Columbia Sportswear Company has signed a license agreement with NorthPole LLC for the design, manufacture and marketing of camping tents, sleeping bags and innovative screened gazebos. The collection will debut in a select number of sporting goods stores for the 2004 spring season.
“NorthPole is one of the top tent and sleeping bag manufacturers in the world and has a stellar reputation for designing distinctive, high-quality products,” said Tim Boyle, Columbia's President and Chief Executive Officer. “We are very enthusiastic about working with them to provide Columbia-branded tents and sleeping bags to outdoor enthusiasts.”
Columbia estimates that the relevant tent market is approximately $337 million at retail and the relevant sleeping bag market is approximately $230 million at retail. Columbia opted to pursue a license agreement rather than manufacture the outdoor equipment in-house.
“We are absolutely thrilled to partner with Columbia Sportswear,” said T.P. Lee, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Northpole. “Our track record of bringing innovation to camping tents, sleeping bags and other outdoor products will continue with Columbia-branded products for the 2004 retail season.”
