Columbia Sportswear Company

Columbia Sportswear Company is a leader in the outdoor apparel market, offering a wide range of apparel, footwear, accessories and equipment for activities such as skiing, snowboarding, hiking, climbing, mountaineering, camping, hunting, fishing, trail running, water sports, yoga, golf, and adventure travel. It was founded in 1938 by Paul Lamfrom, a German immigrant living in Portland, Oregon. In 1945, Paul’s son, Gert Boyle, took over the business, renaming it Columbia Hat Company, as hats were the primary product produced at that time. Over the decades, Columbia has grown to become one of the largest apparel brands in the United States, with nearly 5,000 employees and 2018 revenues of nearly 3.2 billion US dollars. The company has an expansive geographical reach, with presence in over 60 countries, including the US, Latin America, the Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Canada. It offers its products under the Columbia, Mountain Hardwear, SOREL, and prAna brands, both through its retail stores and online. The brand’s success is attributed to its dedication to innovation and quality, providing customers with the best performance apparel for the outdoors. Columbia has been the recipient of numerous awards for their products, including the 2020 Gear of the Year award from Outside Magazine for its OutDry Ex Goldtechnology, which is a waterproof breathable fabric. The company is headquartered in Portland, Oregon and continues to be a leader in the outdoor apparel market.