This sucks! After a week of insane craziness at the PrairieMod office, I decided to catch up on some items of personal interest. While skimming news headings, I found out this morning that a truly inspirational retail company is closing their doors!
A month or two ago I discovered Nau Clothing, bought a couple shirts online, went to their super fresh retail store in Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood and was planning to do a feature for PrairieMod about the amazing innovation this apparel group was trying to pursue. Now I find out they can't keep it going because lame investors are afraid of the uncertain financial times we're in, even after they have been exceeding sales goals. Total bummer!
Nau had a social and environmental mission. The company utilized "webfronts"—small retail stores that allowed customers to preview sizes and purchase clothing, but then offers a ten-percent discount for ordering through its low-overhead online store. Additionally, the company's "green" mission included the use of textiles developed from corn, and donation of 5% of sales to community partners working to create lasting change.
If you want details on this almost defunct company, check out an in-depth article from Fast Company.
Also, the vultures are swarming overhead with the clothing marked 50% off....so feel free to pick the bones dry. As for me, I'll mourn without reduced merch. However, I remain inspired by what this company stood for and what they tried to accomplish.
Via Dwell Daily and Treehugger
Image copyright Nau
Comments