Lululemon's Founder Steps in It Again

In a recent interview with Bloomberg TV, lululemon athletica founder and Chairman Chip Wilson responded to a question about complaints of pilling on some of the apparel company's pants by saying, "Frankly, some women's bodies don't work" for the clothes. Not surprisingly, there was a backlash after the statement, as at least a dozen women posted on the company's Facebook page, saying they would no longer support the brand, and Wilson himself received a heaping of criticism from the media. Even rivals such as Under Armour got in on the fracas, as sponsor and Olympic skier Lindsey Vonn said Under Armour's clothes were "desinged for all shapes."

But this isn't the first time Lululemon or its founder has dabbled in controversy. Should investors be fearful of a leader who alienates his customers? Fool contributor Jeremy Bowman breaks down the issue and tells shareholders and potential buyers what they need to know.

Stretch your portfolio to the limit
Despite its recent troubles, Lululemon shares are still up more than 20 times from its bottom during the recession. Not surprisingly, the apparel company was an early pick of Motley Fool co-founder David Gardner, creator of the world's No. 1 growth-stock newsletter. David has developed a truly unique strategy for uncovering wealth-changing stock picks, and he wants to share it, along with a few of his favorite growth stock superstars, with you. It's a special 100% free report called "6 Picks for Ultimate Growth." So stop settling for index-hugging gains, and click here for instant access to a whole new game plan of stock picks to help power your portfolio.

The article Lululemon's Founder Steps in It Again originally appeared on Fool.com.

Fool contributor Jeremy Bowman and Sean O'Reilly have no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends lululemon athletica. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools don't all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Copyright © 1995 - 2013 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.