Culture & Entertainment

Lululemon founder Chip Wilson resigns

Canadian Living
Culture & Entertainment

Lululemon founder Chip Wilson resigns

Chip Wilson resigns It was announced today that Chip Wilson, Lululemon Athletica’s founder and chairman will be stepping down. The announcement comes as no surprise after Wilson made controversial comments on Bloomberg TV several weeks ago suggesting that the size of women’s bodies were to blame for any problems with his yoga pants. In April, the Vancouver-based clothing retailer pulled its Luon yoga pants from shelves after customers complained they were too sheer and pilled easily. Not only did the company suffer financial losses over the fiasco, it has since struggled to regain ground with its customers. “Quite frankly, some women’s bodies just actually don’t work for it,” he said during the Bloomberg interview. “It’s really about the rubbing through the thighs, how much pressure is there.” Wilson’s insensitive comments were highly criticized and sparked a major backlash. Several online petitions appeared, demanding a public apology. The apology came in the form of a 53-second YouTube video, but unfortunately it stirred the pot even more. “I’m sad, I’m really sad,” Wilson said in the video, “I’m sad for the repercussions of my actions, I’m sad for the people of Lululemon who I care so much about, that have really had to face the brunt of my actions.” He essentially apologized to Lululemon staff, but not to the many customers he had offended. The apology was later featured on ABC’s Good Morning America as the one of the worst apologies ever. In June 2013, two months after the retailer’s quality-control issues arose, Lululemon’s CEO Christine Day revealed her plans to resign. Today her successor was announced to be Laurent Potdevin, most recently the president of TOMS Shoes. Potdevin takes the reins in January 2014, while Michael Casey, Lululemon’s current lead director will become chairman. Chip Wilson will remain a director. Image still captured from A Message from Chip Wilson, official video posted to YouTube by Lululemon.

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Culture & Entertainment

Lululemon founder Chip Wilson resigns

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