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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

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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

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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.