Nau, (pronounced “now,” meaning “welcome” in the language of New Zealand’s Maoris), is a Portland based sustainable outdoor apparel company, that has really captured my green heart. The holistic nature of their design philosophy, modern styling, and sustainable processes epitomize to me the Emerald standard for all retail enterprises.
In addition to well-fashioned and well-thought out product, they have also launched an environmentally responsible retail concept that
satisfies the demands of us socially conscious customers. The key to their
strategy involves blending an online store with brick-and-mortar
storefronts, that they've coined, "Webfronts."
Currently in Seattle, Portland, Boulder and Chicago, these Webfronts appear to be like any other store: physical locations where shoppers can browse, try on garments, ask questions and purchase items. But the stores feature computer kiosks to allow customers to research products and, if they choose, buy them online for home delivery at no charge. Because purchases are made online, the stores can carry less inventory, thus reducing costs and reducing impact on the environment. Webfronts require less square footage, thereby cutting down on building materials and decreasing energy use.
I'll be sure to check out our store here in Seattle (actually it's in Bellevue, which is east of Seattle) and give you a full update. But in the meantime, check out their beautifully designed flash website and watch this incredibly tactile and inspiring video for a stylish and interactive look into the Nau philosophy of beauty, performance and sustainability.
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