Nau Clothing Retailer's Story of Sustainable Retailing and Decline

Nau was founded in 2004 with a mission to create sustainable clothing that was both stylish and durable.

The company was known for its high-quality, environmentally-friendly clothing made from natural fibers like merino wool and organic cotton.

Nau's commitment to sustainability was evident in its supply chain, which prioritized fair labor practices and local production.

The brand's focus on sustainability was a key factor in its success, with customers drawn to its unique blend of style and eco-friendliness.

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Nau struggled to raise funds in the current high risk-averse capital market.

This made it difficult for the company to continue moving forward.

The capital market crisis led investors to be hesitant to invest in companies like Nau that challenge conventional business paradigms.

The team at Nau believes that this is not a reflection of the business's viability, but rather an unfortunate combination of events.

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Nau, the sustainable outdoor and casual clothing retailer, has closed down due to the high risk-averse capital market.

They were unable to raise the funds needed to continue operating, which led to their decision to wind down business operations.

Just a year after launching their business, Nau was recognized for their sleek design and commitment to environmental standards.

The company's website features a farewell letter titled "Goodye For Nau", in which the team explains their situation.

The letter states that Nau's closure is not a reflection of the business's viability, but rather the result of an unfortunate confluence of events.

Investors were hesitant to invest in Nau due to their unconventional approach to business and their focus on sustainability.

The principle players of Nau plan to continue working towards a sustainable future, but in a different incarnation.

Nau opened numerous retail stores across the United States, including in Portland, San Francisco, and Chicago.

In 2008, Nau announced it was ceasing operations due to an inability to raise further capital.

Nau was purchased by Horny Toad, Inc. in 2008 and reopened for trade in October of that year.

Horny Toad sold the Nau brand to Korean-based Black Yak in October 2013 for an undisclosed amount.

Black Yak planned to continue the growth of the business through online, wholesale, and eventually its own retail channels.

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At Nau, sustainability is a top priority. The company uses textiles made from sustainable technical fibers and fabrics that meet the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS).

Nau's commitment to sustainability extends to the materials they use in their products, including ethical Merino wool, recycled polyester, Tencel, Cocona synthetic down, and ethically-sourced goose down.

All employees of Nau are provided with free public transport, which is a great perk for the environment and their daily commute.

Nau's business model prioritizes sustainability by using textiles developed from sustainable technical fibers and fabrics in line with the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS).

They also incorporate ethical Merino and other wools into their products, along with unique materials like recycled polyester, Tencel, Cocona synthetic down, and ethically-sourced goose down.

The company's commitment to sustainability is evident in its employee benefits, including free public transport and carbon offsetting tokens for corporate travel and product deliveries.

Nau's dedication to sustainability has earned it recognition, being named Outside magazine's Best Companies to Work for in 2010.

Nau, a sustainable outdoor and casual clothing retailer, recently announced it's closing down. They cited the high risk-averse capital market as the reason, unable to raise funds to continue.

The company's decision was not a reflection of their business viability, but rather an unfortunate confluence of events. They had launched their business during a time of growing environmental consciousness, but the current crisis in capital markets made it difficult to invest in companies that challenge conventional paradigms.

The principle players of Nau plan to continue the green fight in a different incarnation.