Step into the world of Columbia Sportswear, where adventure meets innovation. Behind this iconic outdoor brand lies a treasure trove of intriguing facts and stories that reveal its remarkable journey.
From unique advertising stunts to a family legacy, and innovations that have redefined outdoor wear, these fun facts offer a glimpse into the captivating history of Columbia Sportswear.
Columbia Sportswear Company sponsored the Team High Road cycling team, which was renamed Team Columbia for its 2008 Tour de France roster. The team included riders George Hincapie, Kim Kirchen and Mark Cavendish.
It was initially called the “Columbia Hat Company” and focused on manufacturing hats, before expanding into outdoor apparel and changing its name to Columbia Sportswear in 1960.
Columbia Sportswear is a family-owned business. It was founded by German immigrants Paul and Marie Lamfrom in 1938 and is still run by the Boyle family.
Gert Boyle, one of the family members, was famously known as “One Tough Mother” in their advertising campaigns.
Columbia debuted in Malaysia with two new stores opening in Suria KLCC and Pavilion Bukit Jalil, in partnership with GMG, one of the leading conglomerates in the Middle East.
The Suria KLCC store boasts a spacious retail space covering more than 1,700 square feet, while the Pavilion Bukit Jalil store covers over 1,100 square feet, providing ample room for shoppers to explore the brand’s diverse offerings ranging from apparel, footwear, accessories, bags, and gear. Additionally, Columbia has plans to open its third store in Mid Valley Megamall in November 2023.
Columbia has been creating quality outdoor gear and technologies since 1938, focusing on innovation. The new Suria KLCC and Pavilion Bukit Jalil stores will offer consumers the brand’s extensive range of premium outdoor essentials featuring some of Columbia’s signature technologies such as OMNI-TECH, OUTDRY & OUTDRY EXTREME, OMNI-WICK, OMNI-SHADE SUN DEFLECTOR, OMNI-SHIELD, and OMNI-HEAT HELIX.
Through the high standards that have always been a commitment at Columbia, all products are rigorously tested to ensure they meet diverse needs, providing maximum comfort to outdoor enthusiasts by keeping them cool, dry, warm, and protected wherever they may go as they push boundaries and achieve their greatest potential.
Amongst the centrepiece of this season’s Fall/Winter 2023 collection is the latest Facet™ 75 Alpha OutDry™ hiking footwear.
Designed to excel in all outdoor terrains, the Facet™ 75 Alpha OutDry™ offers unparalleled grip and confidence underfoot, thanks to its OutDry™ waterproof construction and Adapt Trax™ technology. As for comfort while wearing, one can look forward to its comfortable knit collar and plush cushioning.
This lightweight, waterproof-breathable hiker with trail-running DNA is available for men (in Cypress/Black & Black/Cloud Grey colours) and women (in Black/Red Coral & Deep Madeira/Beetroot colours) at a recommended retail price of RM 699.00.
