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Business Wars · March 5, 2020 · 31m

The North Face vs. Patagonia - Outdoor Wars

Two outdoor brands with radically different philosophies. The North Face seeks growth and mass market appeal. Patagonia deliberately limits growth to prioritize environmental mission. Which model wins?

Canon

Brown presents data showing that Patagonia's employee retention and satisfaction scores significantly exceed industry averages, despite paying below-market salaries. The mission — saving the planet — provides meaning that compensation can't.

Highlights

Patagonia's 'Don't Buy This Jacket' campaign used anti-consumerism as a marketing strategy — and it worked
Patagonia ran a full-page ad on Black Friday telling consumers NOT to buy their jacket. Sales increased 30%. Anti-consumerism, when authentic, is the most powerful form of marketing.