{{Short description|French outdoor sportswear and equipment company}} {{multiple issues| {{one source|date=April 2013}} {{primary sources|date=April 2013}} {{self-published|date=April 2013}} }} {{Use dmy dates|date=May 2025}} {{Infobox company | name = Lafuma | logo = Lafuma.jpg | logo_size = 200px | type = Private | industry = Outdoor clothing, Sporting goods | founded = {{Start date and age|1930}} | founder = Victor Lafuma, Alfred Lafuma, Gabriel Lafuma | hq_location_city = Anneyron, Drôme | hq_location_country = France | area_served = Global | key_people = Philippe Joffard (Chairman) | products = Backpacks, sleeping bags, footwear, outdoor clothing, camping furniture | parent = Calida Group | subsid = Eider, Millet | website = {{URL|https://www.lafuma.com}} }}
'''Lafuma''' is a French company based in Anneyron, Drôme, specializing in outdoor clothing, backpacks, sleeping bags, footwear, and camping furniture. Founded in 1930 by Victor, Alfred, and Gabriel Lafuma, the company is known for its durable, performance-driven products used in hiking, mountaineering, and other outdoor activities.<ref name="leparisien2001">{{Cite news |last=Gérard |first=Aline |date=2001-05-22 |title=Après la Hongrie, Lafuma lorgne sur la Roumanie |url=https://www.leparisien.fr/archives/apres-la-hongrie-lafuma-lorgne-sur-la-roumanie-22-05-2001-2002182687.php |access-date=2025-05-07 |work=Le Parisien |language=fr}}</ref><ref name="lesechos1995">{{Cite news |last=Vercesi |first=Patrick |date=1995-05-03 |title=Lafuma rachète la société Bottes Le Chameau |url=https://www.lesechos.fr/1995/05/lafuma-rachete-la-societe-bottes-le-chameau-856785 |access-date=2025-05-07 |work=Les Echos |language=fr}}</ref> Lafuma’s brands include Eider and Millet, and it is part of the Swiss Calida Group.<ref name="calida">{{Cite web |title=Our Brands: Lafuma |url=https://www.calida-group.com/en/brands/lafuma |access-date=2025-05-07 |website=Calida Group}}</ref>
== History == Lafuma was established in 1930 by brothers Victor, Alfred, and Gabriel Lafuma in Anneyron, Drôme, initially producing backpacks.<ref name="leparisien2001" /> In 1936, the company introduced a metal-frame backpack, significantly expanding its market.<ref name="lesechos1995" /> During World War II, Lafuma supplied equipment to the French Army and, under German occupation, to the Wehrmacht. Post-war, it resumed civilian production and diversified into camping furniture in 1954.<ref name="leparisien2001" />
Facing bankruptcy in 1984, Lafuma was restructured under Philippe Joffard, a grandson of the founders.<ref name="lesechos1993">{{Cite news |date=1993-01-21 |title=Léger recul du résultat de Lafuma |url=https://www.lesechos.fr/1993/01/leger-recul-du-resultat-de-lafuma-897787 |access-date=2025-05-07 |work=Les Echos |language=fr}}</ref> The company began producing sleeping bags in 1985 and relocated some manufacturing to Tunisia in 1986 and Hungary in 1992.<ref name="leparisien2001" /> In 1995, Lafuma acquired the Millet and Le Chameau brands, though Le Chameau was sold to Marwyn Management Partners in 2012.<ref name="lesechos1995" /><ref name="telegraph2012">{{Cite news |last=Rushton |first=Katherine |date=2012-10-02 |title=Le Chameau Wellington maker sold to Marwyn Management Partners |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/retailandconsumer/9579984/Le-Chameau-Wellington-maker-sold-to-Marwyn-Management-Partners.html |access-date=2025-05-07 |work=The Daily Telegraph |url-access=subscription}}</ref>
Lafuma went public on the CAC Small market in 1997, reducing the founding family’s stake to approximately 15%.<ref name="lesechos1993" /> In 2004, it acquired the jeans brand Ober, and in 2005, it purchased Oxbow.<ref name="lsa2004">{{Cite journal |last=conso |first=L.S.A. |date=2004-03-04 |title=Le groupe Lafuma rachète Ober |url=https://www.lsa-conso.fr/le-groupe-lafuma-rachete-ober,77856 |access-date=2025-05-07 |journal=LSA |language=fr}}</ref><ref name="lesechos2006">{{Cite news |date=2006-06-07 |title=Lafuma a réussi à relancer les ventes d'Oxbow |url=https://www.lesechos.fr/2006/06/lafuma-a-reussi-a-relancer-les-ventes-doxbow-572572 |access-date=2025-05-07 |work=Les Echos |language=fr}}</ref> In 2013, the Swiss Calida Group acquired Lafuma, integrating it into its portfolio of outdoor and apparel brands.<ref name="calida" /> By 2017, Lafuma sold Oxbow to focus on its core outdoor brands.<ref name="fashionnetwork2017">{{Cite news |last=FR |first=FashionNetwork.com |date=2017-09-12 |title=Lafuma sells Oxbow to focus on Millet and Eider |url=https://fr.fashionnetwork.com/news/lafuma-sells-oxbow-to-focus-on-millet-and-eider,870123.html |access-date=2025-05-07 |work=FashionNetwork.com |language=en}}</ref>
== Products and brands == Lafuma produces a range of outdoor equipment and clothing, including backpacks, sleeping bags, footwear, and camping furniture, designed for activities like hiking, camping, and mountaineering.<ref name="calida" /> Its products incorporate advanced materials for durability, weather resistance, and comfort, competing with brands like Patagonia and Columbia Sportswear.<ref name="leparisien2001" />
The company’s portfolio includes: - '''Lafuma''': Focuses on outdoor clothing, backpacks, and camping furniture. - '''Millet''': Specializes in mountaineering equipment and apparel. - '''Eider''': Offers technical outerwear for skiing and outdoor activities.
== Operations == As of 2025, Lafuma operates manufacturing facilities in France, Tunisia, Morocco, and China, with its headquarters in Anneyron, Drôme, and administrative offices in Annecy.<ref name="calida" /> Approximately 60% of its sales are generated in France, with growing international markets in Europe, Asia, and North America.<ref name="fashionnetwork2017" /> The company emphasizes sustainability, using recycled materials and eco-friendly production processes.<ref name="calida" />
== References == {{Reflist}}
== External links == {{Commons category|Lafuma}} * {{Official website|https://www.lafuma.com}}
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Category:1930 establishments in France Category:Clothing companies of France Category:Companies based in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Category:Outdoor clothing brands Category:Sporting goods manufacturers of France Category:French brands