Columbia Milestones
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2009
Columbia launches e-commerce
Titanium golf line introduced
2008
Omni-Shade® Columbia's proprietary sun protection technology developed
Columbia celebrates its 70th anniversary
Official Sponsor of Team Columbia, former team High Road
2006
Columbia acquires Montrail and Pacific Trail Products
Available in 72 countries
2005
Gert's autobiography, One Tough Mother, is released
X Games official supplier 2002–2005
2004
4 Star Distribution Center opens
Columbia acquires Mountain Hardwear
Company reaches $1 billion dollars in annual sales
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2003
Cambrai, France, Distribution Center opens
5+ million visitors to website
2002
Salt Lake City Winter Olympic Games: Official supplier to NBC Sports
Eco-Challenge official provider 1996–2002
2000
Columbia acquires Sorel
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1998
Company goes public
Sydney Summer Olympic Games: Official supplier to NBC Sports
1997
Omni Dry®: High-performance moisture management technology developed
Special Olympics: Official supplier to Team USA
1996
Columbia Comfort System introduced
PFG introduced
Flagship store opens
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1995
GRT: Gear for Rugged Trekking and Travel line introduced
America's Cup: Official sponsor to America3
1994
Convert and Titanium lines introduced
Lillehammer Winter Olympics Games: Official supplier to CBS Sports
Rivergate Distribution Center opens
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1993
Footwear line introduced
1991
Omni-Tech®: Columbia's proprietary waterproof-breathable technology developed
1990
First national television ad, "Car Wash"
1986
First Bugaboo™ Parka revolutionizes how downhill skiers dress
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1985
Sportswear line introduced
1984
The Mother of all ad campaigns begins
Youth line introduced
1982
The Columbia Interchange System® is introduced in the Quad™ Parka
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1975
Columbia first to introduce Gore-Tex® parka
Company goes international
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1970
Gert Boyle, a housewife, takes over the company
1960
Gert Boyle designs first fishing vest
Columbia Hat Company becomes Columbia Sportswear Company
1938
Columbia Hat Company established
Columbia's History
Established in 1938 in Portland , Oregon Established in 1938 in Portland , Oregon, Columbia Sportswear Company has grown to be a global leader in the outdoor industry, and now distributes to over 10,600 retailers in 42 countries around the world. Columbia 's extensive product line includes a wide variety of outerwear, sportswear, footwear, fishing apparel, skiwear, adventure luggage and accessories that are functional yet stylish.
At the head of our company are 83 year-old matriarch Gert Boyle, Chairman of the Board, and her son, Tim Boyle, President and CEO. Columbia 's history starts with Gert's parents, Paul and Marie Lamfrom, in 1937 when they fled Germany . They bought a small hat distributorship in Portland , Oregon , and named it Columbia Hat Company, after the river bordering the city.
Columbia was one of the first ever companies to make jackets from waterproof/breathable fabric. Columbia also introduced the breakthrough technology called the 'Columbia Interchange System' where a shell and liner combine for multiple wearing options.
In 1998 the company went public, and Columbia moved into a new era as a world leader in the active outdoor apparel industry.
Since arriving in Australia in 1994 the company has gone from strength to strength - the brand was first stocked by a small group of ski shops and today can be found in around 500 retailers around the country. The company now also operates its own stand alone flagship stores in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Hobart and Adelaide.
Australian Headquarters and distribution Centre are based at Banyo, Brisbane.
Columbia Sportswear Company stands by its four principles - Outdoor, Active, Authentic and Value.
For further info: customerservice@outdoorperformance.com.au
