The North Face
The North Face is a 60-year-old outdoor apparel and equipment brand (a division of VF Corporation) that designs and sells high-performance clothing, footwear, backpacks, and gear for mountaineering, trail running, snow sports, and lifestyle use, distributed globally via DTC e-commerce, hundreds of owned retail stores, and wholesale partners.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1966
- HeadquartersAlameda, United States
- Headcount1,001–5,000
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What The North Face does
The North Face, founded in 1966 in the San Francisco Bay Area and now a wholly-owned division of VF Corporation (NYSE: VFC), is a global outdoor apparel and equipment company. The brand designs, manufactures, and sells high-performance clothing, footwear, backpacks, and gear spanning mountaineering, trail running, snow sports, and lifestyle use, supported by proprietary fabric platforms including FUTURELIGHT (nanospinning waterproof breathable membrane), DryVent (weatherproof outerwear), VECTIV (3D-plate trail running propulsion), DotKnit (wool-synthetic moisture management), FUTUREFLEECE (lightweight insulation), and Ventrix (active insulation), plus licensed GORE-TEX in the premium Summit Series.
The company operates a multi-channel go-to-market: direct-to-consumer e-commerce via thenorthface.com, hundreds of owned retail and outlet stores globally (including the London Regent Street flagship, Seoul Jamsil Lotte World Mall megastore, and a new Barstow outlet), and wholesale distribution through REI, Amazon, Nordstrom, and Dick's Sporting Goods. International expansion is increasingly executed through operator partners — N Brown Group in the UK (85 product lines across Jacamo, JD Williams, Simply Be from March 2026) and Youngone Outdoor in South Korea. Customer segments are diversified across professional outdoor athletes, recreational outdoor enthusiasts, students and young adults (backpack-anchored), urban/streetwear consumers, and adaptive users served through the new Universal Collection.
Revenue is generated predominantly through apparel and equipment unit sales; The North Face reported quarterly revenue of $1.571 billion in Q2 FY2026, growing 6% year-over-year, and is described by VF Corporation as one of its largest and most profitable brands, valued at over $10 billion. Ancillary revenue streams include The North Face Renewed circular resale program, the XPLR Pass loyalty program, and limited-edition brand collaborations (Skims, Aimé Leon Dore, Palace Skateboards, emmi, Sky High Farm Goods) that command premium pricing and drive cultural relevance.
The North Face firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- The North Face
- Legal name
- The North Face (brand owned by VF Corporation)
- Website
- https://thenorthface.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1966
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1,001–5,000 employees
- Short description
- The North Face is a 60-year-old outdoor apparel and equipment brand (a division of VF Corporation) that designs and sells high-performance clothing, footwear, backpacks, and gear for mountaineering, trail running, snow sports, and lifestyle use, distributed globally via DTC e-commerce, hundreds of owned retail stores, and wholesale partners.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
The North Face industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Outdoor Apparel & Equipment
- NAICS
- Clothing and Clothing Accessories Retailers (45811), Sporting Goods Retailers (45911), Shoe Retailers (45821)
- SIC
- Retail-Apparel & Accessory Stores (5600), Retail-Shoe Stores (5661)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Outdoor Clothing & Footwear Retail (Camping/Hiking/Climbing) (CRAMAMAK)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Outdoor Performance Footwear & Apparel Retail (Trail/Hike) (CRAMACAI), Ski Touring / Backcountry & Avalanche Safety Retail (AT Gear, Skins, Beacons, Probes, Shovels, Airbags) (CRAMAJAD), Camping & Overlanding Equipment Retail (CRAMAAAC)
Keywords
Where The North Face is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Alameda
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices5 records
Markets served
The North Face business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Apparel and Equipment Sales: The North Face generates primary revenue through direct-to-consumer sales of outdoor apparel, footwear, bags, and equipment via owned e-commerce and retail stores, as well as wholesale distribution to third-party retailers. The brand is one of VF Corporation's largest and most profitable segments, contributing approximately $1.571 billion in quarterly revenue with 6% year-over-year growth.
- The North Face Renewed (Resale): Refurbished and renewed product program that resells gently used and damaged gear, extending product lifecycle and generating secondary revenue from trade-ins
- XPLR Pass Loyalty Program: Loyalty program offering members exclusive discounts, early access to products, and rewards points on purchases to drive customer retention and lifetime value
- Brand Collaborations: Revenue generated through limited-edition collaborations with fashion and lifestyle brands including Skims, Aimé Leon Dore, Palace Skateboards, Sky High Farm Goods, and emmi, often commanding premium pricing
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Premium Summit Series technical apparel for professional outdoor athletes |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Core outdoor lifestyle and performance apparel |
| Subscription | Pay-as-you-go | XPLR Pass Loyalty Program welcome offer |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Kids' and youth outdoor apparel |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels8 records
Marketing channels8 records
The North Face product offering
Product offeringCore offering
The North Face designs, manufactures, and sells performance outdoor apparel, footwear, bags, and equipment for activities including mountaineering, hiking, trail running, skiing, and camping. The company sells through owned e-commerce (thenorthface.com), branded retail stores, outlet locations, and wholesale partnerships with retailers such as REI, Amazon, Nordstrom, and Dick's Sporting Goods. Product lines include the premium Summit Series, the adaptive Universal Collection, and the VECTIV trail running footwear range, supported by proprietary fabric technologies such as FUTURELIGHT, DryVent, and DotKnit.
Product overview
The North Face offers a diverse outdoor apparel and equipment portfolio centered around performance technology and adventure readiness. The core product lines include the premium Summit Series for elite athletes, the inclusive Universal Collection featuring adaptive-inspired design, and the VECTIV trail running footwear series. Iconic everyday products include the Borealis, Jester, Recon, and Surge backpack families with FlexVent suspension systems. Technology platforms encompass FUTURELIGHT (waterproof breathable membrane), DryVent (weather protection), VECTIV (footwear cushioning), DotKnit (moisture management), FUTUREFLEECE (lightweight insulation), and Ventrix (active insulation). The company operates circularity initiatives through The North Face Renewed resale platform and XPLR Pass loyalty program. Recent launches include the Universal Collection (adaptive outdoor gear) and the Base Camp Voyager Pro modular travel bag system.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Summit Series: Premium technical line designed for high-altitude and extreme outdoor conditions, featuring athlete-tested innovation.
- Universal Collection
- The North Face Renewed
Products and services
- Summit Series Premium technical outerwear and equipment line designed for elite outdoor athletes across mountaineering, climbing, snow sports, and trail running, featuring 25 years of athlete-tested innovation and proprietary technologies including FUTURELIGHT, DryVent, and VECTIV.
- Universal Collection Adaptive outdoor gear line including a tent, sleeping bag, daypack, camp slippers, and convertible hat, designed for users of all ability levels with accessibility-focused features.
- VECTIV Trail Running Series Trail running footwear line featuring proprietary VECTIV technology with carbon plates and nitrogen-infused foam midsoles for propulsion and stability on ultra-distance terrain.
- Borealis Backpack Iconic everyday backpack with FlexVent suspension system certified by the American Chiropractic Association, featuring a 25-year legacy and multiple colors and styles.
- Jester Backpack Popular school and everyday backpack available in multiple sizes and styles with external bungee storage and laptop compartments.
- Recon Backpack Technical laptop backpack with padded shoulder straps and cushioned back panel, suitable for commuting and light hiking.
- Surge Backpack Large-capacity backpack designed for commuting and travel with multiple organization pockets and laptop compartments.
- Base Camp Voyager Pro Collection Modular travel bag system consisting of three bags that can be used together or separately for versatile travel and adventure carry.
- General Athletic Recreation (GAR) Collection Spring/Summer 2026 collection blending trail running aesthetics with urban lifestyle wear, featuring waterproof nylon, BREEZERANGE technology, and moisture-wicking fabrics.
- XPLR Pass Loyalty Program Member loyalty program offering a 10% discount on first qualifying purchase for new members, with points awarded on subsequent purchases and exclusive member benefits and early access.
- The North Face Renewed Circular economy initiative that refurbishes used and damaged gear for resale, extending product lifecycle and reducing landfill waste.
- Offtrail Ultra Ultralight trail running shoe designed for extended trail running expeditions with advanced traction and cushioning.
Quantifiable outcome
- 6% year-over-year revenue growth as of Q2 FY2026, outpacing VF Corporation's other brands
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use The North Face
Customer profileNamed customers4 records
Segments6 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
The North Face technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration1 record
Feature8 records
The North Face partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.
- U.S. Ski & SnowboardcoreEight-year partnership making The North Face the Official Performance Apparel Partner through the 2034 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. The brand will outfit all 11 national team disciplines with competition outerwear, training apparel, accessories, and luggage featuring Futurelight, DryVent, and Gore-Tex technologies. A commercially available collection inspired by U.S. Ski & Snowboard launches Fall 2026.
- Youngone OutdoorcoreKorean operator of The North Face managing Seoul megastore at Jamsil Lotte World Mall and ongoing retail expansion in South Korea with exclusive White Label line targeting younger consumers.
- Adaptive Athletes (Vasu Sojitra, Maureen Beck)coreCo-design partnerships with elite adaptive athletes Vasu Sojitra and Maureen Beck to develop the Universal Collection of accessible outdoor gear featuring magnetic closures and mobility-friendly designs.
- N Brown GroupcoreUK retail partnership launching 85 product lines across Jacamo, JD Williams, and Simply Be platforms, marking first availability through N Brown's channels as part of group's strategy to expand access to in-demand global brands.
- Aimé Leon DoreflagshipFirst collaboration with New York menswear label releasing 15-piece collection blending outdoor performance with elevated menswear aesthetics, including re-interpreted Nuptse puffer jacket with Italian Casentino wool and first-ever all-nylon Denali, priced $180-$800.
- SkimsflagshipFashion-shapewear brand collaboration producing technical ski and snow apparel collections. The second skiwear release sold out in twenty minutes, demonstrating strong consumer demand for the partnership combining fashion aesthetics with outdoor performance.
- emmi (Japanese fashion label)minorCollaboration releasing exclusive edition of VECTIV Breeze 2 trail running sneaker featuring pastel pink and muted grey colorway on breathable mesh and synthetic upper, blending performance technology with fashion-forward design.
- Sky High Farm GoodsminorOutdoor wear collaboration with brand supporting food equity, featuring ongoing financial contributions to the non-profit organization.
- SheerIDminorVerification platform partnership providing exclusive Veterans Day discounts to U.S. military personnel, veterans, and reservists through automated verification processes.
- Palace SkateboardsminorHoliday 2025 collaboration exclusively released in Japan featuring outerwear, insulated jackets, fleeces, pants, and cold-weather accessories combining Palace's graphic branding with The North Face Purple Label's technical materials.
- Flannels UK / Syn Creative AgencyminorSS26 Red Box collection in-store activation designed and delivered by creative agency Syn at Flannels flagship stores in Leeds and Liverpool, featuring brand-red themed environments with digital screens and curated props.
Scale indicators6 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights7 records
The North Face competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- REI Co-op: Major retail partner and broad outdoor retailer offering competing private-label and third-party outdoor brands; comparable in omni-channel scale and customer base while also serving as a key wholesale distributor for The North Face.
Direct peers
- Salomon: Owned by Amer Sports alongside Arc'teryx; competes directly in trail running footwear (versus The North Face's VECTIV line), hiking boots, and outdoor performance gear with similar athlete-driven innovation model.
- Patagonia: Direct competitor in premium outdoor apparel, footwear, and equipment with strong sustainability positioning and similar customer base across climbers, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts. Comparable premium technical product lines and direct-to-consumer plus wholesale distribution model.
- Arc'teryx: Premium technical outdoor apparel and equipment brand owned by Amer Sports, competing directly with The North Face in the Summit Series tier across mountaineering, climbing, and trail running with similar proprietary fabric technology investment.
- Marmot: Outdoor apparel, sleeping bags, and equipment brand owned by Newell Brands, competing in technical outerwear, insulation, and camping gear categories against The North Face's Summit Series and Universal Collection.
- Mountain Hardwear: Technical outdoor apparel and equipment brand competing in mountaineering, climbing, and ski categories with similar athlete testing programs and specialty retail distribution model.
- Eddie Bauer: Outdoor apparel and equipment retailer competing in similar casual-to-technical outdoor apparel and outerwear categories, with overlapping customer base across lifestyle, hiking, and casual outdoor consumers.
- Columbia Sportswear: Direct competitor across hiking, trail, ski, and outdoor lifestyle apparel and footwear with comparable omni-channel distribution and broad price-point coverage, competing for the same mid-market outdoor consumer.
- Hoka: Owned by Deckers Brands; competing directly in trail running footwear against VECTIV line and increasingly in outdoor lifestyle, with rapid growth profile similar to The North Face's premium technical positioning.
- Merrell: Direct competitor in hiking and trail running footwear and outdoor apparel with comparable wholesale distribution through REI and Dick's Sporting Goods, targeting overlapping outdoor enthusiast customer segments.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
The North Face social profiles
Digital presenceThe North Face financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
The North Face leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
The North Face subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries1 record
The North Face funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
The North Face M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about The North Face
What does The North Face do?
The North Face designs, manufactures, and sells performance outdoor apparel, footwear, bags, and equipment for activities including mountaineering, hiking, trail running, skiing, and camping. The company sells through owned e-commerce (thenorthface.com), branded retail stores, outlet locations, and wholesale partnerships with retailers such as REI, Amazon, Nordstrom, and Dick's Sporting Goods. Product lines include the premium Summit Series, the adaptive Universal Collection, and the VECTIV trail running footwear range, supported by proprietary fabric technologies such as FUTURELIGHT, DryVent, and DotKnit.
Is The North Face a public or private company?
The North Face is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was The North Face founded?
The North Face was founded in 1966. It employs 1,001 to 5,000 people.
Where is The North Face based?
The North Face is headquartered in Alameda, United States, in the North America region.
How does The North Face make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Apparel and Equipment Sales are the primary driver. The others are the North Face Renewed (Resale), XPLR Pass Loyalty Program and brand Collaborations.
Who are The North Face's main competitors?
REI Co-op is listed as a broad incumbent. Direct peers are Salomon, Patagonia, Arc'teryx, Marmot, Mountain Hardwear, Eddie Bauer, Columbia Sportswear, Hoka and Merrell.
Does The North Face have an API?
No public API is recorded for The North Face.
What industry is The North Face in?
The North Face's product category is Outdoor Apparel & Equipment. Its primary akta.pro industry code is CRAMAMAK, Outdoor Clothing & Footwear Retail (Camping/Hiking/Climbing), with a secondary code of CRAMACAI, Outdoor Performance Footwear & Apparel Retail (Trail/Hike). Its NAICS code is 45811 and its SIC code is 5600.