Eider
AcquiredOverview
Eider is a French-origin brand specializing in sports garments for mountaineering and ice climbing. Originally established in Haute-Savoie, France in 1962, the brand has since been acquired by South Korean conglomerate K2 and now operates from Seoul. The company focuses on technical outdoor apparel designed for alpine and climbing applications, serving a niche market of mountaineers and ice climbers rather than mainstream outdoor consumers.
History
Eider was founded in 1962 in Haute-Savoie, France, initially gaining regional recognition but struggling to establish core brand values for broader market expansion. The brand became a subsidiary of Lafuma in June 2008 and expanded into the South Korean sports equipment market starting in 2009. In January 2020, the Millet Group sold Eider to South Korean group K2, relocating the company's headquarters to Seoul and shifting its operational base to Asia.
Product Lines
| Product Line | Positioning | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Mountaineering Jackets | Technical alpine outerwear for extreme conditions | $400 - $1,200 |
| Ice Climbing Gear | Specialized apparel for ice climbing applications | $300 - $900 |
| Base Layers | Thermal foundation garments for mountain sports | $80 - $250 |
| Climbing Pants | Technical trousers for alpine and rock climbing | $200 - $600 |
Manufacturing
Manufacturing details are not specified in available sources. The company operates under K2's ownership from Seoul, South Korea, though specific production locations and whether manufacturing is in-house or outsourced remain undocumented.
Notable Products
- Alpine Down Jackets - Insulated mountaineering jackets designed for high-altitude expeditions
- Ice Climbing Shells - Technical outer layers engineered for ice climbing protection
- Expedition Parkas - Heavy-duty outerwear for extreme alpine conditions
Reputation
Eider maintains a specialized reputation within the mountaineering and ice climbing communities as a technical brand with heritage in alpine sports. The brand is recognized for its focus on functional design for extreme conditions rather than mainstream outdoor fashion. However, limited information is available regarding current market perception, professional endorsements, or specific criticisms of the brand's products or performance.
Sources (6)
- https://www.behance.net/gallery/159409775/Eider-A-Quiet-Journey-Branding-Proposition
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eider_(brand)
- https://www.emis.com/php/company-profile/KR/Eider_CoLtd_en_4269155.html
- https://www.zoominfo.com/c/eider/344662165
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P4mmvkSUwj0
- https://www.glassdoor.com/Overview/Working-at-EIDER-EI_IE1129593.11,16.htm