yoga--a commodity?

According to U.S. News and World Report, over eighteen million people practice yoga. With a number that seems quite high, the yoga industry is now worth about more than 25 billion dollars. The yoga craze is sweeping the minds of the country in our modern, high-stress society. Yoga started about 3,000 years ago in India, designed as a reverent and strict practice. These yogis did not need anything, only the desire to better themselves. Now yogis need everything from the newest yoga mat bags to hot yoga shoes. Yoga brands and accessories have become a giant business with enormous possibilities for profitability. Not only are Walmart, Target, J. Crew, and countless other companies in the consumer industry selling yoga products now, but sales are through the roof.

Let's talk about Lululemon, the Canadian company that everyone seems to be talking about. Yes, they had a minor seaweed controvery in Novemeber, but they're recovering. Their business is worth more than $150 million dollars with earnings continuing to surpass estimates. Demand seems to be greater than supply and stores are starting to open up in all major cities. With a strong martketing team and unique advertising, people aren't just buying yoga pants, they are investing in a lifestyle.

In middle of the twenty first century, yoga was seen as a hippy and environmentally friendly activity. After the fitness craze took off during the 1970s and 1980s, aerobics and running became the new “it” things to do. As the craze revolutionizes, yoga has evolved as one of the foremost ways to become fit in both mind and body. Celebrities and press had much to do with the trend. At first, these high-profiled elites and yoga moms latched on to the train, but as time goes on everyone from young, old, male, and female are getting into yoga including your favorite sports athletes.

Yoga brands and accessories have become a giant business with huge opportunities. Yoga chains are popping up in small towns to every block in New York. Yogis are using Starbucks and McDonald’s business models to expand the market switching the traditionalist practice into a highly-demanded commodity.