the highest standards, Taschereau said.
For any major Canadian brand, she said, "as you grow up as a brand in Canada, your commitment to and your systems around being a responsible and ethical retailer have to grow up with you."
Miriam Palacios, BC program coordinator for Oxfam Canada, agrees. "Just because the factories look modern on the inside does not mean the workers inside are being treated fairly – being paid a living wage, or are provided with health care or an education," Palacios said.
In 2004, Oxfam auditors found several human rights violations in the Chinese garment industry – from rampant child labour, unhealthy and unsanitary working conditions, not enough washrooms, not enough breaks, and inadequate wages and benefits. Women were also forced to give urine samples to prove they were not pregnant in order to keep their jobs.
Wilson 'misunderstood'
To guide Lululemon into the next phase of its development, the company has hired former MEC auditor Kerri McKenzie as its production manager, to develop a code of conduct as the company ramps up its operations overseas.
While the company has already begun its outsourcing, McKenzie does not expect the code of conduct to be complete until the end of the 2005. She, like MEC, also plans to hire a third party auditor, Verite , to spot check Lululemon's operations.
McKenzie speaks fluent Mandarin and this week will head to China to audit the Lululemon factory for the first time.
"We're a new company that is just exploding at the seams," McKenzie said. She said her boss is sometimes "misunderstood" and she chalks up his speech at the BALLE BC conference and the child labour ad as examples of this. Lululemon trusts her "implicitly" to guide it into the next phase, McKenzie said, who admitted working with Wilson has sometimes been "frustrating."
"I can't answer for the man, he's misunderstood in his own way," McKenzie said.
Scott Deveau is on staff at The Tyee.
Lululemon Boogie Crop Pants Review
"I love my LuluLemon Boogie Crop pants. And since they're not really appropriate for day-to-day life, I enjoy having the chance to wear then when I go for a run. My point is this -- if you buy your loved one a nice piece of fitness wear, one that can't be used just for lounging or trips to the mall, they're more likely to get out and do something fit because they'll want to show off their swanky new duds. I love anything Lulu and chances are you will too."
This was taken from a blog which excellent information about staying fit:
Lululemon Velocity Gym Bag Review
"I bought one of their bags today. Namely the Velocity Gym Bag pictured above. For a lot of money. Why? I have a thing for bags. I love handbags. I constantly rotate my bags for the occasion and the “season” as it were. I bought a H&M bag last year for much less to be my book bag, and now this one will replace it. Due the cult of Lululemon, the bag is popular for school, but not as popular as the less expensive Aritzia TNA bag which is of similar size and style.
The bag does look sturdy, and it should last me a few years considering what I paid. The vinyl is waterproof which is a big advantage. My Macbook fits snuggly in with lots of other room. I also do intend to use it as a gym bag. I will use the included wet bag for my running shoes, and the pockets for my H20 and cell. As well as the external straps for a yoga mat. I also love removable straps as I won’t always have to carry this under my arm. It seems to be a great bag for carry-on airplane travel too.
All in all, I can say this is my back to school gift to myself. But I’m just making excuses. Oh why must I adore the bags?"
The bag does look sturdy, and it should last me a few years considering what I paid. The vinyl is waterproof which is a big advantage. My Macbook fits snuggly in with lots of other room. I also do intend to use it as a gym bag. I will use the included wet bag for my running shoes, and the pockets for my H20 and cell. As well as the external straps for a yoga mat. I also love removable straps as I won’t always have to carry this under my arm. It seems to be a great bag for carry-on airplane travel too.
All in all, I can say this is my back to school gift to myself. But I’m just making excuses. Oh why must I adore the bags?"
To read more:
Review II
-Fun, functional, light and durable vinyl gym bag!
-Carry your yoga mat through the bag straps
-H20, cell phone, ipod pockets
-Removable, washable 'dry pak' pouch separates wet/dry gear
-Removable shoulder strap
-Waterproof, PVC free!
-12” (height) X 17” (width @ base) x 7 1/2” (depth
-Carry your yoga mat through the bag straps
-H20, cell phone, ipod pockets
-Removable, washable 'dry pak' pouch separates wet/dry gear
-Removable shoulder strap
-Waterproof, PVC free!
-12” (height) X 17” (width @ base) x 7 1/2” (depth
from WWforlife
"I'm testing out gym bags and today I have my lululemon bag that I got for my birthday with me. I'm not so crazy about this option. For one thing I think it feels heavier than then the MEC backpack I used on Tuesday. The second thing is my runners, gym clothes, after workout clothes (sweatpants and yoga jacket) and water bottle pretty much leave no room for anything else. I think it may be a better summer option as one isn't carting as much stuff. The day isn't over, we'll see how it handles the locker. The mec backpack was also packed to the hilt with the same items but my lunch back fit into lululemon and had to be carried seperately with the MEC. The MEC has these chords on the front that like to hook onto the locker."
"I brought my brand spankin new gym bag with me today. The fabulous blue body/bright green accents lululemon bag, thanks to A for giving me that gift certificate because there would be no way on earth I'd shell out $74 bucks for a vinyl gym bag. "
Saturday, January 5, 2008
Lululemon Japan : Lulu Pic of the Day
No, that's not the store in Japan. Here's part of her blog from :
"During my time in Japan I met the new CEO of Lululemon Japan- through the gentleman sitting next to me on the plane. ( see my blog on Karma- or just good luck)). I am a former ambassador for a Lululemon in Vancouver. My ambassadorship included me doing yoga demos in store, teaching a few classes and helping out with an outside community event. I also modeled their yoga gear for their photos. All the people you see in Lulu photos are real yogis, pilates instructors, dancers etc. In exchange Lulu helped promote me as a teacher, my studio and gave me a nice little gift card…for free clothing. ( I think I spent it in 4 months.) Nice reciprocal relationship. I figured maybe there is something I could do with Lulu Japan being from the home of Lulu and speaking Japanese and create a new nice reciprocal relationship. And I think the CEO is open to that. Of course nothing ever goes as smoothly as planned…"
Friday, January 4, 2008
Lululemon Store Experience : Canada vs USA
"Readers, shopping in Lulu stores from Calgary to the North Shore, expressed outrage with the chain's often self-righteous, arrogant sales staff.
From reader Wilma Suen: "Like you, I own several pieces of overpriced Lulu. But the holier-than-thou-corporation has always bugged me . . . Let's not kid ourselves, Lululemon is about selling clothes. Corporate social responsibility/greenness just happens to be the shtick they use to package their "experience." Heck, without the shtick, there would be no "experience."
"Chip seems to have lost his roots," writes Lisa King. "I hope Seaweedgate has been a bit of an eye opener."
LYNDA BOSETTI ADDS:
"Sad, but true, is your commentary on the service attitude at the Lululemon stores. I have purchased several Lululemon items for my teenaged daughter, and we have found it especially challenging to try to snag one of the currently-all-the-rage printed, reversible models.
The sales girls have told me that if I don't buy it right then and there, they will all be gone by the end of the day. Lululemon seems to operate on the premise of keeping prospective purchasers in a feeding frenzy."
Her solution?
"I find the customer service in the U.S. so much better than at home. The clerks in Bellingham acknowledge me, and actually seem pleased to have me come into their stores. Quite a contrast to my recent experience in the Park Royal Mall, where, out of all the stores I entered, only one clerk in one store actually said hello to me.
"The Lululemon attitude seems to be pretty typical of the Canadian customer service ethic, so I will continue to spend my clothing dollars in the U.S."
From reader Wilma Suen: "Like you, I own several pieces of overpriced Lulu. But the holier-than-thou-corporation has always bugged me . . . Let's not kid ourselves, Lululemon is about selling clothes. Corporate social responsibility/greenness just happens to be the shtick they use to package their "experience." Heck, without the shtick, there would be no "experience."
"Chip seems to have lost his roots," writes Lisa King. "I hope Seaweedgate has been a bit of an eye opener."
LYNDA BOSETTI ADDS:
"Sad, but true, is your commentary on the service attitude at the Lululemon stores. I have purchased several Lululemon items for my teenaged daughter, and we have found it especially challenging to try to snag one of the currently-all-the-rage printed, reversible models.
The sales girls have told me that if I don't buy it right then and there, they will all be gone by the end of the day. Lululemon seems to operate on the premise of keeping prospective purchasers in a feeding frenzy."
Her solution?
"I find the customer service in the U.S. so much better than at home. The clerks in Bellingham acknowledge me, and actually seem pleased to have me come into their stores. Quite a contrast to my recent experience in the Park Royal Mall, where, out of all the stores I entered, only one clerk in one store actually said hello to me.
"The Lululemon attitude seems to be pretty typical of the Canadian customer service ethic, so I will continue to spend my clothing dollars in the U.S."
Lululemon Relaxed Fit Shorts Review
"Two years ago I walked passed the Lululemon store on the Santa Monica Promenade and peered curiously into the store. What the heck was a Lulu? And how did it involve lemons? I decided to walk inside, and not five seconds later did I realize it was my dream come true -- stretchy and comfortable exercise clothes everywhere! No vertical stripes or swooshes. No baggy sweatpants with "Juicy" strategically placed on the ass. As I tried on a few capri pants and shirts, I found myself saying over and over, "I love it!" Over time, my passion for their clothes has created a dent in my wallet, but I can relieve myself of guilt because they're high quality and not going out of style anytime soon.
Last season I bought two pairs of Lululemon yoga pants that I wore so often around town that one friend asked me if I had become a yoga instructor. No, I just looked the part (except not nearly as flexible as most). This season I decided to give shorts a try. I've been wearing the new relaxed fit short that has a drawstring waist and gives me room to breathe unlike annoying biker shorts. It's chafe free and dries quickly. I wear it with Lululemon's athletic deep V tank in light pink. I'm not normally a pink and frilly girl, but this style has wide elastic straps and mesh around the curves that make me look strong. And it wouldn't be 2007 if it didn't have a pocket for my ipod.
What I'm hoping for next are Lululemon slippers and maybe some golf and tennis clothes. But not a Lululemon credit card -- no no no, that's way too dangerous."
Thanks to Rebecca for the review which can be found here:
Lululemon Scuba Remix Hoodie Review
"The Scuba Lulu Remix Hoodie (MSRP $78) was extremely cozy and perfect for getting out the front door and into the yoga studio; the sleeves are a bit longer than normal for those chilly Colorado winters, and the damn thing is even reversible. Hot diggity! A good quality hoodie is pretty much necessary no matter who you are and where you live, and this one fits the bill as it is available in tons of different colors and prints."
The famed reverse groove pant is also mentioned her article:
Jobless Rate at 5% - a 2 year high
This follows a weak real estate market, weak car sales, weak retail numbers over the holidays. Buck up and get your cash ready to buy some Lulu stock. This could easily go down to $42 today. I personally am waiting for sub-$40 prices before I make my next buy.
Starbucks Asia Pacific President hijacked by Lululemon
http://newsticker.welt.de/index.php?channel=fin&module=smarthouse&id=654513
Christine Day Joins lululemon athletica as Executive Vice President of Retail Operations
lululemon athletica inc. [NASDAQ: LULU; TSX: LLL] today announced that Christine Day has been appointed to its Senior Leadership Team as Executive Vice President, Retail Operations. In this newly created role, Ms. Day will oversee all of lululemon’s retail operations in North America and on an international basis, as well as the Company’s Community Relations, Real Estate Development, the Guest Education Center and Wholesale businesses. Ms. Day brings more than 20 years of consumer and retail industry experience to lululemon from Starbucks, where she held several senior management positions since joining the company in 1986. Ms. Day most recently served as President of the Asia Pacific Group of Starbucks Coffee International from July 2004 to February 2007. From July 2003 to October 2003, she served as Co-President for Starbucks Coffee International. From 1987 to 2003, Ms. Day served in various capacities for Starbucks Coffee Company, including Senior Vice President, North American Finance and Administration; and Vice President of Sales and Operations for Business Alliances. Ms. Day has a BA from Central Washington University and is a graduate of Harvard Business School’s Advanced Management Program. Christine is currently a director of Select Comfort Corporation, a provider of adjustable-firmness beds and other sleep-related accessory products and Nu Skin Enterprises, Inc. a direct seller of personal skin care and nutritional products. "We continue to develop lululemon’s Senior Leadership Team,” said Robert Meers, CEO of lululemon athletica, "Christine’s extensive experience overseeing the retail operations of a rapidly expanding and international company like Starbucks will be a tremendous asset to us as lululemon grows.” To support the continued growth of the Company and in connection with the hiring of Ms. Day, lululemon Chief Operating Officer, Mike Tattersfield, has been named Executive Vice President, Retail Logistics and Sourcing. Mr. Meers continued, "Mike Tattersfield has been instrumental in leading our growth through fiscal year 2007, with lululemon successfully opening 27 new stores throughout North America, sourcing and hiring many of our senior management team, and formalizing the ‘lululemon experience’. This new role will permit Mike to focus on the critical areas of supply chain and production as the Company expands, overseeing the Production, Merchandise Management, Planning & Allocation, Logistics, and Factory Compliance and Social Responsibility teams.”
Christine Day Joins lululemon athletica as Executive Vice President of Retail Operations
lululemon athletica inc. [NASDAQ: LULU; TSX: LLL] today announced that Christine Day has been appointed to its Senior Leadership Team as Executive Vice President, Retail Operations. In this newly created role, Ms. Day will oversee all of lululemon’s retail operations in North America and on an international basis, as well as the Company’s Community Relations, Real Estate Development, the Guest Education Center and Wholesale businesses. Ms. Day brings more than 20 years of consumer and retail industry experience to lululemon from Starbucks, where she held several senior management positions since joining the company in 1986. Ms. Day most recently served as President of the Asia Pacific Group of Starbucks Coffee International from July 2004 to February 2007. From July 2003 to October 2003, she served as Co-President for Starbucks Coffee International. From 1987 to 2003, Ms. Day served in various capacities for Starbucks Coffee Company, including Senior Vice President, North American Finance and Administration; and Vice President of Sales and Operations for Business Alliances. Ms. Day has a BA from Central Washington University and is a graduate of Harvard Business School’s Advanced Management Program. Christine is currently a director of Select Comfort Corporation, a provider of adjustable-firmness beds and other sleep-related accessory products and Nu Skin Enterprises, Inc. a direct seller of personal skin care and nutritional products. "We continue to develop lululemon’s Senior Leadership Team,” said Robert Meers, CEO of lululemon athletica, "Christine’s extensive experience overseeing the retail operations of a rapidly expanding and international company like Starbucks will be a tremendous asset to us as lululemon grows.” To support the continued growth of the Company and in connection with the hiring of Ms. Day, lululemon Chief Operating Officer, Mike Tattersfield, has been named Executive Vice President, Retail Logistics and Sourcing. Mr. Meers continued, "Mike Tattersfield has been instrumental in leading our growth through fiscal year 2007, with lululemon successfully opening 27 new stores throughout North America, sourcing and hiring many of our senior management team, and formalizing the ‘lululemon experience’. This new role will permit Mike to focus on the critical areas of supply chain and production as the Company expands, overseeing the Production, Merchandise Management, Planning & Allocation, Logistics, and Factory Compliance and Social Responsibility teams.”
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Lululemon Bag Review
Taken from:http://joeymoggie.wordpress.com/2007/02/07/my-mary-poppins-carpet-bag-lululemon/
My sister got me the Lululemon “Coach’s Gym Bag” for Christmas this year.
This bag has now become my faithful companion, its pretty much a bottomless cavern!
I have been using it as purse, a briefcase and luggage!
I’d recommend the bag to anyone who needs a ‘carry all’ bag!
Lululemon Athletic Deep V Tank Review
Taken from:
http://oncommonground.blogspot.com/2007/08/lululemon-y-goodness.html
One of the best things I got to do last weekend in Toronto was visit the Lululemon store on Bloor Street. I picked up two new tops. And while they were a little pricey (The Canadian dollar is a lot stronger than it used to be!), I think they were well worth it. I have gotten quite a few compliments on my new tops this week.My favorite of the two tops is the Athletic Deep V Tank.Even if you're a little on the bustier side (like me), this top will make you look natural while supporting you. Because let's face it, when you're a beyond a B cup, you're usually stuck with crappy unattractive supporting sports bras that make you feel matronly. And how am I supposed to be motivated to work out if I feel like that?
Lululemon is a Technology company
“We see ourselves as a technology company,” says self-proclaimed “product guy” and founder Chip Wilson. He created the company after selling another local venture, Westbeach Snowboard, in 1997. Lululemon is known for its proprietary synthetic fabric Luon, which combines nylon and Lycra to create a wicking and quick-drying cloth that feels like cotton. Clothes made with Luon keep their shape and colour, even after many washings. “I hate being uncomfortable, so I’m always looking for ways to push the envelope with athletics,” Wilson explains. “Like technology products, we’re always trying to solve a problem…taking people’s requests and making them happen. Making the clothes look good is actually a secondary issue.” Fabric developments like the company’s Silverescent line combines silver threading which is bound to fibres to create thermodynamic clothing. The fabric keeps you cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. It’s anti-microbial, inhibiting the growth of odour-causing bacteria and fungus. Also impressive is its static reduction — what the company calls X-Static — caused by the silver embedded in the fabric.
Taken from the following article:
http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/78230/The_Lululemon_Love_Affair
Lululemon Stock Sale
Since the beginning of the year, lulu has sold off by about 15%. Some rotation is occurring and money has flowed into oil and gold and retailers are being sold off. The RTH or the retail index has sold off about 5%. I dipped my toe and purchased about 50 shares of lulu. You want to be really careful in this market since people don't seem to know where things are headed. Are we goint into a recession? Are we there already? Will the subprime mess spill over into consumer spending? It seems like despite all these questions, I believe there will always be stocks that don't follow the crowd. These are the secular growth stories - like Apple, Monsanto, Chicago Mercantile Exchange, or any oil infrastructure stock. Regardless of what kind of market, they are destined to go up. That's not to say you just blindly go in them. Pick your spots when the market sells off and then sell a portion when they go up.Tomorrow's employment report will give us more information on the state of the economy and if it's a soft number, people will sell stocks and I want to pick up more shares.
Lululemon Bra with Heart Rate Monitor
From the Running Network: http://www.runningnetwork.com/productreviews/numetrexbraAug06.html#
The Numetrex heart rate sensing sports bra is the latest addition to lululemon athletica's product line. The revolutionary Numetrex bra, which will hit lululemon stores in a few weeks, is the first consumer product introduced to the market by Textronics, a company at the forefront of innovative high tech "smart fabrics" and textile systems.
The highly advanced Numetrex sports bra features electronic sensors that are knit into the fabric. Instead of the tight and binding strap which is used in other heart rate monitoring systems, the Numetrex bra has a small transmitter which snaps into a pocket inside the bra's front band and sends readings to the user's watch, displaying the heart rate instantly. Consumer wear tests show an overwhelming preference for this new fit.
lululemon athletica, a yoga inspired athletic apparel company with the goal of providing products that help people live, longer healthier and more fun lives, has recently added a line of cycling and running wear for women on the go.
Exercising in the appropriate target heart rate zone helps people to use the time they devote to their fitness routines efficiently in order to get the most effective workout possible.
The Numetrex bra is made with quick drying nylon and LYCRA fabric and the seamless construction provides superior next to skin comfort. lululemon stores will offer exclusive color choices for the bra this fall including pink, navy and black in sizes S, M and L. The complete kit, which retails for $167 USD includes the bra, transmitter and watch.
The highly advanced Numetrex sports bra features electronic sensors that are knit into the fabric. Instead of the tight and binding strap which is used in other heart rate monitoring systems, the Numetrex bra has a small transmitter which snaps into a pocket inside the bra's front band and sends readings to the user's watch, displaying the heart rate instantly. Consumer wear tests show an overwhelming preference for this new fit.
lululemon athletica, a yoga inspired athletic apparel company with the goal of providing products that help people live, longer healthier and more fun lives, has recently added a line of cycling and running wear for women on the go.
Exercising in the appropriate target heart rate zone helps people to use the time they devote to their fitness routines efficiently in order to get the most effective workout possible.
The Numetrex bra is made with quick drying nylon and LYCRA fabric and the seamless construction provides superior next to skin comfort. lululemon stores will offer exclusive color choices for the bra this fall including pink, navy and black in sizes S, M and L. The complete kit, which retails for $167 USD includes the bra, transmitter and watch.
From Triathlon Dirt
I just bought this Lululemon running Bra with Heart Rate Monitor at their Vancouver outlet warehouse. I haven't worn it yet but I'm very excited. It has the metal snap-on things for me to attach my polar heart rate monitor directly to it. No more annoying heart rate strap & bra! FREEDOM AT LAST!
Hopefully this will make my heart rate monitor more accurate due to less clothing in the way? At the outlet the heart rate monitor bra was only $39 as opposed to $49 at the regular store. Not a huge bargain but still $10 saved. The outlet is closer to me than the store anyhow.
UPDATE: I took this bra out on a bike ride this weekend. Te monitor was easy to slip in and worked great! The only concern I have is that you must remember to take out and unclip the HR monitor before you wash it. I know this particular one (Polar CS300) is safe to use in water, but do you really want a $250 item banging around in the dryer? Anyhow, the bra works fine with other heart rate monitors than the one LuLu encourages you to buy with it. Love it!
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