Lululemon Athletica Inc.
Company History
Lululemon History: Founding, Growth & Key Milestones
Founded 1998 in Vancouver, Canada
When was Lululemon founded?
Lululemon was founded in 1998 in Vancouver, Canada by Chip Wilson, making it 28 years old.
- Founded
- 1998
- Founding place
- Vancouver, Canada
- Founders
- Chip Wilson
- Headquarters today
- Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Milestones documented
- 11 (1998–2022)
- Current CEO
- Heidi O'Neill
- Acquisitions
- 3
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1998 | Company Founded |
| 2000 | First Store Opens |
| 2005 | International Expansion |
| 2007 | IPO |
| 2008 | Christine Day becomes CEO |
| 2009 | Ivivva Launch |
| 2013 | Laurent Potdevin becomes CEO |
| 2013 | Yoga Pants Recall |
| 2018 | Calvin McDonald Becomes CEO |
| 2020 | Lululemon Mirror Acquisition |
| 2022 | Footwear Line |
- Where was Lululemon founded?
- Lululemon was founded in Vancouver, Canada in 1998.
- Who founded Lululemon?
- Lululemon was founded by Chip Wilson.
- When did Lululemon start?
- Lululemon was founded in 1998.
- How old is Lululemon?
- Lululemon is 28 years old as of 2026.
Founding Story
In 1998, Chip Wilson, an entrepreneur who made his money in the surf and skate industry, took his first yoga class in Vancouver. He looked around the room and noticed that the women were sweating in baggy, uncomfortable cotton t-shirts that restricted their movement. Wilson had a large revelation. He took the highly technical, stretchy synthetic fabrics used in high-end surfing gear and completely redesigned the yoga pant. He opened a tiny store that was a design studio by day and a yoga studio by night, completely inventing the 'athleisure' industry.
Founders
Chip Wilson
Chip Wilson is a Canadian entrepreneur who founded Lululemon in Vancouver in 1998 after noticing that cotton clothing performed poorly in yoga classes. He served as CEO until 2005, stepped down as chairman in 2013 after public criticism of his comments, and left the board in 2015. He remains the largest individual shareholder with about 8.7% of the stock. In December 2025 he launched a proxy contest, which ended in a May 2026 settlement that added two of his nominees, Marc Maurer and Laura Gentile, to the board. Chip Wilson was born in 1955. Education: University of Calgary.
Key Milestones
First Store Opens
Lululemon opened its first standalone store in the Kitsilano area of Vancouver in November 2000.
Source: en.wikipedia.orgChristine Day becomes CEO
Christine Day became CEO of Lululemon Athletica in 2008. Chief executive of Lululemon Athletica from 2008 to 2013.
Source: en.wikipedia.orgIvivva Launch
Launched the ivivva athletica brand for girls' athletic apparel.
Source: corporate.lululemon.comLaurent Potdevin becomes CEO
Laurent Potdevin became CEO of Lululemon Athletica in 2013. Chief executive of Lululemon Athletica from 2013 to 2018.
Source: en.wikipedia.orgYoga Pants Recall
Lululemon recalled its black Luon yoga pants in March 2013 for being too sheer. Founder Chip Wilson resigned as chairman that December.
Source: en.wikipedia.orgCalvin McDonald Becomes CEO
Calvin McDonald became chief executive in August 2018.
Source: en.wikipedia.orgLululemon Mirror Acquisition
Acquired at-home fitness hardware company Mirror for about $500 million.
Source: en.wikipedia.orgFootwear Line
Revealed its first footwear collection, led by the Blissfeel running shoe.
Source: investor.lululemon.comMajor Acquisitions
Mirror
2020In an aggressive, opportunistic move executed at the peak of the pandemic lockdowns, Lululemon acquired Mirror, an interactive, wall-mounted at-home fitness hardware startup for $500 million.
Genomatica (strategic equity investment)
2021Acquired minority equity interest in biotechnology company Genomatica to create bio-based, plant-derived nylon alternatives.
Lululemon Australia & New Zealand (Franchise Buyout)
2012Acquired and bought back retail franchise distribution operations across Australia and New Zealand to convert stores to company-owned retail flagships.
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Lululemon Company History FAQ
How did Lululemon start?
Lululemon Athletica was founded in 1998 in Vancouver, Canada, by Chip Wilson. Wilson, a surf and skate industry veteran, took his first commercial yoga class and noticed women were wearing highly uncomfortable, baggy cotton sweats that held sweat. He brilliantly applied highly technical synthetic fabrics (used in elite sports) to create form-fitting, wildly flattering yoga pants, instantly creating a massive global phenomenon.
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