Columbia

Established in 1938 in Portland , Oregon Established in 1938 in Portland , Oregon, Columbia Sportswear Company has grown to be a global leader in the outdoor industry, and now distributes to over 10,600 retailers in 42 countries around the world. Columbia's extensive product line includes a wide variety of outerwear, sportswear, footwear, fishing apparel, skiwear, adventure luggage and accessories that are functional yet stylish.

At the head of our company are 83 year-old matriarch Gert Boyle, Chairman of the Board, and her son, Tim Boyle, President and CEO. Columbia 's history starts with Gert's parents, Paul and Marie Lamfrom, in 1937 when they fled Germany . They bought a small hat distributorship in Portland , Oregon , and named it Columbia Hat Company, after the river bordering the city.

Columbia was one of the first ever companies to make jackets from waterproof/breathable fabric. Columbia also introduced the breakthrough technology called the 'Columbia Interchange System' where a shell and liner combine for multiple wearing options.

In 1998 the company went public, and Columbia moved into a new era as a world leader in the active outdoor apparel industry.

Since arriving in Australia in 1994 the company has gone from strength to strength - the brand was first stocked by a small group of ski shops and today can be found in around 500 retailers around the country. The company now also operates its own stand alone flagship stores in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Hobart and Adelaide.