Nau Business Activism Brings Real Results for Nonprofits; Plus Launch of More Stores in 2008

PORTLAND, Ore.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nau Inc., the technical outdoor and lifestyle apparel company, today announces its second round of giving through Partners for Change, a customer-directed program in which Nau gives 5 percent of every sale to community partner organizations. Nau is in the process of distributing $161,000 to its local, national and global community partners, bringing its total giving since the start of business to more than $223,000. In addition, Nau is announcing plans for the launch of 10 more retail locations in 2008. Plans for new markets include Los Angeles, San Francisco, Denver, Boston and Bethesda. Second stores will be opened in the existing markets of Seattle and Portland, OR.

“For any thoughtful nonprofit organization, it’s a serious decision to enter into a partnership with a for-profit organization”

Open for “Business Unusual” since March 2007, Nau’s commitment to doing well by doing good has been resonating with consumers online and in its storefront markets (Portland, Bellevue, Boulder and Chicago) by generating a thoughtful dialogue about business as a catalyst for positive change. Nau’s unique approach enables customers to participate directly in the giving process by allowing them to choose which nonprofit partner organization will receive Nau’s donation. Five percent of every sale is allocated in this manner — some 70 times the national average for corporate philanthropy as a percentage of sales. This simple process interrupts, in a small way, the traditional consumer experience and invites customers to contemplate their own core values, the idea of broader civic involvement and our collective responsibility for the commons. To date, more than 90 percent of customers have consciously engaged in this process rather than selecting the option “Let Nau Decide.”

“For any thoughtful nonprofit organization, it’s a serious decision to enter into a partnership with a for-profit organization,” said Neal Keny-Guyer, CEO of Mercy Corps, one of Nau’s Partners for Change. “The good news is that there are more thoughtful companies taking a look at the triple bottom line (people, planet and profit), but I’ve seen very few with the vision to design a business that completely integrates the triple bottom line into every aspect of its business — and does so successfully. Nau’s commitment to its partners goes far beyond monetary and is an example for others to follow.”

In addition to Nau’s retail expansion, the company is continuing to enhance its online experience, including its highly acclaimed blog, the Thought Kitchen, and has officially launched its Spring ’08 collection, which continues to push a cutting-edge design aesthetic that integrates functionality, craftsmanship, sustainability and style.

“Design has enormous power, and we’re trying to use it to rewrite the rules of business. We approach design as a tool: one we use to shape everything we do, from our company’s unique approach to business, to the clothing we make,” explains Chris Van Dyke, CEO of Nau Inc. “I’m proud of our journey so far, and am excited to expand our store reach in ’08, as well as grow our Partners for Change program and the impact we can have in solving some of the world’s toughest problems.”

About Nau

Nau, headquartered in Portland, Oregon, and founded in 2005, is a technical outdoor and lifestyle apparel company dedicated to turning traditional business notions upside down through the integration of environmental, social and economic factors in a unique business model built around sustainable business practices, the innovative use of technology and philanthropic partnerships. Nau was recognized in 2007 by the Social Venture Network as one of just 10 companies (selected from a pool of 100 applicants) that have “demonstrated both innovation and progress by harnessing the power of business to effect positive social change.” For more information about Nau or to view its Spring 2008 line, please visit www.nau.com and for like-minded individuals interested in sharing ideas about positive change, visit Nau’s blog, the Thought Kitchen, at blog.nau.com.