To many, Lululemon is the name of quality athletic wear and stylish yoga wear, but how many of us have ever thought why is it called lululemon or why such a weird name? The brand name might sound a little bit different, but behind its uniqueness and mystery lies a story that beautifies it. In this article, we trace the beginning of the name Lululemon, explore its history to date, and find out why such a curious title was used for the brand.
The Origins of Lululemon
The story behind why is it called lululemon starts with the company’s owner Chip Wilson. In 1998, Wilson opened a design studio in Vancouver, Canada associated with yoga-wear apparel. The brand name was selected with a great deal of thought and even a bit of humor. According to Wilson, the addition of the letter “L” in the name was for a reason: he felt it would be more exotic-sounding and different to the Nippon market, which he considered an important customer base.
It was the thought of the founder that the letter “L” would add an element of mystery since it is a non-issue sound in Japanese. So, the name was “Lululemon”, playing with that particular name might sound and be pronounced. Lululemon chose a name on purpose that was difficult to pronounce, so that Lululemon would receive character, be memorable, and interesting.
What does the name Lululemon mean?
People often ask what the name Lululemon is meant to mean. The truth is that the name doesn’t mean or define anything. It was designed to be bright and distinctive. The word in itself was meant to be a little funny and invite some curiosity. Unrelated to yoga or athletic wear specifically, perhaps this unusual name gives the brand an edge in such a highly competitive market.
The spelling “Lululemon” was less about meaning than about how the name would stick in consumers’ minds. This uniqueness is one more reason why is it called lululemon, as it set a brand that reconciled well with those searching for high-quality, fashionable athletic wear.
Why is it called Lululemon and not something else?
A ‘strategic reason’ is attached behind naming the brand Lululemon. Chip Wilson was looking forward to naming his company something weird yet memorable and had a sound which could create a brand image for high-end, luxurious activewear / exercise attire. The name had to be unique to stand out in the marketplace hence named Lululemon instead of any other generic names.
Indeed, the success of the brand proved that this weird naming strategy worked. The name Lululemon became synonymous with high-class yoga and athletic gear; the brand has kept the soul of its identity intact all these years. This name was responsible for building a community around the brand by attracting like-minded people in its products, lifestyle, and the story behind the naming.
The Role of Branding in the Success of Lululemon
Understanding why is it called lululemon means further considering the role of branding in its general success. The name of a brand is often considered that first point of connection between any one company and the audience to which they cater. In this case, the name became a strong branding tool for Lululemon. The exotic sound of the name Lululemon, combined with high-quality products, helped the brand carve a niche for itself in the market.
With a brand that’s so synonymous with the community-based approach to marketing, much of its branding rests on those associations. By positioning its products with the active, fit-yet-mindful lifestyle, Lululemon has found a solid customer base through messaging in marketing, yoga events, and influencer partnerships. Currently, Lululemon is synonymous not with yoga apparel but with a whole lifestyle based on health and self-improvement.
How Lululemon’s Name Influences its Identity
The name ‘Lululemon’ significantly contributed to its identity. The light-hearted with-a-touch-of-mystery brand name grows curiosity and has helped the brand keep at arm’s length a certain air of exclusivity. All this makes Lululemon not just a brand, but one big community in which fitness enthusiasts, yogis, and day-to-day athletes find their place.
Although it does not have any meaning related to the name, yet uniqueness and the story of why it is given this name-Lululemon-made it a key part of the brand identity, helping create a sense of loyalty among its customers due to attachment with the story of the brand and therefore its mission.
Conclusion
Now, why is it called lululemon? This is because the founder made the strategic decision to try and craft a name that would stick in one’s mind, be unusual, and have the air of foreignness. The name Lululemon has no particular meaning behind it, but its uniqueness carved the brand onto the surface of athletic wear. So, Lululemon chose a name because of the interest it garners and hooked that name up with a life of mindfulness and fitness. The name Lululemon grew bigger to mean more than the word itself; it actually came to represent a seal of quality, community, and style for people in activewear.
