Nau, Inc., which was acquired by Horny Toad in October, reopened for business with the launch of a completely redesigned e-commerce website featuring its Fall 08 apparel line. It also affirmed its commitment to a new version of its Partners for Change giving program. Additionally, starting in November, Nau for the first time will begin selling its apparel through select retail partners across the country.
In Nau’s prior form, its products were only available for sale through its website and its own brick-and-mortar retail establishments, known as Webfronts. In the new iteration, Nau will partner with select retailers such as Paragon in New York City, Uncle Dan’s in Chicago and Lizard Lounge in Portland, OR, rather than operating its own stores.
“Were excited to be working with such distinguished retail partners. They give us the opportunity to bring our products to a much wider audience in a much shorter timeframe,” said Jolie Giese, Nau’s general manager.
“We saw in Nau an innovative brand-representing the perfect blend of outdoor, urban fashion sensibility with an unwavering commitment to sustainability,” said Gordon Seabury, CEO of Horny Toad. “As we enter what is likely to be a sustained period of minimalism, Nau’s product and brand sensibility reflects a thoughtful, considered approach to design. The relationship between Nau and Horny Toad has been highly synergistic: Nau benefits from Horny Toad’s status as an established business while Nau’s creativity and commitment to overturning traditional business norms continually challenges us to grow as a company.”
The company also noted that through Nau’s Partners for Change program, it will continue to give a percentage of every sale to organizations working for positive change, while still involving customers directly in the selection process when purchasing product via nau.com. The amount given will now be 2% of sales, which, while less than Nau’s previous benchmark of 5%, is still twice the most generous established benchmark and 28 times the national average for corporate philanthropy as a percent of sales. Furthermore, due to its new distribution strategy and the desire to focus resources, the number of partner organization has been reduced from thirty three to six, five of which have already been chosen: Kiva.org, Mercy Corps, Ashoka, Breakthrough Institute, and Ecotrust.
“The Partners for Change program is a key component of Nau’s mission to make business a force for positive social and environmental change. Without it, Nau wouldnt be Nau. Were glad we could maintain the program, albeit in a slightly altered form. While the decision to examine the scope and scale of the program was difficult, it mirrored our overall examination of the scope and scale of our business. Were proud of our commitment and optimistic that as we grow as a company, we will be able to grow this program as well,” said Ian Yolles, head of marketing.
