Patagonia, Inc.
| File:Patagonia logo.svg Logo of Patagonia, Inc. | |
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Outdoor apparel and gear |
| Founded | January 1, 1973 Ventura, California, United States |
| Founder | Yvon Chouinard |
| Headquarters | Ventura, California , United States |
Area served | Worldwide (retail locations in more than ten countries; manufacturing in 16 countries) |
Key people | Ryan Gellert (CEO), Charles R. Conn (Chair) |
| Products | Apparel, gear, food products for outdoor activities |
Number of employees | 3,000 (2024) |
| Website | www |
Patagonia, Inc. is a U.S.-based company that specializes in apparel, gear, and food products designed for outdoor activities. Established in 1973 by entrepreneur Yvon Chouinard, the firm’s headquarters are located in Ventura, California. Patagonia operates retail locations across more than ten countries and runs manufacturing facilities in 16 different nations, supporting its worldwide presence and varied product offerings. With reported revenues near $1.5 billion in 2022 and a workforce of roughly 3,000 employees as of 2024, Patagonia prioritizes sustainability and innovation within the outdoor apparel sector. The company’s leadership team includes CEO Ryan Gellert and Chair Charles R. Conn, whose guidance has strengthened Patagonia’s market position and competitive edge.
History
Yvon Chouinard, a skilled rock climber and businessman, began marketing hand-forged climbing equipment in 1957 under the name Chouinard Equipment. In 1965, he joined forces with Tom Frost to improve product durability and meet rising consumer demand.
By 1970, Chouinard had introduced Scottish rugby shirts adapted for climbing to reduce neck chafing caused by slings. Patagonia’s inaugural retail outlet opened in 1973 at Great Pacific Iron Works in Ventura, California, close to Chouinard’s blacksmith workshop. By 1981, both Patagonia and Chouinard Equipment were merged under Great Pacific Iron Works, which was renamed Lost Arrow Corporation in 1984.
The company broadened its product range beyond climbing apparel to include surfwear and camping-related food items. By 2015, annual revenues had climbed to $750 million. During the late 2010s, Patagonia fleece vests became a favored choice among financial industry professionals; by 2019, the brand strategically limited distribution of its branded products to companies demonstrating commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles.
In September 2020, Ryan Gellert replaced Rose Marcario as CEO, signaling a shift aligned with Patagonia’s evolving strategic direction.
In September 2022, founder Yvon Chouinard transferred all voting shares—about 2% of total stock—to the Patagonia Purpose Trust, managed by the Chouinard family and trusted advisors. This restructuring was designed to direct company profits toward combating climate change and conserving natural lands. Meanwhile, nonvoting shares were assigned to Holdfast Collective, a nonprofit entity. This corporate realignment provided tax benefits while preserving control through the trust structure. The transfer of voting stock triggered a $17 million gift tax liability.
Manufacturing
Internal audits conducted in 2007 and 2011 uncovered connections between factories within Patagonia's supply chain in Taiwan and instances of human trafficking. This discovery led the company to take measures addressing labor exploitation concerns.
In 2011, it was revealed that Patagonia’s outerwear contained water repellents with carcinogenic properties. Since then, the company has transitioned to safer alternatives, detecting only minimal residual amounts.
By June 2016, Patagonia had introduced guidelines to ensure ethical wool sourcing alongside sustainable land management practices, underscoring its dedication to responsible production methods.
The year 2017 saw the launch of Worn Wear, a program facilitating trade-ins and exchanges where customers receive credit for returned items. These products are then repaired and resold. Two years later, ReCrafted was introduced, utilizing fabric remnants to create new garments, thereby extending product lifespans. This initiative is complemented by repair services and educational events held throughout the United States and Europe.
Patagonia set a goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2025, incorporating circular economy principles into its product design by 2019. Additionally, in 2021, the company stopped applying corporate logos on apparel to improve garment longevity.
In December 2021, the European Center for Constitutional and Human Rights submitted a criminal complaint implicating Patagonia and other companies for allegedly employing forced Uyghur labor in Xinjiang, China.
On 10 June 2023, investigative journalism exposed that Patagonia sourced from factories also producing for fast-fashion retailers such as Decathlon and Primark, where employees reportedly endure substandard working conditions and wages below living standards. Patagonia clarified it does not own these facilities and lacks direct oversight over labor conditions and pay.
Patagonia Provisions
Patagonia launched its food-focused division, Patagonia Provisions, in 2012. Starting with packaged salmon products, the brand expanded its offerings to include canned fish, dried fruits, jerky, and other packaged goods designed for outdoor enthusiasts.
Activism
Since its founding in 1985, Patagonia has allocated 1% of its sales revenue to environmental organizations through One Percent for the Planet, an initiative co-founded by Yvon Chouinard. Environmental advocacy is deeply embedded in the company’s business model, promoting initiatives such as product repairs, recycling programs, and clothing exchanges. In 2016, Patagonia donated all proceeds from Black Friday sales—amounting to $10 million—to environmental causes. Two years later, it committed the $10 million saved from tax reductions under the Trump administration toward combating the climate crisis.
In 2017, Patagonia spearheaded a boycott of the Outdoor Retailer trade show held in Utah in response to legislation threatening federal lands; this action contributed to relocating the event. Later that year, the company filed a lawsuit against the U.S. government contesting reductions made to Bears Ears and Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monuments, challenging presidential authority under the Antiquities Act. Then-CEO Rose Marcario highlighted Patagonia’s proactive role in protecting public lands as integral to its corporate mission.
In July 2020, amid the "Stop Hate for Profit" campaign addressing hate speech on social media platforms, Patagonia paused advertising on Facebook and Instagram. Prior to the 2020 U.S. elections, it incorporated "Vote the Assholes Out" labels on apparel as a stance against politicians denying climate change. In April 2021, Patagonia pledged $1 million to voting rights organizations Black Voters Matter and the New Georgia Project, demonstrating its ongoing dedication to social activism consistent with its corporate values.
See also
External links
- 1973 establishments in California
- American companies established in 1973
- B Lab-certified corporations
- Camping equipment manufacturers
- Climbing and mountaineering equipment companies
- Clothing and the environment
- Clothing brands of the United States
- Companies based in Ventura County, California
- Outdoor clothing brands
- Outdoor retailers
- Public benefit corporations based in California
- Shoe companies of the United States
- Sportswear brands
- Surfwear brands
- Swimwear brands
- Companies of the United States by year of establishment