Lululemon Founder Chip Wilson

What a Creep
Season 29, Episode 7
Former CEO & Founder of Lululemon

Chip Wilson, the founder and former CEO of Lululemon Athletica, has been involved in several controversies over the years, primarily due to his public statements and views on body image, diversity, and labor practices.  His issues range from concerns about body image and product quality to his opposition to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.

Additionally, he has faced criticism for purchasing large areas of the Vancouver region, which led to increased rents and the displacement of artists and small businesses. The company's name also has origins that some consider to be racist.  While his actions and statements have many troubling aspects, it’s essential to acknowledge that he is Canadian, which implies a certain level of decency.

He has also been a benefactor for his homeland, so he isn't 100% total  Creep—there might be some opportunity for growth!

Wilson was diagnosed with a subtype of muscular dystrophy called facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy at age 32. He has donated 100 million Canadian dollars towards research

Sources for this episode:
Lululemon and the Future of Technical Apparel by Chip Wilson (2024)
ABC News 
CBC
CBC
BNN Bloomberg
Business Insider
Financial Post
Global News
People
Scripps News 
TODAY show
The Independent
The Street
The Chronicle
.css-j9qmi7{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;font-weight:700;margin-bottom:1rem;margin-top:2.8rem;width:100%;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:start;justify-content:start;padding-left:5rem;}@media only screen and (max-width: 599px){.css-j9qmi7{padding-left:0;-webkit-box-pack:center;-ms-flex-pack:center;-webkit-justify-content:center;justify-content:center;}}.css-j9qmi7 svg{fill:#27292D;}.css-j9qmi7 .eagfbvw0{-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;color:#27292D;}