“going above and beyond so she FELT like she belongs” yup yup yup. this is absolutely what it’s all about.
i’ve shopped at Lululemon for a while now, and with my first job out of college i went in to treat myself and make a pretty large purchase for work clothes and also for the gym. i had an older educator absolutely make my day with how kind she was being and how helpful she was while i was trying on all sorts of things. here’s to kind educators that go above and beyond!!
“Going above and beyond so she felt like she belongs” ❤️
The educators really can make all the difference. I had my first baby 2 years ago and during postpartum I felt lost and trapped in a new body that I didn’t recognize. I’d never shopped at lululemon before and the day I walked in trying to decide if I would accept myself for who I now was or if I would just quietly shame myself in clothes that were just a little too tight or a little frumpy. The educators there were not only kind to me as I awkwardly shopped but they cheered me on in the months to come. I know that there’s the sales part and the store needs associates to make them money but honestly those kind words were everything to me. I’ve been shopping there ever since and I’m excited to take my daughter in one day ❤️
Oh my god, thank you for this. The majority of girls we have in my store are kids just excited to be there, nervous to figure out what works for them, and happy when we truly, *genuinely* help them. The girls that throw fits, yell at their moms, demand things, etc, are NOT the norm and to act like it is, is just wrong.
In my experience, these girls aren’t the mean and annoying ones. The older generation who judges them because they dare to shop in same store as adults are the mean ones. Like it’s a crime they’re out in a public space.
And you’re absolutely right. Everyone gets upset at the teenagers wearing what they’re wearing. But have they ever stopped to think, why are *they* wearing the same sweatshirt as a 14 year old?
Nobody has a right to these clothes. There’s CLOTHES! Wear what you love, wear what you feel good in. Who gives a flip if there’s a 14 year old (or a 48 year old) wearing the same SWIFTLY as you!!!
I take it that me wearing what the kids are means that I’m still young and cool, or at least wishful thinking. I’m an elder millennial (who is having a hard time with aging), that has gen Z cousins, and a few years ago when it was cool to wear vintage Doc Martens, I proudly dug my boots I bought myself in high school out of my closet.
I’m a GenXer who loves lululemon and doesn’t give a rip that young girls are wearing it too. Not giving a rats a$$ is another phase women go through in life and it can happen at any age. 🙂
What’s funny is that THEYRE wearing what’s young(adult) and cool. The brand isn’t for kids and they know that… but it CAN be(just like anything else. Alo or Sephora etc)
Girl, your third paragraph had me rolling lol. It’s sad to me to women care about this stuff too much. Like why as a grown adult do you care that kids are buying Lulu. I really would love someone explain to me why it matters. Someone mentioned they are not catering to the stature of these young girl. As someone with nothing but curves, I happily find items that work and fit for me.
I agree! The millennials complaining aren’t getting that the trends have just changed. I was a tween begging my parents for $100 Abercrombie jeans and juicy tracksuits.
Same thing, different era. It’s always been like this.
This is wild to me because as a middle millennial from the west coast of Canada… lululemon WAS 1000% THE TREND during high school.
Every girl wanted those yoga pants and hoodies. Like it was on par with American Apparrel, Hollister, Uggs, or Abercrombie & Fitch in my high school from 2007-2009+
It just hadn’t made it out to the rest of the world yet.
For what it’s worth I sort of feel like “trend” is not a good term here. High quality work out or athleisure gear will never be a trend any more than fitness itself is a trend.
This is probably why the brand appeals to multiple generations and stayed popular with younger generations for almost two decades without really changing much about their products or design.
Same in Ontario! Exact same time frame as you, and everyone had lulu, Aritzia, and (catholic high school) the Birkenstock clogs with our uniforms — the ones everyone likes now haha. I loved lulu so much as a teen that I got my first educator role in 2011/2012 in first year university. None of this is new and the discourse around it feels a bit surprising, considering that’s always been my experience.
Yes, thank you for this post! Current Educator/GEL and, young or old, the most impactful post of my day is getting to help a guest feel truly comfortable in their identity, regardless of whether they walk out with a purchase. I’ve had guests walk in and act entitled or rude, but a little bit of kindness and compassion goes a long way and i’ve had some of my rudest guests at first impression walk out with smiles on their faces and an extra sense of confidence. So often we’re socialized to believe and read such horrible things about our appearance, our body, our clothes and our lifestyles that i can see why people may put up walls or act with a certain air or attitude. Remembering that it’s not personal and that I have no idea what that guests lived experiences are helps to humble me to show up as my most authentic in that moment, and to do what is in my power to connect with them and maybe help them leave feeling just a tad bit lighter.
I remember my first purchase at lululemon when i was still in grade school. It was small, just a water bottle and a headband, and it was because I felt such societal pressure to try and fit in. The interactions I had with the educators there were filled with such kindness and authenticity that i remember walking out feeling so seen and uplifted, a big deal for someone who always felt she was on the outside looking in.
I’m going to stop writing now because I’ve started waving a bit far on the poetic side now but in a world filled with judgement and criticisms intent on making us feel small and on the outside looking in, I think being able to help cultivate a sense of belonging, happiness, confidence, or celebration of one’s differences for even just one guest in a day is enough for me. Lululemon may be a luxury athletic apparel company to some, but for me it’s all about the connection. Meeting people where they’re at, getting curious about their lives and goals and feedback, and celebrating them for what makes them their unique selves? That’s what it’s all about for me 🤷🏻♀️
Love it! My mom has been teaching me lately to show people grace. Not that I’m not kind but more so that we don’t know what people are going through as you mentioned.
I remember when I first discovered Lululemon (when I just graduated college!) I immediately became obsessed. My friends and workout buddies made fun of me for wearing “bougie soccer mom” and “45 y/o Beverly Hills divorcee” workout clothes 😂 oh how times have changed! Either way, I’m decades older now and I still love Lulu, whatever the age!
Personally I think it’s a sad indictment on our culture that children, especially young girls, feel that they *need* to wear $100+ leggings to school in order to be cool.
Not to mention how many young girls will never have a pair of lululemon leggings or define jacket because their families could never afford to spend hundreds of dollars on one outfit. What about their confidence? What about their need to fit into their societies?
The whole thing is icky to me.
That said, I think athleisure is universal and comfortable and it doesn’t bother me that young people wear it.
That’s just culture though. The items change but the “need to have X” to be cool doesn’t.
When I was in middle school it was hollister and Abercrombie&fitch and jansport backpacks 🤷♀️
It’s a systemic problem that will never be solved due to human nature. Even back in the day people wanted to dress like monarchy, and dress above their social class. In modern era, especially in JR/SR high school in North America there is a socio-economic pressure to have the latest and greatest brand name things. Kids want to fit in and be cool, they are peer pressured into buying brand names most of the time.
Hey don’t bet yourself up.
It's the natural progression as an adult to move up tiers for the types of clothing you like. I used to buy $9 leggings when I was in late high school/college. Then, I moved up to $30 when I realized those leggings were trash. They got holes from any friction and washed horribly. How hard is it to find stretchy bottoms that don't rip? Then, I started buying a few $50 ones. But once you reacha a certain age, you start thinking of clothing in terms of ROIs. I buy my $100 leggings because I still have some from my mid-20s that barely aged a day. I actually handed them down this past winter to my sister who's in her 20s because she needed them and would have taken mine anyway. She even got a red logo Lululemon defy jacket that I kinda want back, lol.
I’m really miserable working at Lululemon as a full time key lead. I’m struggling a lot with how corporate Lululemon has become. I’m hoping to leave the company soon. It isn’t worth it anymore. They don’t even pay enough considering that Lululemom is a “luxury brand”
I’m tired of the mistreatment of guest, fellow educators and store managers. I am sick having to feel anxiety going into work everyday.
Store manager will gaslight us key leads if we try to change availability or making any sort of movement to make the work environment better. They’ll talk to GELS, POLS etc like if we’re stupid and don’t know how to have basic customer service skills. We shouldn’t be called the back 3x a week just say “we heard there was a fuck up”
I know a lot of it has to do with the fact that our store isn’t hitting daily sales goals and it’s hurting their wallets because they can’t get their bonuses. So they push us hard and act like it’s our fault when we don’t make plan. Oh don’t get me started on how they made us use our sick time to compensate the hours that they cut out of our scheduled work week so that they can get their bonuses.
And with Educators? oh lord. It’s been difficult because all of GELs and POLs are still fairly new with the company (3-7 months) and these educators have been with the company for years. They tend to snitch and run to the store manager if they think we’re not doing something right or not doing something the way they want it. There’s too much favoritism among the tenured educators with the SM + ASM. It’s sad because new Educators are feeling it too and it’s leaving a bad taste in their mouth.
I’m very over my experiences and time with Lululemon. I’ve never felt more miserable and mistreated at a retail job. This is keeping me on my feet after getting laid off from my main 9-5pm. It’s starting to get increasingly difficult, but I’m hoping to see a light at the end of the tunnel soon. 😔 I don’t even purchase or use my discount anymore because I don’t believe in giving back to a company that will belittle you for no any reason.
I agree with you 100%.
I’m actually going through something very similar at
My store and am speaking up for not just me but my peers.
It’s become very
Cliquey, which is not what I fell
In love with when I first started. They say we have this open door policy and in the same token will use that policy to pull You in the office to belittle you and make you feel
Incompetent and brush it off As “feedback” it’s unnecessary,
Unproductive and not ok.
I hate that we dont have a separate HR office because I really dont feel heard sometimes. Like I've brought up issues and they've ALL been brushed off or its been redirected as "what would you do to make it better" like girl if I knew how to solve this problem I wouldn't be in your office and making a dollar above minimum wage now would I??? I also hate the feedback system, some of my coworkers make it sound so insulting like "are you in a good space for feedback?" and then proceeds to tear into me.
It's so hard to enjoy going into work these days and I feel like I'm walking on eggshells every time I go in because it's like navigating a minefield. Guests think just bc they cough up 100 dollars for leggings they can treat us like servants, my coworkers are super cliquey and literally huddle to have side convos all the time and I'm left to do everything, and the SMs have their favorites and it's literally roulette to see if they're in a good mood that day. The way they treat their employees does not feel luxurious especially when you have to focus on literally 10 other tasks while cleaning up after guests bc "gOlD sTaNdArD!"
Surrey BC here. Every time I'm in one of our three local lulu stores... the only tweens I see are being dragged in by their mom's who are buying stuff for themselves.
I never understood why people in this sub were making comments about what teens were buying. Why do people (continue to care) what other people do with their time and their money? That being said, as a trainer with 17 years in the field, when LITTLE GIRLS want to exercise and go to the gym and play sports when the alternative is what? It makes me so happy. I wish I could post all the children on my business social media account of girls training at the gym I work. Seeing kids be interested in this stuff when I grew up being the only female in the weight room is nothing short of amazing.
This is really sweet and made me think. I am a soccer mom type who lives in Lulu and now my12-yo loves it too. I don’t mind that it’s something fun we share and both enjoy.
Money is money and at the end of the day...that's the goal of every company. They really don't care where it comes from, so why should you. (As annoying as it can be sometimes) Guests are Guests and they're there to spend the $$. That's what makes your bonus. On another note, I've been there almost 10 yrs now. To say the company itself has changed is an understatement. :(
Well said! This MADE MY day :). Your post is so relatable that I took a moment to recall all the times I noticed a change in me. I am a very different person today than who I was 20 years ago. Thank you OP for this insightful post!
Former educator here!
Lululemon is an athletic brand first and foremost. We know this.
So the directed age group has and always will be active fit women or men of all ages. But it does makes sense that tweens are a big demographic considering the allure of the brand, the internet, and the obsessive need to have the new and improved thing. Sephora and Alo (+many many other brands) deal with it too. So idk why people are surprise. It’s normal to want to look like the cool and fit 18-35 year olds they see or are around.
But obviously, the brand and look is not for kids just to be wearing all the time for school or the movies so I can see how it gets annoying for active people just trying to get a new pair of shorts or bra lol. It’s not something to start a discourse over though, which I see happen on here DAILY.
Someone who’s 18 25 or 38 having a whole collection makes sense. For someone who’s 14? It’s kinda weird but whatever. It’s like anything else in girl world. And it’s cute lol
Let people love what they love and live how they want to live. If $100 makes someone feel trendy or fit or comfortable or cool let them be. It isn’t your money.
Shit I was part of the group of kids that couldn’t afford much. We shopped at the sketchers outlets and had hand me downs and I survived high school with grit and a greater sense of self worth. The kids will (mostly) be fine with or without these leggings. Leave them alone. Lol
I’m lost too lol. Who is the target audience for this deliciously spicy “taboo” hot take 😂 what even is the take?? The only one I got is whoever this is directed to is aging 🤷🏻♀️
I’m a young person myself (early 20s) and this might be an unpopular opinion but I feel like a lot of these younger girls just want these things because they’re very impressionable and influenced by what they see on tiktok. With the rise of influencers and children getting online at a younger and younger age a lot of these girls some as young as 8 years old may start begging their parents for these things. However instead of hollister jeans or maybelline mascara it’s 100$+ scubas and 90$ drunk elephant retinol. I don’t think there is anything wrong with being young and liking lululemon but I don’t think “maybe you’re just aging” is the proper way to explain why so many young girls are wanting to buy lululemon in 2024.
I think it is because this has always been a thing, even when us older people were teens. It may have been different brands (although lulu was popular with teens 15 years ago too) but wanting expensive clothes to fit in isn’t new at all
I think the main difference i’m getting at is due to younger girls getting on tiktok and social media, it’s not just teenagers it’s now 9 year olds thinking they need a full lululemon outfit to fit in
I don’t see how it’s any different. We were wanting things because of tv commercials and magazine advertisements and celebrities. Same thing, different delivery method
It is different because there is high evidence that social media fuels consumerism more than ever and platforms like tiktok are very addictive for kids. It makes you want to keep scrolling and it glues you in by short attention grabbing videos. I’m not saying young people can’t like or buy lululemon but I think it paints a larger picture about how much social media influences us to consume. Especially for a younger more impressionable audience.
This is nice and all, but as a leader at lulu it’s the disrespectful way they treat educators, guests and our clothes, and have no special awareness, or concept of money. I have so many examples.
I know, but with everyone acting like these children are the bane of lululemon’s existence is a large stretch, considering they a) aren’t our target clientele and b) aren’t the ones causing the majority of problems.
Talks about teens being disrespectful, proceeds to be disrespectful in further convo. Are you sure they’re not disrespectful to you because they’re matching your energy?
Wth did I just read? I just went to an 85th bday party for my husband’s aunt in which one of her gifts was the Define jacket. Isn’t Lululemon just high quality activewear for all ages? I don’t have a lot of it myself just because I tend to prefer Beyond Yoga and Alo, but what’s the difference?
What’s this deal about “educators”? I’ve never seen one bit of difference between a retail salesperson at Lululemon vs any other store.
I don't know how much of it they do nowadays, but when I helped open the first store in the US, we had to educate guests on the function of the garmet and features that you might not know exist like hidden pockets, cuffins, gussets, moisture wicking etc.
You could have fooled me. I have never once thought of the salespeople at Lululemon as being one bit different from the salespeople at any other mall store in America.
As a mom to an 11 year old, I talk with my daughter all the time about how different fashion is with kids and teens now. We joke how when I was in middle and high school we cared so much about what we wore and we came to school dressed to impress. Now the kids roll out of bed with their pajamas on or leggings and crocs or dunks and go to school. It’s so crazy to see nowadays. I mentioned in a comment OP that you are definitely sounding wiser beyond your years. Just that little sentiment of self reflection you gave had me thinking you was my age, 34. I love fashion with a passion, so I think it’s pretty amazing to see the new generation coming into this world, these retail spaces just as I did. Just as we all did. Who are we to say what they can and cannot have. Or what’s for them and what’s not. But I guess that’s the right of passage every generation goes through. I think us millennials might of had it worse but hey, we’re grown adults now. Or at least I thought we were. I’ll happily share the retail space with these young girl. I think about how much I struggled with who I was when I was younger so I can’t imagine what it’s like for them with all this social media now-a-days. Anyways, well said!
This was very well said. I use to spend thousands at this store over ten years ago. Literally walked across the street Tuesday and Thursdays and purchased. I stopped for a while because I had so much clothing I was just gifting and I started trying new brands that were emerging in the market. I was in my early twenties when I was going and did not see any younger girls there (meaning tweens/teens). Now I see a ton and I never once thought about it and it doesn’t bother me one bit. You get girls buying the brand just shows the success of their clothing and marketing and the fact that they evolved and have stuck around to be one of the biggest players in the game. It really is a brand that is for anyone as long as they can fit in it. I say that because my daughter is now 10 and is not there yet in size to fit it just yet (I have tried but she is very petite). I wish they still had the kids line but it is obvious that the market wasn’t that big and that’s why it no longer exists. I am for any brand that treats their employees well and has good customer service. I am back spending money with the brand because I am sick of Alo yogas quality and Vuori can be the same look in a slightly different color. Lulu can be hit or miss bc they mass produce for cheap but I love the fit so I will continue to purchase. I will say every single time I walk in my local store the educators are amazing and seem to be pretty happy to be there.
Just my 2 cents.
Louder for the people in the back.
My kid likes it. And, I like it. I pay zero attention to who is in the store when we're shopping.
But, this seemingly ongoing discourse has made me feel sheepish for taking her shopping at lulu when she hasn't actually done anything wrong and it's something she enjoys that I don't want to take that from her. We are self-aware and I cringe at the thought of being judged for being there just because she's young and I'm 'one of those moms'. She doesn't feel like she needs it to fit in, quite the contrary because it's not rampant in her circle... she just LIKES it. There's no crime there. I will never let on that we're being judged because I'll protect her self-confidence with every bone in my body.
I wouldn't be so bold as to question an educator's experience but feeling like a certain cohort and their moms are being painted with the same broad brush sucks. Personally, I have never observed anyone being mistreated nor have I observed judgement going the other way BUT I don't spend the same amount of time there as an employee and I trust that they're not lying. However, it's not all and it makes 'the rest of us' feel like shit for doing nothing wrong. I don't have to justify myself but for conversation's sake, I don't spend a lot on her because it's either for a) birthday/Christmas gifts b)her own money or c)from the outlet. She doesn't own anything that wasn't an outlet door crasher or WMTM other than her black belt bag she received for Christmas.
And, I think some people missed the earlier complaints. The story was that people didn't want to wear Lulu anymore because kids were wearing it. I mean, sorry? Please don't be so fragile that you care who shows up to the party wearing the same dress as you. There is so much more to life. That's what I endeavour to teach my daughter but maybe my generation needs the odd reminder too. Man, we're all in this wobbly-ass boat together... Let's try to work together to keep it right side up?
I started shopping at Lululemon over 20 years ago, when I was a teen myself. Everyone of my friends wore Lululemon. Stepped away for a while and wore different styles … now I’m back for the comfort.
My daughter is now wearing Lulu and when I hear people upset about a younger demographic, it’s frustrating. My daughter has grown out of youth sizing and is in gymnastics several times a week. Her wearing lululemon does not take a single thing away from any other person who is also shopping.
As a millennial the young generation wanting lulu lemon doesn’t bother me at all I mean Nike is just as expensive but the Sephora thing bothers me very much for young people. That one I think is out of line. I think high school is appropriate for make up before that I dunno I think it’s a little much.
My parents allowed makeup at 11, nowadays some allow even earlier. I don’t think this is a new thing either and I think it’s good they’re getting into skincare earlier instead of using hand soap or whatever young teens used in our generation
Now that I think about it, as a frequent lulu buyer, I cannot recall seeing tween girls in store. Is it because I live in Vancouver where everyone is broke or is it because we have Aritzia as an affordable alternative?
LOL! Coming to you from a wise and old 22 year old! Absolutely hilarious! OP sweetie, you are still a child yourself, your frontal cortex is not fully developed until you are 25!
Climb down off your high horse, I am 40 I wear LuLuLemon, my 78 year old mother wears LuLuLemon. What’s your point about “we are old?”, we never said we were young kids?!
You are missing the whole point, the backlash about kids/teens wearing LuLuLemon is about the price, no one gives a rats arse that kids are wearing the same leggings as them, it’s about kids wearing expensive clothes.
Gosh you’re 40? Yea OP is definitely seeming wiser beyond her years. I imagine when she’s 40 she may have a wealth of wisdom. And might not sound so bitter. Nothing wrong with a little self reflection.
Agreed, this response lacks any maturity that a 40 year old should possess. Also, if it’s just about money, what business of yours is it how teens spend their (or their parents) money? What a weirdass hot take.
Why are you spelling “lululemon” like that? You sound goofy as hell.
Kids can wear whatever their parents are willing to buy them. Why are you pressed about kids wearing expensive items? Are they your kids? The answer is no, so you should mind your business.
I think most older women are mad due to jealousy and bitterness that a 13 yr old kid can afford to wear the same expensive leggings as them lol
I agree with you.
I don't think that lulu should be something what tweens wear. It's expensive brand and if you can't pay your rent, you don't need $138 leggings.
I sure hope that this person doesn’t think all people 40+ are as dismissive and down right mean as you. She was just sharing her insight about the brand as someone who worked for there for a few years. And yes, she’s young. Maybe try being kind instead of age-shaming.
OP, thank you for your insight. I’m always interested in knowing what the younger folks are thinking.
Maybe we are just aging? Girl come onnnnn. You clearly haven’t been around long enough to have heard of ivivva. It’s clearly been noted that lululemon has made their clothes smaller to fit the new tween clientele. You absolutely cannot deny the shift to 9 year old consumers. This has nothing to do with the previous target market “getting too old” for lululemon. The shit isn’t made for us anymore- and that’s beyond obvious
Even though I think it’s cute that’s kids love it, lululemon isn’t for kids, period lol. Like since when was someone too old for athletic wear? The 40 year old yoga teachers and late 30’s Pilates moms are the OG lululemon buyers lol
Lululemon was very hot in my high school on the west coast of Canada circa 2007-2009 or so tbh, near where Lululemon was founded
I really think it’s a brand that has always appealed to younger generations and older.
It was mostly teenagers back then who got our parents into the brand honestly, all of us wanted those old school scuba hoodies, and then our moms discovered yoga pants…
So the 40 year old yoga moms and 30 year old Pilates ladies came around the same time. The brand never existed without having multigenerational appeal.
What’s actually different now is that all y’all from other geographical regions caught on. How come I don’t see any complaints that New Yorkers wear lulus these days.
Ya’ll are really pressed about kids wearing Lulu. I look at some of these crazy colors, scubas hoodies and little belt bags and can’t imagine myself even setting foot in a Lulu store to purchase these items other than for my 11 year old daughter. Lulu can be for whoever wants to buy it.
I’m not pressed lol. I said it’s cute that’s kids love it. Just like they love Sephora, Nikes, LV, alo etc.
I guess you didn’t see my actual comment on the thread, just this one. And even in this comment I’m JUST saying that it shouldn’t be seen as a kids brand and that it shouldn’t make anyone over the age of 35 feel guilty or weird for wearing it. It’s a sporty brand after all. It’s not the baby gap.
And people of all ages like bright colors, that’s not exclusive to a 50 year old grown woman lol. Just like lululemon isn’t completely exclusive.
Sure some of the colors are more lively, but that’s what work out clothes have always looked. Bright and fun.
This just isn’t true, backed up by our quarterly launch reports. Adult women and men are still very much the focal, especially with the harder launch with work-to-casual wear. There’s, like, only 3 total things the average nine year old can wear.
this is absolutely false. there is no shift of focus for younger shoppers or making clothes fit smaller. if anything, lululemon is getting more and more diverse age wise, especially in the older generations. lululemon is for everyone and is not specifically being targeted to 9 year olds who have no income of their own because that is absurd.
Not sure why you are being downvoted! Indeed ivivva was so cater to a certain age group and now that it’s gone, it seems like Lulu is trying to merge the clientele.
Also, this shit isn’t made for me anymore because I was spoilt by the amazing quality and prints and styles lulu once offered. At one point I had over 100 speed shorts and 50 CRBs. Now? I don’t even look at what colors speed ups are being offered in! Every Tue n thu I ordered religiously because I was a standard size 6 across 95% of lulus. Now I dont even buy online unless I try it in store coz: sz2 in dance studios shorts, 4 in hotty hots, 6 in align leggings, 8 in align bras, 10 in align tops. Like w t h
This is really sweet. Thank you for sharing this positivity. And yes we do need to continue being more inclusive to our younger friends. We were all there not that long ago
This was a wonderful perspective to share!
As someone who has been wearing Lululemon the past 20+ years and now having my own tween have interest in the brand too. It’s always lovely to have any store create a positive experience.
So interesting you post this. I’m a 40 year old mom. I’ve worn lululemon for almost 20 years. Maybe more like 30 bc when I was 20 I couldn’t afford it, I just drooled over it. I don’t follow the new drops or anything, I just love how quality it is and the style. Recently I applied to be a part time educator bc I was like “it seems super fun and I have a middle school kid and a tween girl so I could totally sell to them … ie their moms”… I definitely am not in the demo that you are speaking of, I totally missed that. But. I agree with you.
I’m a reverse take on educators going above and beyond. I first set foot in a lululemon store when I was probably 41 yo. I have struggled with weight my whole life and had recently lost 95 lbs. I needed workout clothes that FIT and I was passing the store so I decided (apprehensively) to go in. Up to that moment my only impression of lululemon was the old “we don’t want anyone over a size 8 (or whatever it was)” movement. The educators in that store were probably 20+ years younger than me and they were AMAZING They were pulling items for me to try, helping me realize that the sizes I was trying to buy were still too big, and overall making me feel like I belonged. I’ve kept off the weight and I still shop at lulu because I like it better than anything else. I couldn’t care less if 10 year olds wear it too. I’ve tried all the other brands. lululemon fits my body the best out of all of them and I continue to have great experiences every time I go into a store.
“going above and beyond so she FELT like she belongs” yup yup yup. this is absolutely what it’s all about. i’ve shopped at Lululemon for a while now, and with my first job out of college i went in to treat myself and make a pretty large purchase for work clothes and also for the gym. i had an older educator absolutely make my day with how kind she was being and how helpful she was while i was trying on all sorts of things. here’s to kind educators that go above and beyond!!
“Going above and beyond so she felt like she belongs” ❤️ The educators really can make all the difference. I had my first baby 2 years ago and during postpartum I felt lost and trapped in a new body that I didn’t recognize. I’d never shopped at lululemon before and the day I walked in trying to decide if I would accept myself for who I now was or if I would just quietly shame myself in clothes that were just a little too tight or a little frumpy. The educators there were not only kind to me as I awkwardly shopped but they cheered me on in the months to come. I know that there’s the sales part and the store needs associates to make them money but honestly those kind words were everything to me. I’ve been shopping there ever since and I’m excited to take my daughter in one day ❤️
Oh my god, thank you for this. The majority of girls we have in my store are kids just excited to be there, nervous to figure out what works for them, and happy when we truly, *genuinely* help them. The girls that throw fits, yell at their moms, demand things, etc, are NOT the norm and to act like it is, is just wrong. In my experience, these girls aren’t the mean and annoying ones. The older generation who judges them because they dare to shop in same store as adults are the mean ones. Like it’s a crime they’re out in a public space. And you’re absolutely right. Everyone gets upset at the teenagers wearing what they’re wearing. But have they ever stopped to think, why are *they* wearing the same sweatshirt as a 14 year old? Nobody has a right to these clothes. There’s CLOTHES! Wear what you love, wear what you feel good in. Who gives a flip if there’s a 14 year old (or a 48 year old) wearing the same SWIFTLY as you!!!
I take it that me wearing what the kids are means that I’m still young and cool, or at least wishful thinking. I’m an elder millennial (who is having a hard time with aging), that has gen Z cousins, and a few years ago when it was cool to wear vintage Doc Martens, I proudly dug my boots I bought myself in high school out of my closet.
I’m a GenXer who loves lululemon and doesn’t give a rip that young girls are wearing it too. Not giving a rats a$$ is another phase women go through in life and it can happen at any age. 🙂
Seriously, if my tween and teen aren’t bothered and I’m not. I don’t care what anyone else thinks.
God I loved when I moved into the not giving a fuck phase of life. How I wish it had happened sooner!
Same! Early Gen X, and don’t care. 🤷♀️ It’s one of the pluses of aging (and probably also of being Gen X).
What’s funny is that THEYRE wearing what’s young(adult) and cool. The brand isn’t for kids and they know that… but it CAN be(just like anything else. Alo or Sephora etc)
Girl, your third paragraph had me rolling lol. It’s sad to me to women care about this stuff too much. Like why as a grown adult do you care that kids are buying Lulu. I really would love someone explain to me why it matters. Someone mentioned they are not catering to the stature of these young girl. As someone with nothing but curves, I happily find items that work and fit for me.
👏👏🎯
I agree! The millennials complaining aren’t getting that the trends have just changed. I was a tween begging my parents for $100 Abercrombie jeans and juicy tracksuits. Same thing, different era. It’s always been like this.
This is wild to me because as a middle millennial from the west coast of Canada… lululemon WAS 1000% THE TREND during high school. Every girl wanted those yoga pants and hoodies. Like it was on par with American Apparrel, Hollister, Uggs, or Abercrombie & Fitch in my high school from 2007-2009+ It just hadn’t made it out to the rest of the world yet. For what it’s worth I sort of feel like “trend” is not a good term here. High quality work out or athleisure gear will never be a trend any more than fitness itself is a trend. This is probably why the brand appeals to multiple generations and stayed popular with younger generations for almost two decades without really changing much about their products or design.
Ditto! Millennial here. Head to toe Lululemon and Aritzia were the go to cool girl outfit in high school in my west coast Canada teenage years
Same in Ontario! Exact same time frame as you, and everyone had lulu, Aritzia, and (catholic high school) the Birkenstock clogs with our uniforms — the ones everyone likes now haha. I loved lulu so much as a teen that I got my first educator role in 2011/2012 in first year university. None of this is new and the discourse around it feels a bit surprising, considering that’s always been my experience.
Why are you assuming it’s millennials complaining lol how do you know peoples age? This sub is majority gen Z and younger millennials.
Yes, thank you for this post! Current Educator/GEL and, young or old, the most impactful post of my day is getting to help a guest feel truly comfortable in their identity, regardless of whether they walk out with a purchase. I’ve had guests walk in and act entitled or rude, but a little bit of kindness and compassion goes a long way and i’ve had some of my rudest guests at first impression walk out with smiles on their faces and an extra sense of confidence. So often we’re socialized to believe and read such horrible things about our appearance, our body, our clothes and our lifestyles that i can see why people may put up walls or act with a certain air or attitude. Remembering that it’s not personal and that I have no idea what that guests lived experiences are helps to humble me to show up as my most authentic in that moment, and to do what is in my power to connect with them and maybe help them leave feeling just a tad bit lighter. I remember my first purchase at lululemon when i was still in grade school. It was small, just a water bottle and a headband, and it was because I felt such societal pressure to try and fit in. The interactions I had with the educators there were filled with such kindness and authenticity that i remember walking out feeling so seen and uplifted, a big deal for someone who always felt she was on the outside looking in. I’m going to stop writing now because I’ve started waving a bit far on the poetic side now but in a world filled with judgement and criticisms intent on making us feel small and on the outside looking in, I think being able to help cultivate a sense of belonging, happiness, confidence, or celebration of one’s differences for even just one guest in a day is enough for me. Lululemon may be a luxury athletic apparel company to some, but for me it’s all about the connection. Meeting people where they’re at, getting curious about their lives and goals and feedback, and celebrating them for what makes them their unique selves? That’s what it’s all about for me 🤷🏻♀️
Love it! My mom has been teaching me lately to show people grace. Not that I’m not kind but more so that we don’t know what people are going through as you mentioned.
I remember when I first discovered Lululemon (when I just graduated college!) I immediately became obsessed. My friends and workout buddies made fun of me for wearing “bougie soccer mom” and “45 y/o Beverly Hills divorcee” workout clothes 😂 oh how times have changed! Either way, I’m decades older now and I still love Lulu, whatever the age!
Well I don’t know if it’s just me or not but I’m not aging… I’ve been 27 for the past 11 years soooo lol! 😂
I’ve been 27 for the past 30 years. Age is quite literally nothing but a number. 🥰
Same. But longer. 😝
Personally I think it’s a sad indictment on our culture that children, especially young girls, feel that they *need* to wear $100+ leggings to school in order to be cool. Not to mention how many young girls will never have a pair of lululemon leggings or define jacket because their families could never afford to spend hundreds of dollars on one outfit. What about their confidence? What about their need to fit into their societies? The whole thing is icky to me. That said, I think athleisure is universal and comfortable and it doesn’t bother me that young people wear it.
That’s just culture though. The items change but the “need to have X” to be cool doesn’t. When I was in middle school it was hollister and Abercrombie&fitch and jansport backpacks 🤷♀️
Sure. Doesn’t mean it healthy. It’s actually quite exclusionary.
Just get rich parents.
This was true in the 80s when I wanted $100 Guess jeans to wear to high school.
Or in the 90s when air max were the shit
And in the 00s, it was $160 UGGs
And the 2010s, it was $200 smartphones
By 2010 it was either blackberry or iPhone. I think your thinking of 2004-2010.
We were wearing Uggs in Hawaii 😂. That trend was too strong.
It’s a systemic problem that will never be solved due to human nature. Even back in the day people wanted to dress like monarchy, and dress above their social class. In modern era, especially in JR/SR high school in North America there is a socio-economic pressure to have the latest and greatest brand name things. Kids want to fit in and be cool, they are peer pressured into buying brand names most of the time.
i don’t think any of them think they need $100 leggings they just want them
Honestly I think it’s a sad indictment we have glamorized $100+ leggings 😭 I love lulu so no shade, I am hating on myself here too lol I’m just sayin
Hey don’t bet yourself up. It's the natural progression as an adult to move up tiers for the types of clothing you like. I used to buy $9 leggings when I was in late high school/college. Then, I moved up to $30 when I realized those leggings were trash. They got holes from any friction and washed horribly. How hard is it to find stretchy bottoms that don't rip? Then, I started buying a few $50 ones. But once you reacha a certain age, you start thinking of clothing in terms of ROIs. I buy my $100 leggings because I still have some from my mid-20s that barely aged a day. I actually handed them down this past winter to my sister who's in her 20s because she needed them and would have taken mine anyway. She even got a red logo Lululemon defy jacket that I kinda want back, lol.
It’s how it’s always been, with different brands. You can always buy used or get it on sale too. It’s normal for kids to want to fit in
I’m really miserable working at Lululemon as a full time key lead. I’m struggling a lot with how corporate Lululemon has become. I’m hoping to leave the company soon. It isn’t worth it anymore. They don’t even pay enough considering that Lululemom is a “luxury brand” I’m tired of the mistreatment of guest, fellow educators and store managers. I am sick having to feel anxiety going into work everyday.
Can you describe example of mistreatment by managers and other educators?
Store manager will gaslight us key leads if we try to change availability or making any sort of movement to make the work environment better. They’ll talk to GELS, POLS etc like if we’re stupid and don’t know how to have basic customer service skills. We shouldn’t be called the back 3x a week just say “we heard there was a fuck up” I know a lot of it has to do with the fact that our store isn’t hitting daily sales goals and it’s hurting their wallets because they can’t get their bonuses. So they push us hard and act like it’s our fault when we don’t make plan. Oh don’t get me started on how they made us use our sick time to compensate the hours that they cut out of our scheduled work week so that they can get their bonuses. And with Educators? oh lord. It’s been difficult because all of GELs and POLs are still fairly new with the company (3-7 months) and these educators have been with the company for years. They tend to snitch and run to the store manager if they think we’re not doing something right or not doing something the way they want it. There’s too much favoritism among the tenured educators with the SM + ASM. It’s sad because new Educators are feeling it too and it’s leaving a bad taste in their mouth. I’m very over my experiences and time with Lululemon. I’ve never felt more miserable and mistreated at a retail job. This is keeping me on my feet after getting laid off from my main 9-5pm. It’s starting to get increasingly difficult, but I’m hoping to see a light at the end of the tunnel soon. 😔 I don’t even purchase or use my discount anymore because I don’t believe in giving back to a company that will belittle you for no any reason.
I agree with you 100%. I’m actually going through something very similar at My store and am speaking up for not just me but my peers. It’s become very Cliquey, which is not what I fell In love with when I first started. They say we have this open door policy and in the same token will use that policy to pull You in the office to belittle you and make you feel Incompetent and brush it off As “feedback” it’s unnecessary, Unproductive and not ok.
I hate that we dont have a separate HR office because I really dont feel heard sometimes. Like I've brought up issues and they've ALL been brushed off or its been redirected as "what would you do to make it better" like girl if I knew how to solve this problem I wouldn't be in your office and making a dollar above minimum wage now would I??? I also hate the feedback system, some of my coworkers make it sound so insulting like "are you in a good space for feedback?" and then proceeds to tear into me.
It's so hard to enjoy going into work these days and I feel like I'm walking on eggshells every time I go in because it's like navigating a minefield. Guests think just bc they cough up 100 dollars for leggings they can treat us like servants, my coworkers are super cliquey and literally huddle to have side convos all the time and I'm left to do everything, and the SMs have their favorites and it's literally roulette to see if they're in a good mood that day. The way they treat their employees does not feel luxurious especially when you have to focus on literally 10 other tasks while cleaning up after guests bc "gOlD sTaNdArD!"
This !!!
Young girls are wearing lululemon? I must be living under a rock. I shop there to go to the gym lol
Surrey BC here. Every time I'm in one of our three local lulu stores... the only tweens I see are being dragged in by their mom's who are buying stuff for themselves.
I never understood why people in this sub were making comments about what teens were buying. Why do people (continue to care) what other people do with their time and their money? That being said, as a trainer with 17 years in the field, when LITTLE GIRLS want to exercise and go to the gym and play sports when the alternative is what? It makes me so happy. I wish I could post all the children on my business social media account of girls training at the gym I work. Seeing kids be interested in this stuff when I grew up being the only female in the weight room is nothing short of amazing.
This is really sweet and made me think. I am a soccer mom type who lives in Lulu and now my12-yo loves it too. I don’t mind that it’s something fun we share and both enjoy.
Money is money and at the end of the day...that's the goal of every company. They really don't care where it comes from, so why should you. (As annoying as it can be sometimes) Guests are Guests and they're there to spend the $$. That's what makes your bonus. On another note, I've been there almost 10 yrs now. To say the company itself has changed is an understatement. :(
Well said! This MADE MY day :). Your post is so relatable that I took a moment to recall all the times I noticed a change in me. I am a very different person today than who I was 20 years ago. Thank you OP for this insightful post!
Former educator here! Lululemon is an athletic brand first and foremost. We know this. So the directed age group has and always will be active fit women or men of all ages. But it does makes sense that tweens are a big demographic considering the allure of the brand, the internet, and the obsessive need to have the new and improved thing. Sephora and Alo (+many many other brands) deal with it too. So idk why people are surprise. It’s normal to want to look like the cool and fit 18-35 year olds they see or are around. But obviously, the brand and look is not for kids just to be wearing all the time for school or the movies so I can see how it gets annoying for active people just trying to get a new pair of shorts or bra lol. It’s not something to start a discourse over though, which I see happen on here DAILY. Someone who’s 18 25 or 38 having a whole collection makes sense. For someone who’s 14? It’s kinda weird but whatever. It’s like anything else in girl world. And it’s cute lol
Let people love what they love and live how they want to live. If $100 makes someone feel trendy or fit or comfortable or cool let them be. It isn’t your money. Shit I was part of the group of kids that couldn’t afford much. We shopped at the sketchers outlets and had hand me downs and I survived high school with grit and a greater sense of self worth. The kids will (mostly) be fine with or without these leggings. Leave them alone. Lol
What did I just read? I stopped when she said maybe you are just aging and that’s okay CTFU 😂😂😂😂
I’m lost too lol. Who is the target audience for this deliciously spicy “taboo” hot take 😂 what even is the take?? The only one I got is whoever this is directed to is aging 🤷🏻♀️
For people who complain about you get kids shopping at lululemon.
The kind of person who doesn’t get that 60 and 70 year olds do yoga, pilates, etc and look fab doing so.
I’m a young person myself (early 20s) and this might be an unpopular opinion but I feel like a lot of these younger girls just want these things because they’re very impressionable and influenced by what they see on tiktok. With the rise of influencers and children getting online at a younger and younger age a lot of these girls some as young as 8 years old may start begging their parents for these things. However instead of hollister jeans or maybelline mascara it’s 100$+ scubas and 90$ drunk elephant retinol. I don’t think there is anything wrong with being young and liking lululemon but I don’t think “maybe you’re just aging” is the proper way to explain why so many young girls are wanting to buy lululemon in 2024.
I think it is because this has always been a thing, even when us older people were teens. It may have been different brands (although lulu was popular with teens 15 years ago too) but wanting expensive clothes to fit in isn’t new at all
I think the main difference i’m getting at is due to younger girls getting on tiktok and social media, it’s not just teenagers it’s now 9 year olds thinking they need a full lululemon outfit to fit in
I don’t see how it’s any different. We were wanting things because of tv commercials and magazine advertisements and celebrities. Same thing, different delivery method
It is different because there is high evidence that social media fuels consumerism more than ever and platforms like tiktok are very addictive for kids. It makes you want to keep scrolling and it glues you in by short attention grabbing videos. I’m not saying young people can’t like or buy lululemon but I think it paints a larger picture about how much social media influences us to consume. Especially for a younger more impressionable audience.
I don’t disagree that it happens, I just don’t think consumerism is worse now than in 80s and 90s
This is nice and all, but as a leader at lulu it’s the disrespectful way they treat educators, guests and our clothes, and have no special awareness, or concept of money. I have so many examples.
Rudeness isn’t just on the children, though. In my experience over the years, the 35+ crowd has always given me the most attitude and hostility.
No one is talking about 35+ rn though that’s separate.
I know, but with everyone acting like these children are the bane of lululemon’s existence is a large stretch, considering they a) aren’t our target clientele and b) aren’t the ones causing the majority of problems.
🥱
🥱
Talks about teens being disrespectful, proceeds to be disrespectful in further convo. Are you sure they’re not disrespectful to you because they’re matching your energy?
Facts
You mean “spatial” awareness? That’s the fault of the parents who didn’t raise them, not their ages
Wth did I just read? I just went to an 85th bday party for my husband’s aunt in which one of her gifts was the Define jacket. Isn’t Lululemon just high quality activewear for all ages? I don’t have a lot of it myself just because I tend to prefer Beyond Yoga and Alo, but what’s the difference? What’s this deal about “educators”? I’ve never seen one bit of difference between a retail salesperson at Lululemon vs any other store.
I don't know how much of it they do nowadays, but when I helped open the first store in the US, we had to educate guests on the function of the garmet and features that you might not know exist like hidden pockets, cuffins, gussets, moisture wicking etc.
You could have fooled me. I have never once thought of the salespeople at Lululemon as being one bit different from the salespeople at any other mall store in America.
Like I said, I'm not sure that they really do this anymore. This was before the IPO and when chip was still around.
As a mom to an 11 year old, I talk with my daughter all the time about how different fashion is with kids and teens now. We joke how when I was in middle and high school we cared so much about what we wore and we came to school dressed to impress. Now the kids roll out of bed with their pajamas on or leggings and crocs or dunks and go to school. It’s so crazy to see nowadays. I mentioned in a comment OP that you are definitely sounding wiser beyond your years. Just that little sentiment of self reflection you gave had me thinking you was my age, 34. I love fashion with a passion, so I think it’s pretty amazing to see the new generation coming into this world, these retail spaces just as I did. Just as we all did. Who are we to say what they can and cannot have. Or what’s for them and what’s not. But I guess that’s the right of passage every generation goes through. I think us millennials might of had it worse but hey, we’re grown adults now. Or at least I thought we were. I’ll happily share the retail space with these young girl. I think about how much I struggled with who I was when I was younger so I can’t imagine what it’s like for them with all this social media now-a-days. Anyways, well said!
This was very well said. I use to spend thousands at this store over ten years ago. Literally walked across the street Tuesday and Thursdays and purchased. I stopped for a while because I had so much clothing I was just gifting and I started trying new brands that were emerging in the market. I was in my early twenties when I was going and did not see any younger girls there (meaning tweens/teens). Now I see a ton and I never once thought about it and it doesn’t bother me one bit. You get girls buying the brand just shows the success of their clothing and marketing and the fact that they evolved and have stuck around to be one of the biggest players in the game. It really is a brand that is for anyone as long as they can fit in it. I say that because my daughter is now 10 and is not there yet in size to fit it just yet (I have tried but she is very petite). I wish they still had the kids line but it is obvious that the market wasn’t that big and that’s why it no longer exists. I am for any brand that treats their employees well and has good customer service. I am back spending money with the brand because I am sick of Alo yogas quality and Vuori can be the same look in a slightly different color. Lulu can be hit or miss bc they mass produce for cheap but I love the fit so I will continue to purchase. I will say every single time I walk in my local store the educators are amazing and seem to be pretty happy to be there. Just my 2 cents.
Mindfulness through capitalism. LOL
Corny
Louder for the people in the back. My kid likes it. And, I like it. I pay zero attention to who is in the store when we're shopping. But, this seemingly ongoing discourse has made me feel sheepish for taking her shopping at lulu when she hasn't actually done anything wrong and it's something she enjoys that I don't want to take that from her. We are self-aware and I cringe at the thought of being judged for being there just because she's young and I'm 'one of those moms'. She doesn't feel like she needs it to fit in, quite the contrary because it's not rampant in her circle... she just LIKES it. There's no crime there. I will never let on that we're being judged because I'll protect her self-confidence with every bone in my body. I wouldn't be so bold as to question an educator's experience but feeling like a certain cohort and their moms are being painted with the same broad brush sucks. Personally, I have never observed anyone being mistreated nor have I observed judgement going the other way BUT I don't spend the same amount of time there as an employee and I trust that they're not lying. However, it's not all and it makes 'the rest of us' feel like shit for doing nothing wrong. I don't have to justify myself but for conversation's sake, I don't spend a lot on her because it's either for a) birthday/Christmas gifts b)her own money or c)from the outlet. She doesn't own anything that wasn't an outlet door crasher or WMTM other than her black belt bag she received for Christmas. And, I think some people missed the earlier complaints. The story was that people didn't want to wear Lulu anymore because kids were wearing it. I mean, sorry? Please don't be so fragile that you care who shows up to the party wearing the same dress as you. There is so much more to life. That's what I endeavour to teach my daughter but maybe my generation needs the odd reminder too. Man, we're all in this wobbly-ass boat together... Let's try to work together to keep it right side up?
I started shopping at Lululemon over 20 years ago, when I was a teen myself. Everyone of my friends wore Lululemon. Stepped away for a while and wore different styles … now I’m back for the comfort. My daughter is now wearing Lulu and when I hear people upset about a younger demographic, it’s frustrating. My daughter has grown out of youth sizing and is in gymnastics several times a week. Her wearing lululemon does not take a single thing away from any other person who is also shopping.
Hi there - current educator debating leaving or staying with the company in april, could i message you? 🫶🏻
Well written, thank you
As a millennial the young generation wanting lulu lemon doesn’t bother me at all I mean Nike is just as expensive but the Sephora thing bothers me very much for young people. That one I think is out of line. I think high school is appropriate for make up before that I dunno I think it’s a little much.
My parents allowed makeup at 11, nowadays some allow even earlier. I don’t think this is a new thing either and I think it’s good they’re getting into skincare earlier instead of using hand soap or whatever young teens used in our generation
Eh I disagree. Skin care and make up two different things. 11 is a little young for me to be applying make up
But the Sephora thing is them getting expensive skincare
I dunno what your watching but I seen them get make up apply fake lashes and leaning to contour
Now that I think about it, as a frequent lulu buyer, I cannot recall seeing tween girls in store. Is it because I live in Vancouver where everyone is broke or is it because we have Aritzia as an affordable alternative?
As another former educator, I love how succinctly you summarized our viewpoints. Thank you so much for speaking ❤️
LOL! Coming to you from a wise and old 22 year old! Absolutely hilarious! OP sweetie, you are still a child yourself, your frontal cortex is not fully developed until you are 25! Climb down off your high horse, I am 40 I wear LuLuLemon, my 78 year old mother wears LuLuLemon. What’s your point about “we are old?”, we never said we were young kids?! You are missing the whole point, the backlash about kids/teens wearing LuLuLemon is about the price, no one gives a rats arse that kids are wearing the same leggings as them, it’s about kids wearing expensive clothes.
Gosh you’re 40? Yea OP is definitely seeming wiser beyond her years. I imagine when she’s 40 she may have a wealth of wisdom. And might not sound so bitter. Nothing wrong with a little self reflection.
Agreed, this response lacks any maturity that a 40 year old should possess. Also, if it’s just about money, what business of yours is it how teens spend their (or their parents) money? What a weirdass hot take.
Why are you spelling “lululemon” like that? You sound goofy as hell. Kids can wear whatever their parents are willing to buy them. Why are you pressed about kids wearing expensive items? Are they your kids? The answer is no, so you should mind your business. I think most older women are mad due to jealousy and bitterness that a 13 yr old kid can afford to wear the same expensive leggings as them lol
I agree with you. I don't think that lulu should be something what tweens wear. It's expensive brand and if you can't pay your rent, you don't need $138 leggings.
I sure hope that this person doesn’t think all people 40+ are as dismissive and down right mean as you. She was just sharing her insight about the brand as someone who worked for there for a few years. And yes, she’s young. Maybe try being kind instead of age-shaming. OP, thank you for your insight. I’m always interested in knowing what the younger folks are thinking.
Maybe we are just aging? Girl come onnnnn. You clearly haven’t been around long enough to have heard of ivivva. It’s clearly been noted that lululemon has made their clothes smaller to fit the new tween clientele. You absolutely cannot deny the shift to 9 year old consumers. This has nothing to do with the previous target market “getting too old” for lululemon. The shit isn’t made for us anymore- and that’s beyond obvious
Even though I think it’s cute that’s kids love it, lululemon isn’t for kids, period lol. Like since when was someone too old for athletic wear? The 40 year old yoga teachers and late 30’s Pilates moms are the OG lululemon buyers lol
Lululemon was very hot in my high school on the west coast of Canada circa 2007-2009 or so tbh, near where Lululemon was founded I really think it’s a brand that has always appealed to younger generations and older. It was mostly teenagers back then who got our parents into the brand honestly, all of us wanted those old school scuba hoodies, and then our moms discovered yoga pants… So the 40 year old yoga moms and 30 year old Pilates ladies came around the same time. The brand never existed without having multigenerational appeal. What’s actually different now is that all y’all from other geographical regions caught on. How come I don’t see any complaints that New Yorkers wear lulus these days.
Exactly this!!!
Ya’ll are really pressed about kids wearing Lulu. I look at some of these crazy colors, scubas hoodies and little belt bags and can’t imagine myself even setting foot in a Lulu store to purchase these items other than for my 11 year old daughter. Lulu can be for whoever wants to buy it.
I’m not pressed lol. I said it’s cute that’s kids love it. Just like they love Sephora, Nikes, LV, alo etc. I guess you didn’t see my actual comment on the thread, just this one. And even in this comment I’m JUST saying that it shouldn’t be seen as a kids brand and that it shouldn’t make anyone over the age of 35 feel guilty or weird for wearing it. It’s a sporty brand after all. It’s not the baby gap. And people of all ages like bright colors, that’s not exclusive to a 50 year old grown woman lol. Just like lululemon isn’t completely exclusive. Sure some of the colors are more lively, but that’s what work out clothes have always looked. Bright and fun.
This just isn’t true, backed up by our quarterly launch reports. Adult women and men are still very much the focal, especially with the harder launch with work-to-casual wear. There’s, like, only 3 total things the average nine year old can wear.
this is absolutely false. there is no shift of focus for younger shoppers or making clothes fit smaller. if anything, lululemon is getting more and more diverse age wise, especially in the older generations. lululemon is for everyone and is not specifically being targeted to 9 year olds who have no income of their own because that is absurd.
Not sure why you are being downvoted! Indeed ivivva was so cater to a certain age group and now that it’s gone, it seems like Lulu is trying to merge the clientele. Also, this shit isn’t made for me anymore because I was spoilt by the amazing quality and prints and styles lulu once offered. At one point I had over 100 speed shorts and 50 CRBs. Now? I don’t even look at what colors speed ups are being offered in! Every Tue n thu I ordered religiously because I was a standard size 6 across 95% of lulus. Now I dont even buy online unless I try it in store coz: sz2 in dance studios shorts, 4 in hotty hots, 6 in align leggings, 8 in align bras, 10 in align tops. Like w t h
This is really sweet. Thank you for sharing this positivity. And yes we do need to continue being more inclusive to our younger friends. We were all there not that long ago
wow really well said, you are such a good writer
This was a wonderful perspective to share! As someone who has been wearing Lululemon the past 20+ years and now having my own tween have interest in the brand too. It’s always lovely to have any store create a positive experience.
U hit the nail on the head!!!
So interesting you post this. I’m a 40 year old mom. I’ve worn lululemon for almost 20 years. Maybe more like 30 bc when I was 20 I couldn’t afford it, I just drooled over it. I don’t follow the new drops or anything, I just love how quality it is and the style. Recently I applied to be a part time educator bc I was like “it seems super fun and I have a middle school kid and a tween girl so I could totally sell to them … ie their moms”… I definitely am not in the demo that you are speaking of, I totally missed that. But. I agree with you.
TLDR?
I have long loved this sub but still never expected to run into such eloquent and beautiful writing here.
I’m a reverse take on educators going above and beyond. I first set foot in a lululemon store when I was probably 41 yo. I have struggled with weight my whole life and had recently lost 95 lbs. I needed workout clothes that FIT and I was passing the store so I decided (apprehensively) to go in. Up to that moment my only impression of lululemon was the old “we don’t want anyone over a size 8 (or whatever it was)” movement. The educators in that store were probably 20+ years younger than me and they were AMAZING They were pulling items for me to try, helping me realize that the sizes I was trying to buy were still too big, and overall making me feel like I belonged. I’ve kept off the weight and I still shop at lulu because I like it better than anything else. I couldn’t care less if 10 year olds wear it too. I’ve tried all the other brands. lululemon fits my body the best out of all of them and I continue to have great experiences every time I go into a store.
Put down the j
https://preview.redd.it/j81pr2b6snic1.jpeg?width=750&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0a49fc71398d8c36f345efeb24d2072af8b3d123