The Columbia Shoes is one of the leading producer and seller of shoe brands in the world. Founded in 1938, it is United States Company headquartered in Portland, Oregon. Gert Boyle, present chairwoman, plays a vital role in increasing the revenues for the company by incorporating advanced and modern technology. Columbia Shoes innovative product line includes variety of outerwear, sportswear, rugged footwear and accessories. With its extensive product line, Columbia Shoes Company had a net sale of nearly $1.29 billion in 2006. It continues to expand its product range of outdoor sporty shoewear.
The history of Columbia started in 1937 when Gert's parents, Paul and Marie Lamfrom, fled to Germany and settled in Portland, Oregon. Columbia is known as a product groundbreaker and has an unparalleled reputation for its high quality and unsurpassed value. These basic principles lead the company through the creation of inventive and highly popular designs, including famous Interchange System. Outdoor fanciers everywhere look to Columbia shoes for comfortable and casual styles for the outdoors, work and relaxation.
Brand Models of Columbia Shoes:
1. Casual
2. Hiking and Trial
3. Water and Boat
4. European Collection
Columbia propels those associations which are involved in human assistance, conservationism, art and education. Being a member of the Conservation Alliance, it actively participates in grass roots preservation and environmental funding. Its employees also work for many social causes like SMART, the American Hiking Society, and the American Heart Association.
Columbia offices are responsible for reprocessing thousands of pounds of paper and cardboard, as well as glass, plastic, aluminum and tin. By obviating excessive packaging and by using recycled paper and soy-based inks, Columbia products also chew over commitment to reduce, reuse and recycle. The Columbia Shoes Company educates their employees about environmental cognizance, and encourages them to carpool and use mass transit with inducements like subsidized bus passes, guaranteed parking for carpoolers, and bike racks and showers in the office for cyclists.
Today Columbia Shoes are available through all over 13,000 retailers in 72 countries, from Argentina, to New Zealand, to Korea. The company owns and operates sales offices in North America, Europe and Asia. Columbia Shoes has wholly owned subsidiaries in Canada and Japan. The family of brands has grown to include Montrail, Mountain Hardwear, Pacific Trail, and Sorel. While their corporate headquarters and domestic distribution centers ( European Distribution Center in Cambrai, France) remain in Portland, Oregon, Columbia employ more than 2,700 people around the world. Whatever be the need, Columbia has a shoe for you.
