Lululemon was founded in 1998 by Chip Wilson in Vancouver, Canada. His vision was to create a premium yoga apparel brand that merged functionality with fashion.
Wilson had a background in surf and skatewear, which heavily influenced Lululemon’s early branding and minimalist aesthetic.
Even after stepping back from daily operations, Wilson’s influence remains in the company’s focus on technical fabrics, sleek cuts, and community-driven retail spaces.
Today, Lululemon is a publicly traded company (NASDAQ: LULU), with major stakes held by institutional investors like Vanguard Group and BlackRock.
Calvin McDonald currently serves as CEO. While Chip Wilson no longer holds a controlling interest, he still retains a minority stake, giving him some influence.
| Shareholder Type | Estimated Ownership % |
|---|---|
| Institutional Investors | 85%+ |
| Public Shareholders | ~10–12% |
| Chip Wilson (Founder) | ~5% |
Ownership data may vary based on quarterly financial reports.
Public ownership has provided capital for major expansions, including the introduction of menswear, accessories, and footwear categories.
Under shareholder pressure, Lululemon has made strides toward sustainability with initiatives like recycled fabrics and supply chain transparency.
Lululemon continues to hold a premium position in the activewear market, often competing directly with brands like Nike and Alo Yoga.
More consumers and small yoga studios are seeking private label and customized activewear. This trend favors flexibility, speed, and personalized branding.
At FuKi Yoga, we offer end-to-end OEM/ODM solutions, including low MOQ, fabric sourcing, sampling, and private labeling—ideal for growing yoga brands or wellness communities.
| Brand Name | Known For | Website Link |
|---|---|---|
| Alo Yoga | Street-to-studio aesthetics | Alo Yoga |
| Beyond Yoga | Ultra-soft fabrics | Beyond Yoga |
| Vuori | Performance and comfort fusion | Vuori |
| Girlfriend Collective | Sustainable recycled materials | GC |
These brands highlight the diversity of the yoga apparel space beyond Lululemon.
While Lululemon’s ownership structure has evolved from founder-led to shareholder-driven, its brand strength remains intact. But with the growing demand for flexibility and brand differentiation, custom manufacturers like FuKi are helping boutique labels and fitness studios carve out their own space in the yoga apparel market.
Looking for your own branded yoga collection? Contact FuKi to explore our full-service custom apparel solutions today.