I tend to agree with Jennifer Yip’s blog post about Lululemon founder, Chip Wilson, commenting on the company’s diverse consumer base. Wilson’s comments have attracted negative attention to Lululemon and have been perceived as an excuse for the distribution of sub-par products. Although I understand that not all materials and fabrics are meant to withstand any, and all sorts of wear and tear, I also believe that Wilson’s comments about the rubbing of thighs, stretching of fabrics, and different size women displaced his responsibility to acknowledge that his products were not meeting the standards Lululemon promises its customers.
“Life is full of setbacks, success is determined by how you handle setbacks.” This is one of Lululemon’s manifestos. It is apparent that Wilson did not initially deal with the setback of the sub-par products in the best way. He made excuses and came off as insensitive; Wilson recently reached out to the public by releasing an apology video. Although this will not erase all of the comments said during his Bloomberg interview, it is one step forward to rebuilding Lululemon’s strong community.
Pictures:
http://www.lululemon.com/about/manifesto#
References:
“Lululemon Founder Chip Wilson Says Pants ‘don’t Work’ for Some Bodies.” CBCnews. CBC/Radio Canada, n.d. Web. 16 Nov. 2013. <http://www.cbc.ca/news/business/lululemon-founder-chip-wilson-says-pants-don-t-work-for-some-bodies-1.2417980>.
O’Connor, Clare. “Do You Accept Lululemon Billionaire Chip Wilson’s Teary Apology Over His Body-Shaming Comments?” Forbes. Forbes Magazine, 11 Nov. 2013. Web. 16 Nov. 2013. <http://www.forbes.com/sites/clareoconnor/2013/11/11/do-you-accept-lululemon-billionaire-chip-wilsons-teary-apology-over-his-body-shaming-comments/>.