In a turbulent retail sector, Lululemon is a bright spot. With a growth trajectory that makes many people jealous, it is among the best retailers in the entire world. But why is Lululemon so popular?
Lululemon had a strong head start by putting customer insights in the center of everything they did — from product design to branding and selling experience.
In this article, we’ll explore the rise of Lululemon and explore the various avenues that make them so much more popular in the athleisure category than their competitors.
Why is Lululemon So Popular?
Lululemon is globally renowned for launching a wide range of functional products to increase your performance during physical activity.
But you do realize that other companies operate in a similar manner? Why is Lululemon unique and superior to the competition then?
Let’s find out.
Specialization in One Niche
The rise of Lululemon against giants like Nike and Adidas can only be explained from one perspective – they focused on a single niche, mastered it, and gained a global monopoly.
Sports-related equipment is a focus for Adidas and Nike. A small part of what they do, they serve a sizable market, and athleisure is just one of many. Of course they can’t concentrate on revolutionizing such a small industry when they could be producing more sports-related products.
Lululemon flourished amidst this. From the beginning of the business, they only had one objective: to create athletic clothing with high functionality for people who participate in yoga classes, workouts, running, and all the other sweaty activities you can think of right now.
Due to their singular objective, they are able to churn out fashionable, innovative, and durable products year after year without fail. Additionally, they’ve raised the bar so high that they don’t even use discount marketing because consumers are willing to pay what the brand is asking for!
Related Reading: Why is Lululemon So Expensive?
High-Quality Manufacturing
Lululemon has a very well-planned manufacturing system. They collaborate with suppliers and manufacturers from different nations despite not having their own facilities.
When it comes to performing quality checks in these units, the company, however, makes sure that nothing is overlooked. Lululemon’s executives see to it that they keep close ties with their suppliers.
The company also schedules regular meetings with them to check on the quality of the products, enforce the use of sustainable production activities, and ensure that ethical standards are being met at each manufacturing plant.
In order to maintain a smooth manufacturing process, the brand also employs a sizable team for sourcing, production, and quality control.
Due to the high quality of the products, Lululemon is able to launch and design new products on a whim thanks to its well-organized system.
Also Read: Where is Lululemon Made?
Revolutionary Fabrics
The most distinguishable detail about Lululemon’s products is the high-quality and trademarked fabrics that the brand uses.
Here’s a run-down of some of their signature fabrics:
- Luon: The Luon fabric, a mix of nylon and lycra, is thought to be the most well-liked Lululemon material. It is soft, stretchy, and has moisture-wicking properties. It is ideal for low-impact exercises like yoga and pilates.
- Nulu: The fabric line Nulu is relatively new, but it is quickly gaining popularity. It is the ideal material for running, jogging, and other similar activities because it is even softer than Luon and practically weightless.
- Luxtreme: Marathon runners, gym goers, and other athletes frequently wear the trademarked material Luxtreme. It’s made from a blend of nylon and lycra. Because of its moisture-wicking abilities, wearers can stay dry and cool even during strenuous exercise.
- Everlux: The brand’s newest fabric, Everlux, was created as an improvement over Luxtreme. It’s a fantastic option for regular gym goers thanks to its sweat-wicking and quick-drying qualities.
- Nulux: Nulux is an extremely lightweight and sweat-absorbing fabric. It is perfect for all kinds of sweat-inducing workouts to keep the wearer cool, calm, and collected.
- Swift: Swift is a relatively well-liked fabric that Lululemon uses in their line of leggings. It is made from a blend of polyester and Lycra. It’s very lightweight, breathable, and moisture-wicking. All forms of high-intensity exercise are ideal for it.
- Mesh: To make their products breathable and aid in ventilation during workouts in hotter climates, Lululemon also incorporates mesh into a number of their products, including footwear.
Lululemon is fantastic because they are constantly developing new types of fabric. They introduce newer, more exciting innovations every year.
In the long run, this keeps the market on its toes and the brand relevant.
Wide Range of Products Available
Another standout quality of Lululemon is that they have a wide range of products. Other than their well-known leggings, tops, and yoga pants, they also sell sweatshirts, hoodies, headbands, jackets, coats, shoes, and a variety of other items.
With so many options available, they have successfully built a distinct brand in the athleisure sector.
However, the majority of their sales are driven by their leggings. Because of the materials they use, Lululemon leggings are so well-liked. There are many options available in this category for different situations, from sweat-wicking leggings to leggings that offer a barely-there feel.
Their leggings are also very tough. Many customers are willing to spend extra on such products specifically because they tend to last a long time, making the investment a cost-effective one.
Particularly Lululemon invests heavily in its core merchandise, such as tops and leggings. To keep the audience entertained and interested, they frequently launch new products in these categories.
As a result of their initial purchase’s high level of satisfaction, customers are compelled to try the brand’s other products going forward.
More Than An ‘Athleisure’ Brand
Lululemon has proven to be more than just an athleisure brand. It has succeeded in establishing a global community of consumers who share similar viewpoints.
To broaden the definition of athleisure, the company also creates chic and trendy products. These days, people don’t mind donning yoga pants, sweatpants, or even leggings when they aren’t working out.
Lululemon benefited from this international trend and catered to the market demands by launching products that are as aesthetically pleasing as they are functional.
Read More: Is Lululemon Fast Fashion?
Lululemon Encourages a Culture of Innovation
There is no place for complacency at Lululemon. Every year, they introduce a fresh line of goods or a more advanced fabric with improved functionality.
They do this to compete with other titans occupying the same market. To give you an idea of the brand’s innovative streak, here’s an interesting fact – Lululemon actually introduced the idea of yoga pants. Anyone who practices Pilates, yoga, or fitness must now have it.
The company’s desire for innovation and growth is also demonstrated by the way it introduced a wide range of products for men. To achieve its goal of quadrupling its revenue, Lululemon is currently investing a sizable sum in the men’s section.
Lululemon is understandably a fan favorite because of their willingness to take chances and be creative. Due to the popularity of fast fashion, this is particularly true in the clothing sector.
Exceptional Customer Service
When praising Lululemon, customers often gush about the high caliber of the goods, the variety of options, and the cutting-edge fabrics that are employed in production.
The company’s customer service, however, is a further well-liked feature.
Lululemon has always been dedicated to ensuring maximum customer retention. They want to build a loyal following of athleisure enthusiasts. Because of this, they value every client equally.
There are some instances where Lululemon went above and beyond, aside from addressing unfavorable reviews, order inconsistencies, or delivery problems.
You want to give your company a brand similar to that. And that’s why Lululemon is so popular on a global scale.
Final Words: Why is Lululemon So Popular
Lululemon didn’t become successful right away. Their global recognition and appeal are the result of constant experimentation, innovation, and commitment to customers.
It’s safe to say that Lululemon is a fan favorite for a variety of reasons.
Read More: Is Lululemon Ethical?
FAQs
Why is Lululemon So Popular in Middle School?
Teens now are buying them just because they are popular its more of a fashion statement than anything.
Why is Lululemon Called Lululemon?
Wilson gave the name a lot of Ls so that it would sound western to Japanese customers, who frequently have trouble pronouncing the letter.
Do Celebrities Wear Lululemon?
The Lululemon brand is favored by Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle, so you know it’s high quality.