Many longtime residents of Bozeman have often shared their fears of Bozeman becoming another Jackson Hole applet with a Main Street sprinkled with art galleries and coffee shops.

As Main Street becomes more and more Rodeo Drive North the things many of us moved away from have followed us here.

Big name chains do serve a purpose and do fill a void that many shoppers want — Both in retail and restaurant choices.

One such choice is Lululemon.

Who or What Is Lululemon?

Lululemon athletica inc. is a Canadian athletic apparel retailer. Lululemon is a self-described yoga-inspired athletic apparel company for women and men.

The company makes a variety of types of athletic wear, including performance shirts, shorts, and pants, as well as lifestyle apparel and yoga accessories.

The brand was originally based in Canada but has expanded to selling its products internationally in both store fronts and via their online platform, lululemon.com/shop.lululemon.com.

While known for its stylish and high-quality items, Lululemon is often criticized for being “cultish, faddish and overpriced.”

The brand attempts to adopt a genuine, customer-education focus, but has been questioned as to whether it truly practices what it preaches. Key competitors include Athleta, Nike and Under Armour.

Some Final Thoughts

As a business person I welcome all types of businesses to our area. The one guiding goal of business success is to find a need and fill it for your customers.

But is this type of business a drawing card to our little Western hamlet or a sign that you’ve entered the tourist Twilight Zone?

When you think of Bozeman, Montana is yoga pants the first thing that pops into your head?

OMG I forgot to pack my yoga pants Lululemon to the rescue.

Will the yoga pants have bison emblazed on them, the MSU logo or the scenic Bridgers?

It appears this will be a test store until 2019 to see how many Bozemanites will embrace yoga enough to keep Lululemon’s doors open.

I guess that Sitting Bull blanket will have to wait. Gotta get my workout in.