Columbia Sportswear
United States
Columbia Sportswear is an American outdoor and sportswear company founded in 1938 and based in Oregon. It makes outerwear, sportswear, footwear and camping equipment and owns brands including Sorel, Mountain Hardwear and Prana.
| Founded | 1938 |
|---|---|
| Founder | Paul Lamfrom |
| Headquarters | Cedar Mill, Oregon |
| Brands | Columbia, Sorel, Mountain Hardwear, Prana |
| Website | columbia.com |
What is Columbia Sportswear?
Columbia Sportswear is an American outdoor and sportswear company. It makes outerwear, sportswear, footwear, headgear, camping equipment, ski apparel and outerwear accessories.
History
The company was founded in 1938 by Paul Lamfrom, father of Gert Boyle. He and his wife Marie fled Nazi Germany in 1937 and bought a Portland hat distributorship, which became the Columbia Hat Company. The company is headquartered in the Cedar Mill area of Washington County, Oregon, near Beaverton, to which it moved from Portland in 2001.
Distribution
Columbia distributes through wholesale to about 13,000 retailers in more than 72 countries and operates its own retail stores, including a flagship in downtown Portland.
Columbia sits at the centre of a group that mixes outerwear, footwear and camping equipment.
Why it matters
Columbia has grown from a family hat distributor into a multi-brand outdoor company. Its portfolio includes Columbia, Sorel, Mountain Hardwear and Prana, and it acquired Pacific Trail and Montrail in 2006.
Frequently asked questions
Who founded Columbia Sportswear?
Columbia Sportswear was founded in 1938 by Paul Lamfrom, whose Portland hat distributorship became the Columbia Hat Company.
What does Columbia Sportswear sell?
It sells outerwear, sportswear, footwear, headgear, camping equipment and ski apparel.
