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
The short of it:
Writer. Health, education, and art advocate. Theater and film producer. Visual artist. Product geek. Proud alumnae of the University of Pennsylvania (BA) and the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia (MBA). Inspired by ancient wisdom & modern tech. Proliferator of goodness. Opener of doors. Friend to animals. Fan of creative work in all its wondrous forms. I use my business skills to create passion projects that build a better world. I’ve been called the happiest New Yorker, and I try hard to live up to that title every day.
The long of it:
My career has stretched across Capitol Hill, Broadway theatre, education, nonprofit fundraising, health and wellness, and Fortune 500 companies in retail, media, entertainment, technology, and financial services. I’ve been a product developer and product manager, theater manager, strategic consultant, marketer, voice over artist, , teacher, and fundraiser. I use my business and storytelling to support and sustain passion projects that build a better world. In every experience, I’ve used my sense of and respect for elegant design to develop meaningful products, services, programs, and events.
While building a business career, I also built a strong portfolio as a journalist, novelist, freelance writer, interviewer, presenter, and public speaker. My writing has appeared in The Washington Post, The Huffington Post, PBS.org, Boston.com, Royal Media Partners publications, and The Motley Fool on a wide range of topics including business, technology, science, health, education, culture, and lifestyle. I have also been an invited speaker at SXSW, Teach for America, Avon headquarters, Games for Change, NYU, Columbia University, Hunter College, and the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America. The first book in my young adult book series, Emerson Page and Where the Light Enters, was acquired by a publisher and launched in November 2017. I’m currently working on the second book in the series.
A recovering multi-tasker, I’m equally at home in front of my Mac, on my yoga mat, walking my rescue dog, Phineas, traveling with a purpose, or practicing the high-art of people watching. I also cut up small bits of paper and put them back together as a collage artist.
My company:
I’m bringing together all of my business and creative career paths as the Founder of Double or Nothing Media:
• I craft products, programs, and projects that make a difference;
• I build the business plans that make what I craft financially sustainable;
• I tell the stories that matter about the people, places, and products that inspire me.
Follow my adventures on Twitter at https://twitter.com/christanyc and Instagram at https://instagram.com/christarosenyc.
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.
Christa Avampato 
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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