Columbia and Merrell are two well-known brands in the outdoor industry, with a reputation for quality and durability. However, there has been some confusion among consumers about the relationship between these two brands. Specifically, many people are wondering whether Columbia owns Merrell, or if the two companies are completely separate entities.
To answer this question, we need to take a closer look at the history and business practices of both Columbia and Merrell. In this article, we’ll explore the relationship between these two brands and provide some insight into how they operate in the competitive outdoor gear market. So, whether you’re a die-hard Merrell fan or just curious about the inner workings of the outdoor industry, read on to learn more about Columbia and Merrell’s connection (or lack thereof).
Does Columbia Own Merrell?
If you’re a fan of outdoor gear and apparel, you’ve probably heard of Columbia and Merrell. Both companies produce high-quality products for outdoor enthusiasts, but many people wonder if there’s a connection between the two. In short, yes, Columbia does own Merrell. In this article, we’ll explore the history of both companies and how they came to be under the same umbrella.
History of Columbia
Columbia was founded in 1938 in Portland, Oregon, by Paul Lamfrom. The company started as a small hat distributor but quickly expanded into outdoor gear and apparel. In the 1960s, Columbia introduced a groundbreaking product called the Bugaboo parka, which revolutionized the outerwear industry. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Columbia continued to innovate and expand its product line, becoming a household name in the outdoor industry.
In 1998, Columbia went public and continued to grow through acquisitions and strategic partnerships. Today, Columbia is a global brand with products sold in over 100 countries.
History of Merrell
Merrell was founded in 1981 by Randy Merrell, a custom bootmaker, and Clark Matis and John Schweizer, two former executives from the Rossignol ski company. The company started by producing high-performance hiking boots and quickly gained a reputation for quality and durability. In the 1990s, Merrell expanded its product line to include apparel and accessories.
In 1997, Wolverine World Wide, a footwear company based in Michigan, acquired Merrell. Under Wolverine’s ownership, Merrell continued to grow and expand its product line, becoming a top brand in the outdoor industry.
Columbia’s Acquisition of Merrell
In 2016, Columbia announced that it had acquired the Merrell brand from Wolverine World Wide for $200 million. The acquisition made Columbia one of the largest players in the outdoor industry, with a combined portfolio of brands that includes Columbia, Sorel, Mountain Hardwear, and now Merrell.
The acquisition of Merrell was seen as a strategic move for Columbia, as it expanded the company’s product line and gave it a stronger presence in the footwear market. Merrell also had a strong international presence, which helped Columbia expand its global reach.
Benefits of the Acquisition
The acquisition of Merrell by Columbia has benefited both companies in a number of ways. For Columbia, the addition of Merrell has expanded its product line and given it a stronger presence in the footwear market. Merrell’s strong international presence has also helped Columbia expand its global reach and increase its sales in key markets.
For Merrell, the acquisition has given the company access to Columbia’s resources and expertise in areas such as marketing, distribution, and product development. This has allowed Merrell to accelerate its growth and expand its product line even further.
Columbia vs Merrell
While Columbia and Merrell are both outdoor brands, there are some key differences between the two. Columbia is known for its innovative outerwear and apparel, while Merrell is known for its high-performance footwear. Columbia also has a broader product line that includes accessories and equipment, while Merrell focuses primarily on footwear and apparel.
Despite these differences, both brands share a commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability. As part of the same company, Columbia and Merrell will continue to work together to create products that meet the needs of outdoor enthusiasts around the world.
Conclusion
In summary, Columbia does own Merrell. The acquisition of Merrell by Columbia has expanded both companies’ product lines and given them access to new markets and resources. While there are some differences between Columbia and Merrell, both brands share a commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability. As part of the same company, Columbia and Merrell will continue to work together to create products that inspire people to get outside and enjoy the great outdoors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about the ownership of Merrell:
Is Merrell owned by Columbia Sportswear?
Yes, Merrell is a subsidiary of Columbia Sportswear. The acquisition of Merrell by Columbia Sportswear was completed in 1997. Merrell remains a popular brand in the outdoor footwear industry, with a focus on hiking, trail running, and other outdoor activities.
Since the acquisition, Merrell has continued to operate as a separate brand within the Columbia Sportswear family. This allows Merrell to maintain its unique identity and focus on producing high-quality outdoor footwear and apparel.
What other brands does Columbia Sportswear own?
In addition to Merrell, Columbia Sportswear also owns several other outdoor brands, including Mountain Hardwear, prAna, and Sorel. Each of these brands has its own unique identity and focus, but they all share a commitment to quality and innovation in outdoor apparel and gear.
Columbia Sportswear is also the parent company of Columbia, the company’s flagship brand. Columbia is known for its high-quality outdoor apparel, including jackets, pants, and footwear.
Why did Columbia Sportswear acquire Merrell?
Columbia Sportswear acquired Merrell as part of its strategy to expand its presence in the outdoor footwear market. At the time of the acquisition, Merrell was a fast-growing brand with a strong reputation for quality and innovation in hiking and outdoor footwear.
By acquiring Merrell, Columbia Sportswear was able to add a popular and well-respected brand to its portfolio, while also expanding its product offerings in the outdoor footwear market.
Has the ownership of Merrell changed since the acquisition?
No, Merrell has remained a subsidiary of Columbia Sportswear since the acquisition in 1997. While the brand has continued to evolve and expand its product offerings, it has remained under the ownership of Columbia Sportswear.
Merrell has also continued to operate as a separate brand within the Columbia Sportswear family, allowing it to maintain its unique identity and focus on producing high-quality outdoor footwear and apparel.
What is the future of Merrell under Columbia Sportswear?
As a subsidiary of Columbia Sportswear, Merrell is well-positioned for continued growth and success in the outdoor footwear market. The brand has a strong reputation for quality and innovation, and has built a loyal following among outdoor enthusiasts.
Columbia Sportswear is committed to supporting the growth and development of Merrell, while also allowing the brand to maintain its unique identity and focus on producing high-quality outdoor footwear and apparel.
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In conclusion, the answer to whether Columbia owns Merrell is yes. Columbia Sportswear acquired Merrell in 1997 and has since then been successfully expanding its global reach and product offerings. This acquisition has enabled Columbia to offer a wider range of outdoor apparel, accessories, and footwear to its customers.
The acquisition of Merrell has also allowed Columbia to tap into the growing demand for high-quality outdoor gear. Merrell’s reputation for producing durable and comfortable footwear has made it a popular brand among outdoor enthusiasts around the world. By acquiring Merrell, Columbia has been able to leverage this reputation to enhance its own brand image and expand its customer base.
Overall, Columbia’s acquisition of Merrell has been a strategic move that has helped the company to strengthen its position in the competitive outdoor gear market. With its continued focus on innovation and quality, Columbia is sure to remain a top player in the industry for years to come.
