who-owns-the-north-face

Who Owns The North Face?

Business / By / August 3, 2023

The North Face is one of the brands – in the outdoor category – part of the VF Corporation. VF is primarily owned by Todd Barbey and the family – heirs of its founder, John Barbey – which holds a 5.2% ownership stake and other shares included in the family trust accounts held through PNC Bank. Ownership is then distributed across institutional investors like The Vanguard Group (10.34%), Northern Trust Corporation (6.4%), BlackRock (6.2%), and Capital International Investors (5.6%). VF Corporation generated $11.8 billion in revenue in 2022, comprising brands like Vans, The North Face, Timberland, and Dickies.

The North Face and VF Corporation

  • Outdoor Category: The North Face is a prominent brand in the outdoor category, offering a wide range of outdoor apparel, equipment, and footwear.
  • Part of VF Corporation: The North Face operates as a subsidiary of VF Corporation, a global apparel and footwear company that owns multiple renowned brands.
  • Founder’s Heirs: The primary individual shareholders of VF Corporation are the heirs of its founder, John Barbey, who hold a 5.2% ownership stake and shares through family trust accounts, managed by PNC Bank.
  • Institutional Investors: Ownership of VF Corporation is also spread among institutional investors, including The Vanguard Group (10.34%), Northern Trust Corporation (6.4%), BlackRock (6.2%), and Capital International Investors (5.6%).
  • Revenue: In 2022, VF Corporation, with The North Face as one of its brands, generated an impressive $11.8 billion in revenue, reflecting the strength of its diverse brand portfolio.
  • Brand Portfolio: VF Corporation’s brand portfolio includes well-known names like Vans, The North Face, Timberland, and Dickies, allowing the company to cater to various customer segments and market niches.
  • Heritage and Legacy: The North Face was founded in 1966 in California, USA. It has since established itself as a leading outdoor brand known for its high-performance gear and apparel.
  • Outdoor Exploration: The North Face is renowned for its commitment to supporting outdoor exploration and adventure, catering to outdoor enthusiasts, athletes, and adventurers worldwide.
  • Environmental Initiatives: The North Face actively promotes sustainability and environmental conservation. It engages in eco-friendly practices and has initiatives aimed at reducing its environmental impact.
  • Technical Innovation: The North Face is recognized for its technical innovation and cutting-edge materials, offering products that withstand extreme weather conditions and rugged outdoor activities.
  • Global Reach: As part of VF Corporation, The North Face benefits from a global distribution network, allowing it to reach customers worldwide and expand its market presence.
  • Diverse Product Range: The North Face’s product range spans outdoor apparel, gear, equipment, and footwear, providing a comprehensive selection for various outdoor activities and lifestyles.
  • Cultural Impact: Beyond outdoor enthusiasts, The North Face’s products have gained popularity in streetwear and urban fashion, becoming a cultural icon in the fashion industry.
  • Customer Loyalty: The North Face has a loyal customer base due to its focus on quality, performance, and functional design, earning trust and repeat business from its customers.
  • Social Responsibility: The North Face actively engages in social responsibility initiatives, supporting causes related to environmental conservation, social equity, and community development.
  • Synergy with VF Brands: As part of VF Corporation, The North Face benefits from synergies with other brands, sharing expertise, resources, and market insights to enhance its offerings.
  • Innovation and Growth: Under VF Corporation’s umbrella, The North Face continues to innovate, grow, and remain a leading player in the outdoor and performance apparel market.
  • Future Outlook: With VF Corporation’s support and a focus on sustainability and innovation, The North Face is well-positioned to meet the evolving needs of outdoor enthusiasts and maintain its position as a renowned outdoor brand.

Related To VF Corporation

VF Corporation Revenue

vfcorporation-revenue
In 2020, VF Corporation generated revenue of $10.49 billion. The company experienced a decline in revenue in 2021, with total revenue falling to $9.24 billion. This represented a decrease of approximately 11.9% compared to the previous year. However, VF Corporation saw a strong rebound in revenue in 2022, with total revenue reaching $11.84 billion. This marked an increase of approximately 28.1% compared to 2021. The significant increase in revenue in 2022 suggests a recovery from the challenges faced in 2021, and the company’s revenue surpassed its 2020 level. Overall, the trend in revenue for VF Corporation over this three-year period indicates a temporary dip in 2021, followed by a robust recovery in 2022.

VF Corporation Revenue By Channel

vfcorporation-revenue-by-channel
In 2022, VF Corporation generated revenue from three primary sources: Wholesale, Direct-To-Consumer, and Royalty. The company’s Wholesale revenue was the largest contributor, amounting to $6,371,190,000 (or approximately $6.37 billion). This represents the revenue generated from selling products to wholesalers, retailers, and other business partners. The second-largest source of revenue was Direct-To-Consumer, which amounted to $5,404,075,000 (or approximately $5.40 billion). This represents the revenue generated from selling products directly to end consumers, typically through the company’s own retail stores, e-commerce platforms, and other direct sales channels. The smallest source of revenue was Royalty, which amounted to $66,575,000 (or approximately $66.58 million). This represents the revenue generated from licensing the company’s brands, trademarks, or intellectual property to third parties in exchange for royalty payments. Overall, the majority of VF Corporation’s revenue in 2022 came from its Wholesale and Direct-To-Consumer segments, with Wholesale being the largest contributor. Royalty revenue, while smaller in comparison, still contributed to the company’s overall revenue.

VF Corporation Revenue By Type

vfcorporation-revebye-by-product
In 2022, VF Corporation generated revenue from three primary business segments: Outdoor, Active, and Work. The company’s Outdoor segment generated revenue of $5,327,568,000 (or approximately $5.33 billion). This segment includes products and brands related to outdoor activities, such as hiking, camping, and adventure sports. The revenue from this segment represents sales of outdoor apparel, footwear, and equipment. The Active segment generated revenue of $5,380,338,000 (or approximately $5.38 billion). This segment includes products and brands related to active lifestyles, such as athletic wear, fitness, and sports. The revenue from this segment represents sales of activewear, athletic footwear, and related products. The Work segment generated revenue of $1,133,149,000 (or approximately $1.13 billion). This segment includes products and brands related to workwear and occupational safety. The revenue from this segment represents sales of workwear, protective clothing, and safety footwear for various industries and professions. Overall, the majority of VF Corporation’s revenue in 2022 came from its Outdoor and Active segments, with both segments contributing similar revenue levels. The Work segment, while smaller in comparison, still contributed significantly to the company’s overall revenue.

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Ultra Fast Fashion

ultra-fast-fashion
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real-time-retail
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Wish Business Model

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About The Author

Gennaro is the creator of FourWeekMBA, which reached about four million business people, comprising C-level executives, investors, analysts, product managers, and aspiring digital entrepreneurs in 2022 alone | He is also Director of Sales for a high-tech scaleup in the AI Industry | In 2012, Gennaro earned an International MBA with emphasis on Corporate Finance and Business Strategy.
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