Lululemon to Stop Selling Studio Mirror Fitness Device As It Teams Up With Peloton
Lululemon Athletica Inc., the Canadian athletic apparel retailer known for its yoga wear, is backing away from the high-tech fitness hardware market. The company has decided to cease sales of its Studio Mirror, a product aimed at home exercisers that offers interactive workouts and personal training sessions. This decision comes in tandem with Lululemon’s newly announced alignment with Peloton Interactive Inc., the global leader in stationary bikes and online fitness classes.
The Studio Mirror, which Lululemon acquired in 2020 through the purchase of startup Mirror for $500 million, will no longer be a part of its product lineup. The strategic shift repositions Lululemon in the competitive landscape of at-home fitness technology—a market that saw significant growth during the COVID-19 pandemic but is now faced with more discerning consumers and a return to gyms and outdoor activities.
Collaborating with Peloton represents a convergence of shared interests between two giants of the workout world. Both companies have experienced explosive growth by appealing to a demographic that values premium fitness experiences. Lululemon’s emphasis on high-quality athletic apparel complements Peloton’s cutting-edge exercise equipment and engaging virtual class offerings.
By stepping away from selling its own fitness device, Lululemon can refocus efforts on its core strengths—apparel and accessories—while also potentially reaching new customers through Peloton’s far-reaching platform. On the other side, Peloton gains an alliance with a brand that has a significant presence in yoga studios and gyms around the globe, thereby likely enhancing its market share within these venues.
This venture marks a strategic pivot for Lululemon as it navigates shifting consumer behaviors post-pandemic. It underscores an industry trend where businesses are revisiting their strategies to forge partnerships that can leverage complementary strengths. For devotees of both brands, this partnership is poised to offer an enhanced fusion of fashion and fitness, which may alter the landscape of interactive workout experiences in the years to come.