Australian Fitness Retailer Lorna Jane Makes U.S. Debut
Australian activewear brand Lorna Jane is opening its first American store March 10 at the Malibu Lumber Yard retail center in Malibu, Calif.
The Aussie manufacturer of women’s gym, yoga and lifestyle fashions said it has no fear of competing against companies such as Lululemon Athletica, which is already well established in California.
“We’ve been competing against Lululemon Athletica for eight years, and business is booming,” said Bill Clarkson, who founded the activewear business with his wife, designer Lorna Jane Clarkson. Lululemon runs more than 25 stores in Australia. But in the past five years, Lorna Jane’s store fleet has been growing quickly. The Brisbane-headquartered retailer opened one store every two weeks between 2010 and 2011 and now runs 120 stores throughout Australia.
Bill Clarkson has further plans to expand the Lorna Jane store chain in California. He forecasts building six stores in the Los Angeles area by the end of this year. Fifteen stores are forecast to open in America in 2013.
Lorna Jane manufactures clothes in a lightning-quick, fast-fashion pace. It delivers 70 to 100 new styles every month. With its proprietary fabric, LJ Excel, the brand offers fashions that are shrink-, fade- and odor-resistant and wick away moisture. Retail price points range from $40 to $110.
Lorna Jane stores also intend to be a place where the public can get advice on health. Salespeople at the 1,000-square-foot Malibu Lumber Yard store will be fitness trainers, too.—A.A.
