My friend, Sara, recommended I stop into Athleta to check out their newest location in my neighborhood. I’m not one for fancy yoga retailers, mostly because I’ve found that few of them have products that live up to their hype and because the commercialism around yoga makes me ill. However, Sara knows me well and is one smart lady so I gave it a go. I’m so glad I did! I learned a lot about business as I took a stroll online and in-store.
Tapped in
I tweeted how much I loved their new catalog that arrived in the mail and they tweeted back almost instantly to welcome me into my neighborhood store. This was a good sign. I love socially savvy businesses who pay attention.
Ambiance
The store itself is beautiful. It felt so comfortable the moment I walked inside. A) they have a water bowl for the neighborhood pups (a move that always earns brownie points with me since I’m a dog lover) and B) it has a very rustic design with lots of natural light, warm wooden beams and floors, and very comfortable areas to try on the goods. The staff was helpful but not pushy in the least, a difficult line to tread but Athleta does it beautifully.
The Goods
And the product is amazing. Their Kickbooty pant is the most comfortable piece of clothing I’ve ever out on. AND…finally a yoga clothing company makes clothes in petite, tall, and plus size. They also make street clothes, running, swimming, and general workout clothes and accessories as well. All high quality, all beautiful. The website is very clean, easily navigated, and has great sales.
A few other bonuses:
1.) No-hassle return policy. This means take the product home, put it to the test, and if for any reason it doesn’t stand up, return it with no problems. Seriously. Not only does this policy endear customers to the brand but it’s a huge benefit to Athleta: they will get real live feedback about how to fix their products. They’re learning and pleasing customers. A win all-around!
2.) Yoga teacher discount. Provide your business card and registration card, and you’ll get a very handsome discount on the product. (I provided both my Compass Yoga business card and my Yoga Alliance membership card.) The website site offers a 10% yoga teacher discount on full-priced merchandise.
Business owners from a variety of industries can use Athleta’s example to delight customers and keep them coming back in the door. Yogis, finally a great shopping experience made just for us!
Published by Christa Avampato
IN BRIEF
Author, journalist, digital product manager, and licensed New York City tour guide. Creator and host of NYC's Secrets and Lies. Alumna of the University of Pennsylvania (BA), the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia (MBA), Arizona State University (Biomimicry), and the University of Cambridge (MSt in Sustainability Leadership).
I build digital media platforms, report on urban climate resilience and biodiversity, and produce live narrative experiences that connect communities to history, nature, and place.
THE DEEP DIVE
My work centers on a single thread: building systems and stories that foster deep connection to our shared world. Across digital streaming, environmental reporting, and live civic storytelling, I design experiences that help people understand complex ideas and the environments around them.
DIGITAL PRODUCT STRATEGY & MEDIA LEADERSHIP
At Carnegie Hall, I serve as Digital Product Manager, leading product strategy, operations, and technical delivery for the video streaming platform Carnegie Hall+. I translate artistic mission into scalable, high-performance streaming architecture that reaches audiences globally. Previously, I led agile product and delivery teams across operations and compliance at American Express, managed Broadway theatrical productions and national tours, and guided strategic initiatives across cultural institutions.
ENVIRONMENTAL JOURNALISM & AUTHORSHIP
As a freelance journalist, I investigate how living systems, urban infrastructure, and human culture intersect. My reported features on urban decarbonization, biodiversity, coastal resilience, and biomimicry appear in publications including Smithsonian Magazine, The Washington Post, Mongabay, Natural History Magazine, and Foreign Policy Magazine. In fiction, I write the Emerson Page young adult novel series, alongside upcoming historical fiction and nonfiction works on New York history, mythology, and human resilience. I also write Togetherhood, a LinkedIn newsletter focused on urban ecology and community restoration, and co-host the podcast Frameworks in the Wild.
LIVE EXPERIENCE & CIVIC STORYTELLING
As a licensed New York City tour guide and live event producer, I transform urban landscapes into shared narrative encounters. I created, produce, and host NYC's Secrets and Lies, an interactive live storytelling series staged across cultural landmarks including the New York Transit Museum, the South Street Seaport Museum, and the historic tall ship Wavertree. I also design and lead site-specific walking tours exploring coastal ecology, food history, and neighborhood evolution, often with partners at Climate Week NYC and the Natural Areas Conservancy.
DOUBLE OR NOTHING MEDIA
Through my independent production studio, Double or Nothing Media, I develop ventures across media, ecology, and public history:
Digital Products & Strategy: Architecting scalable digital platforms, streaming experiences, and operational models for mission-driven institutions.
Environmental Reporting & Publications: Delivering long-form reporting, books, and newsletters grounded in climate resilience and regenerative design.
Site-Specific Live Storytelling: Producing immersive live shows and educational walking tours that engage public audiences in community history.
CONNECT
Website & Production Hub: doubleornothingmedia.com and christaavampato.com
Newsletter: Togetherhood on LinkedIn - linkedin.com/newsletters/togetherhood-7273771832221089792/
Instagram & Threads: @christarosenyc
Emerson Page Novels: emersonpagebook.wordpress.com/
View all posts by Christa Avampato
My friend, Sara, recommended I stop into Athleta to check out their newest location in my neighborhood. I’m not one for fancy yoga retailers, mostly because I’ve found that few of them have products that live up to their hype and because the commercialism around yoga makes me ill. However, Sara knows me well and is one smart lady so I gave it a go. I’m so glad I did! I learned a lot about business as I took a stroll online and in-store.
excited to hear they have tall sizes!!!! Going to shop them right now!!!
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Their products are awesome, Urs!
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