Lululemon founder slams board after see-through leggings fiasco
LULULEMON Athletica founder Chip Wilson lashed out over the company’s latest product flop, calling it a “total operational failure” that he blamed on the company’s board of directors.
“This is a new low for Lululemon,” Wilson said in a post on LinkedIn. “It is clear that persistent failures like this are born out of this Board’s lack of experience in creative businesses, disinterest in product development and quality, and focus on short-term, self-interested priorities.”
Wilson’s comments put more pressure on the company after the failed launch of its “Get Low” leggings, which drew complaints for being see-through. Lululemon paused online sales of the line just days after it debuted online, though it’s still available in stores.
Lululemon on Tuesday said it halted e-commerce sales “to better understand some initial guest feedback and support with product education” and that it expects to resume online sales soon.
Lululemon didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment on Wednesday.
The episode marks another stumble for the troubled retailer as it tries to revive sales momentum and win back shoppers. About 18 months ago, Lululemon withdrew its Breezethrough line shortly following its debut after customers reported unflattering fits.
Navigate Asia in
a new global order
Get the insights delivered to your inbox.
The latest misstep also echoes a 2013 incident in which Lululemon recalled many of its black yoga pants after concerns surfaced that the brand’s iconic leggings were see-through.
Wilson is one of the company’s largest shareholders and has been waging a public fight against the company he founded in 1998, calling for a board shakeup.
Lululemon last month said chief executive officer Calvin McDonald would step down at the end of January and the board is searching for his replacement.
Activist investor Elliott Investment Management has built a stake of more than US$1 billion in Lululemon and has been working for months with retail executive Jane Nielsen - a former chief financial officer and chief operating officer at Ralph Lauren - on Lululemon. BLOOMBERG
Decoding Asia newsletter: your guide to navigating Asia in a new global order. Sign up here to get Decoding Asia newsletter. Delivered to your inbox. Free.
Share with us your feedback on BT's products and services
