Kevin JohnsonCanada Goose is a specialty manufacturer and retailer based in Toronto, Canada, offering outdoor clothing, footwear, and equipment. Sam Tick founded the company in 1957 as Metro Sportswear to sell wool vests, raincoats, and snowsuits. In 1985, Metro Sportswear rebranded to Snow Goose.
The company went public in 2017 and started trading on the New York Stock Exchange and Toronto Stock Exchange. In 2020, Snow Goose rebranded to Canada Goose. The company has 51 permanent locations. In the second half of 2023, Canada Goose opened three stores in the US and plans to open 16 more outlets in FY2024. [1]
Canada Goose’s product assortment includes parkas, apparel, accessories, and footwear. The brand recently expanded its offering to cater to consumers on the US West Coast. This warm-weather collection includes mule-style footwear, lightweight T-shirts, and shorts. In Jul 2023, the luxury apparel company launched its Generations platform. Consumers can rely on this service to buy and trade in second-hand pieces from the brand, including parkas, snow pants, outdoor vests, snowsuits, trench coats, fleece, and knitwear.
Canada Goose is a leading outdoor apparel retailer; however, the company faces stiff competition from Columbia Sportswear, Patagonia, Arc’teryx, Moncler, Salomon, Jack Wolfskin, L.L.Bean, REI, Eddie Bauer, and The North Face. [2]
Here is an in-depth analysis of Canada Goose’s top competitors and alternatives:
1. Columbia Sportswear
Year founded: 1938
Headquarter: Portland, Oregon
Columbia Sportswear is a clothing and footwear retailer specializing in the outdoor sports industry. The company owns the Columbia, Mountain Hard Wear, SOREL, and prAna brands. In 2022, Columbia Sportswear had about 9,450 employees and around 450 stores.
Columbia Sportswear offers over 5,000 outdoor, active, and lifestyle items. It works with suppliers from the Asia Pacific region, Mexico, and Central America. As of Feb 2023, the company sold products in 90 countries. Columbia Sportswear is the top Canada Goose competitor and alternative. [3]
2. Patagonia, Inc.
Year founded: 1973
Headquarter: Ventura, California
Patagonia is an American outdoor clothing retailer that operates stores in over ten countries globally. In 2022, Patagonia employed over 2,500 people.
Patagonia is renowned for championing environmental preservation and restoration. The retailer started its “1% for the Planet Scheme” program in the 80s to offer 1% of its sales to environmentalists. In Nov 2022, Patagonia’s founder Yvon Chouinard donated the company to fight climate change. Patagonia is an eco-conscious alternative to Canada Goose. [4]
3. Arc’teryx
Year founded: 1989
Headquarter: Vancouver, Canada
Arc’teryx is a high-end design company specializing in outdoor apparel and equipment. It was founded as Rock Solid and rebranded to Arc’teryx in 1991. The name refers to Archaeopteryx Lithographica, the first dinosaur to fly.
Arc’teryx has over 160 brand stores and operates a circular business model via its ReBIRD circularity platform, ReCARE gear care and repair, and ReCUT for recycling end-of-life materials. Its products are stocked in over 2,400 retail locations globally. Consumers can buy second-hand goods on Arc’teryx’s ReGEAR marketplace.
In 2022, Arc’teryx opened ten outlets in North America and seeks to expand its market presence with 15 new store openings in 2023. Arc’teryx is a fast-growing Canada Goose competitor. [5]
4. Moncler
Year founded: 1952
Headquarter: Milan, Italy
Moncler is a luxury fashion brand that offers ready-to-wear outerwear. The company started as a down jacket boutique and expanded its portfolio to include designer vests, raincoats, windbreakers, knitwear, leather goods, footwear, fragrance, and outdoor accessories. In 2022, Moncler had more than 6,000 employees.
Canada Goose and Moncler are the world’s leading luxury performance outerwear brands. In the first half of 2023, Moncler’s parent company surpassed EUR 1 billion in revenue. The brand is renowned for its innovative thinking and customer-centric approach and is one of the best alternatives to Canada Goose for performance outerwear. [6]
5. Salomon
Year founded: 1947
Headquarter: Annecy, France
Salomon started as a ski binder producer and seller. The company diversified its portfolio to include alpine boots and outdoor apparel and released its first clothing line in 2001. The retailer has around 3,000 employees.
Salomon operates around 190 retail stores globally and is best known for its skiing products. In Mar 2023, athletes using Salomon skis, boots, and bindings won 11 medals at the Nordic World Championships in Slovenia. Team Salomon had nine skiers from seven nations and got 1 Gold medal, 2 Silvers, and 8 Bronzes. Salomon is one of the best alternatives to Canada Goose for skiing equipment. [7]
6. Jack Wolfskin
Year founded: 1981
Headquarter: Idstein, Hessen, Germany
Jack Wolfskin is a German outdoor wear and equipment manufacturer. The company sells sports equipment, mountain and leisure clothing, footwear, rucksacks, sleeping bags, and tents. In 2022, Jack Wolfskin had over 1,400 employees and around 500 retail stores.
Jack Wolfskin encourages consumers to connect with nature by sharing outdoor experiences shared with friends and family. The company develops German-engineered performance apparel, footwear, and equipment. In Sep 2022, Jack Wolfskin presented its new strategic brand direction and released its fall and winter collection. Jack Wolfskin is one of the top competitors for Canada Goose in Europe. [8]
7. L.L.Bean
Year founded: 1912
Headquarter: Freeport, Maine
L.L.Bean is a retail company that offers clothing and outdoor recreation equipment. It has over 5,500 employees. In Mar 2023, L.L.Bean announced a $50 million renovation plan for its flagship store. [9]
L.L.Bean operates 70 retail outlets in Maine, Costa Rica, Japan, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. In Aug 2023, the company announced its opening plans for two new stores at Hanover Crossing and Northshore Mall in Peabody, Massachusetts. L.L.Bean is one of the top competitors for Canada Goose. [10]
8. Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI)
Year founded: 1938
Headquarter: Sumner, Washington
REI is a specialty outdoor retailer founded by Lloyd and Mary Anderson. It operates as a consumer cooperative owned by active members who have paid a $30-lifetime membership fee. In Dec 2022, REI had over 15,000 employees, but it laid off 167 people in Feb 2023. [11]
REI is America’s largest consumer cooperative specializing in outdoor apparel, camping gear, and outdoor-oriented vacations. It serves 23 million members, including mountaineers and outdoor adventurers. As of August 2023, REI had 181 stores in 41 US states and the District of Columbia. REI is a formidable competitor for Canada Goose.
9. Eddie Bauer, LLC
Year founded: 1920
Headquarter: Bellevue, Washington
Eddie Bauer is an outdoor gear and apparel brand the Simon Property Group acquired in May 2021. In Q4 2022, the group traded its shares in Eddie Bauer for a further stake in Authentic Brands Group. [12]
Eddie Bauer and Canada Goose cater to outdoor enthusiasts, but Eddie Bauer is renowned for outfitting dozens of mountain expeditions, including the first American ascent of Mount Everest. In Aug 2022, the company expanded its RE-Adventure program to sell used gear. Canada Goose introduced a similar service in Jul 2023 under its new Generations platform. Eddie Bauer is one of the best alternatives to Canada Goose for mountaineers. [13]
10. The North Face
Year founded: 1966
Headquarter: Denver, Colorado
The North Face is an outdoor recreation brand owned by VF Corporation. It produces and sells outdoor clothing, footwear, and equipment. In 2022, The North Face’s parent company VF Corporation had over 50,000 employees.
The North Face offers athlete-tested, expedition-proven outdoor products. In Oct 2022, North Face unveiled a five-year growth plan to add 300 retail stores worldwide. The company opened new locations in Illinois, Oregon, China, and Germany. The North Face is one of the top competitors for Canada Goose. [14]
11. Helly Hansen
Year founded: 1877
Headquarter: Oslo, Norway
Helly Hansen is a professional-grade gear retailer. The company initially sold workwear for long sea journeys but later expanded its offering to cater to other outdoor consumers. In May 2018, Canadian Tire Corporation acquired Helly Hansen for CAD 985 million.
Helly Hansen is a very old company in the outdoor gear sector and has a long history of first-to-market innovations. In Mar 2023, the company launched its Outdoor Collection for spring and summer backcountry adventures. Helly Hansen is a worthy alternative to Canada Goose. [15]
12. Burton
Year founded: 1977
Headquarter: Burlington, Vermont
Burton is one of the world’s leading snowboard manufacturers, but the company also offers outdoor clothing and gear. In 2022, Burton had over 1,000 employees and around 70 stores.
Burton and Canada Goose offer outdoor apparel and gear, but Burton specializes in the snowboarding sector. In Jan 2023, the company refreshed its Mine77 Collection. It features high-end, high-design snowboarding clothing, accessories, and equipment. Burton is one of the best alternatives to Canada Goose for snowboarders. [16]
13. Walmart
Year founded: 1962
Headquarter: Bentonville, Arkansas
Walmart is the world’s largest brick-and-mortar store chain. Its Ozark Trail brand offers outdoor clothing and camping equipment. In 2022, Walmart had over 5,000 stores across the US. [17]
Walmart is an all-in-one retailer that enables customers to buy everything they need under one roof. Adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts can purchase apparel, footwear, and equipment for Ozark Trail or partner brands. In Apr 2023, the company introduced Ozark Trail mountain bikes. Walmart is a formidable competitor for Canada Goose. [18]
14. Marmot
Year founded: 1974
Headquarter: Rohnert Park, California
Marmot is an outdoor recreation clothing and sporting goods company. It was founded by students of UC Santa Cruz and members of the Marmot social mountaineering club. In 2022, Marmot partnered with Pendleton to create a camping kit with a tent, totes, soft cooler, sleeping bag, quilt, and outdoor accessories. [19]
Marmot initially specialized in parkas and sleeping bags. The retailer sells its products via physical stores and third-party online marketplaces like Amazon.com. In Jul 2023, Amazon.com offered Prime Day Marmot deals on hiking apparel, tents, and sleeping bags. Marmot is one of the best alternatives to Canada Goose for campers. [20]
15. DICK’s Sporting Goods, Inc.
Year founded: 1948
Headquarter: Coraopolis, Pennsylvania
DICK’s is America’s largest sporting goods retailer. The company serves athletes and outdoor enthusiasts through physical stores, an online platform, and a mobile app. In 2022, DICK’s had around 50,000 employees and 850 stores.
DICK’s and Canada Goose cater to outdoor enthusiasts, but DICK’s specializes in sporting goods. In Apr 2022, DICK’s partnered with Out&Back to launch an outdoor gear buyback program. DICK’s is a worthy alternative to Canada Goose. [21]
16. Mackage
Year founded: 1999
Headquarter: Montreal, Canada
Mackage is a Canadian outerwear clothing brand. The company serves customers in the US, UK, Canada, China, South Korea, and Japan. In 2022, Mackage operated 18 locations in North America and Europe.
Mackage is renowned for its cultural and eco-friendly approach to outwear design. In 2022, the company spotlighted Indigenous model Quannah Chasinghorse in its Sustainable Spring campaign. Its spring and summer 2023 collection featured trench coats, utility-style vests, and windbreakers, highlighting the brand’s protective fashion DNA. Mackage is one of the best alternatives to Canada Goose for eco-conscious consumers. [22]
17. Fjällräven
Year founded: 1960
Headquarter: Örnsköldsvik, Sweden
Fjällräven is a Swedish brand specializing in outdoor equipment, clothing, and luggage. Fenix Outdoor International AG has owned the company since 2014. In 2022, Fjällräven sold its products in over 40 countries.
Fjällräven is an iconic outdoor brand in the Nordic countries, but it also operates in the US and across Europe. The company introduced several products for its new 2023 spring and summer collection. The catalog includes outdoor daypacks, trekking backpacks, tents, jackets, trousers, sweaters, and Kånken bags. Fjällräven is the top competitor for Canada Goose in Nordic countries. [23]
18. Moose Knuckles
Year founded: 2009
Headquarter: Montreal, Canada
Moose Knuckles is a Canadian luxury performance outerwear brand. The company offers the leanest and most luxurious sportswear in the world. In 2022, Moose Knuckles was the world’s third-most-popular performance outwear brand.
Moose Knuckles was founded to compete against Canada Goose and Moncler, the leaders in the luxury performance outerwear sector. Unlike Canada Goose, Moose Knuckles provides a body-conscious fashion spin on the traditional puffer jacket. The brand combines high-quality materials and ultimate function. Moose Knuckles is one of the top competitors for Canada Goose in the Canadian market. [24]
19. Backcountry
Year founded: 1996
Headquarter: Park City, Utah
Backcountry is a clothing and outdoor recreation gear retailer. In 2018, Backcountry created its cutting-edge Gearhead-inspired products. The collection includes ski, MTB, climb, hike, fly fish, and après lines.
Backcountry caters to hikers, campers, bikers, rock climbers, rafters, kayakers, runners, and winter sports enthusiasts. In Jun 2022, the outdoor company launched its Outervention campaign to encourage customers to connect with nature and engage in outdoor activities. Backcountry is one of the top competitors for Canada Goose. [25]
20. Moosejaw
Year founded: 1992
Headquarter: Madison Heights, Michigan
Moosejaw is an outdoor gear and clothing retailer. Walmart acquired Moosejaw for $51 million in 2017 to bolster its e-commerce offerings. In Feb 2023, Walmart sold it to Dick’s Sporting Goods. [26]
Moosejaw sells outdoor apparel and gear through its e-commerce platform and brick-and-mortar locations in Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Kansas, Michigan, and Missouri. In Feb 2023, the company unveiled its ReTrail re-commerce program to allow customers to resell used items. ReTrail competes against Canada Goose’s Generations, launched in Jul 2023. As a prior subsidiary of Walmart, Moosejaw can compete and poach some customers from Canada Goose. [27]
21. Eastern Mountain Sports (EMS)
Year founded: 1967
Headquarter: Meriden, Connecticut
EMS is a retail company specializing in outdoor clothing and equipment. The company sells gear and apparel in 17 northeastern US states. In 2022, EMS had around 20 retail stores.
EMS offers outdoor products from in-house and partner brands, including The North Face, Oboz, Thule, and Columbia. In May 2022, GoDigital Media Group acquired EMS and Bob’s Stores for $70 million. The new owners opened two EMS stores in 2022 and announced plans to bolster EMS’s e-commerce and highlight its private label. Eastern Mountain Sports is a worthy alternative to Canada Goose. [28]
22. Lands’ End
Year founded: 1963
Headquarter: Dodgeville, Wisconsin
Lands’ End is an American clothing and home decor retailer. The company offers casual and outdoor clothing, luggage, and home furnishings. In Jan 2023, Land’s End had around 5,000 employees.
Land’s End and Canada Goose manufacture products using high-quality materials. According to Land’s End CEO Andrew McLean, the company has a buyer file of nearly 7 million; however, its e-commerce sales dropped in 2022. Land’s End is a stylish alternative to Canada Goose. [29]
23. Amazon.com
Year founded: 1994
Headquarter: Seattle, Washington
Amazon.com is the world’s largest e-commerce platform. Consumers can buy outdoor gear, clothing, and footwear from sellers on the marketplace. In Jan 2023, Amazon had over 1.5 million employees.
Amazon.com sells apparel, footwear, and equipment from several brands. In Jul 2022, the company offered discounts on backpacks and fanny packs, outdoor clothing and shoes, tents, coolers, and other outdoor goods as part of its Amazon Prime Day deals. Amazon.com is one of the best alternatives to Canada Goose for online shoppers. [30]
24. Perry Ellis International
Year founded: 1967
Headquarter: Miami, Florida
Perry Ellis International is a clothing, fashion, cosmetics, and beauty company. It offers sportswear and casual clothing for niche markets, including the outdoor sector. In 2022, Perry Ellis had over 2,400 employees.
Perry Ellis distributes its brands through multiple channels worldwide. In May 2023, the lifestyle brand partnered with material science company Recover to introduce an eco-denim collection. The first Perry Ellis x Recover capsule includes ten styles of low-impact men’s denim pants, launched in spring 2023. Perry Ellis International is a worthy alternative to Canada Goose. [31]
25. Adidas Terrex
Year founded: 2011
Headquarter: Herzogenaurach, Bavaria, Germany
Terrex is an outdoor and adventure brand owned by Adidas, a German multinational clothing and footwear company. It offers apparel, footwear, and gear for outdoor activities such as trail running, mountaineering, skiing, and hiking. In Jan 2023, Adidas had 60,000 employees and operated in 160 countries globally.
The main competitive advantage of Terrex is its connection to Adidas, Europe’s largest sportswear manufacturer. In Jan 2023, Adidas opened its first immersive Terrex store in Vancouver, Canada. Adidas Terrex is one of the top competitors for Canada Goose. [32]
References & more information
- James, D. (2023, May 25). Canada Goose to open 3 new US stores. Retail Dive
- The Canadian Press (2023, Jul 27). Canada Goose launches a second-hand trade-in program in Canada. CTV News
- Columbia Sportswear Company (2023, Feb 2). Columbia Sportswear Company Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2022 Financial Results. Business Wire
- McCormick, E. (2022, Sep 15). Patagonia’s billionaire owner gives away the company to fight the climate crisis. The Guardian
- Toneguzzi, M. (2022, Dec 19). Arc’teryx Plans Major Expansion with 15 Stores Planned for 2023. Retail Insider
- HB Staff (2023, Jul 26). Moncler Group Revenues Surpass €1 Billion in First Half of 2023. Hype Beast
- Salomon Staff (2023, Mar 7). Salomon Athletes Win 11 Medals at the 2023 Nordic World Championships. Salomon.com
- Hough, C. (2022, Sep 1). Jack Wolfskin presents a new strategic direction and new claim. The OIA
- Howland, D. (2023, Mar 17). Ironic totes help deliver L.L.Bean’s second-best revenue year. Retail Dive
- WBZ-News Staff (2023, Aug 4). L.Bean announces opening plans for 2 new stores in Massachusetts this year. CBS Boston
- Salpini, C. (2023, Feb 2). REI lays off more than 150 employees. Retail Dive
- Howland, D. (2023, Feb 7). Simon Property Group sells off Eddie Bauer interest as its retail investments tumble. Retail Dive
- Allsup, M. (2022, Sep 21). Outdoor legacy brand Eddie Bauer is turning to resale to stay relevant. Retail Brew
- Crouch, D. (2022, Oct 25). The North Face Five-Year Global Expansion Plan Includes 300 New Stores. Retail Touch Points
- WH Inc. (2023, Mar 27). Helly Hansen spring and summer 2023 Outdoor Collection. ISSUU.com
- Helms, H. (2023, Jan 26). Like Streetwear and Snowboarding? Burton’s Latest Drop is For You. Gear Patrol
- Ruane, E. (2023, Apr 7). Walmart Has A Really Great Outdoor Gear Brand. Huff Post
- BR Staff (2023, Apr 3). Walmart introduces the Ozark Trail brand of mountain bikes. Bicycle Retailer
- Christian, B. (2022, Apr 27). Marmot, Pendleton Partner on 2022 Collection. Inside Outdoor
- Outdoor Life Commerce Team (2023, Jul 12). Prime Day Marmot Deals 2023: Save on Apparel, Tents, and Sleeping Bags. Outdoorlife.com
- DICK’S Sporting Goods, Inc. (2023, Mar 7). DICK’S Sporting Goods Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year Results. PRNewswire
- Brown, C. (2023, Feb 27). Mackage is coming every year. Highsnobiety
- Sisun, C. (2023, Jul 3). Fjällräven S/S 2023 Lifestyle Backpacks Preview. Board Sport Source
- Danziger, P. (2022, Dec 29). From Canada Comes Moose Knuckles With A New Idea In Luxury Outerwear: Fun, Fit, And Function. Forbes
- Backcountry (2022, Jun 15). Backcountry Launches Outervention, a Campaign to Promote Respite in the Outdoors. PRNewswire
- Malik, A. (2023, Feb 23). Walmart sells e-commerce outdoor retailer Moosejaw after acquiring it in 2017. TechCrunch
Tell us what you think? Did you find this article interesting? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments section below.
Ava Abbott
Add comment