(news nation) — Lululemon's billionaire founder Chip Wilson is slamming his former company's diversity and inclusion push.
Wilson, who stepped down as chairman following controversy in 2013, spoke to Forbes about his new business venture and his battle with muscular dystrophy, but he also shared his feelings about Lululemon's current business model and the company's He criticized “the whole diversity and inclusion thing.” ”
“They're trying to be like Gap, everything to everyone,” Wilson said. forbes interview. “And I think the definition of a brand is that you're not everything to everyone. … You have to make it clear that you don't want certain customers coming into your store.”
Forbes did not say in the article whether Mr. Wilson had identified customers that Lululemon “doesn't want.” But the article said Wilson said some of the models in Lululemon ads look “unhealthy,” “sick” and “uninspiring.”
Mr. Wilson, who has a net worth of about $7 billion, stepped down as Lululemon's chairman in 2013 and left the company permanently in 2015 (Mr. Wilson still owns 8% of the company, according to Forbes). ). The company's yoga pants came under fire after some women said they “actually don't work” on their bodies.
In response to Wilson's comments to Forbes, a Lululemon spokesperson issued the following statement to NewsNation:
“Chip Wilson does not speak for Lululemon and his comments do not reflect the views or beliefs of the company. Mr. Chip has not had any involvement with the company since resigning from the board in 2015. , we are a completely different company today.
“lululemon is committed to creating and promoting an inclusive, diverse, and welcoming environment throughout our organization and community. We have made considerable progress since launching our Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Action (IDEA) function and are proud of the goals we have achieved.
“We also recognize that becoming a more diverse and inclusive organization takes time and is only possible through the continued efforts of our leaders and employees. We remain steadfast in our commitment to becoming a more inclusive and diverse company. ”
Lululemon Co., Ltd. Public Relations
The company's website also details its progress since launch. idea (“Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Action”) aims to “help foster an inclusive culture where diversity is celebrated, equity is the norm, and action is commitment.” .
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