Paul Bass Photo
(Updated) A national athletic apparel chain plans to open a downtown New Haven outlet this summer.
Examples from lululemon’s online product line.
A sign posted in the window of the storefront next to Broadway’s Patagonia store announces the pending arrival of the chain, lululemon.
Also in the window are copies of permits for the landlord, Yale University, to wire and build out the space for the store.
Yale Associate Vice-President Lauren Zucker, who oversees the university properties division, said she has no “specific date” yet for the summer move-in.
The Canadian chain describes itself as a “technical athletic apparel company for yoga, running, training and most other sweaty pursuits.” It started out selling yoga pants, then expanding to a fuller line of men’s and women’s athletic wear. The company, which had over 400 stores at last reported count, more than 300 of them in the U.S. and Canada, did not respond to a request for comment.
“Inspired by the coastal culture, we are excited to provide our brand culture to the Connecticut community and meet guests in our new store,” company spokesperson Meghan Chisholm wrote in an email to the Independent. She said the store will be 3,5000 square feet and offer both men’s and women’s apparel.
The company has “been on a tear” lately with 23 percent annual revenue growth and $2.12 billion in annual sales, according to this article in the business press, “getting a boost from the athleisure movement (athletic-inspired clothing for everyday use) as well as new product rollouts like clothing for men and outerwear.”
Just what I've always wanted for downtown - a national chain where I can get a $130 hoodie.