Duluth Trading Co.

Owned by Duluth Holdings Inc., Duluth Trading Co. is an American workwear and accessories company. 

History

Duluth Trading Co. was founded in 1989 by two brothers, Bob and Dave Fierek, as Portable Products, Inc. At the time, they primarily focused on those working in construction and a tool accessory known as the "Bucket Boss". The business grew to incorporate more tool accessories and storage equipment in a catalog, under the Portable Products banner, with the first headquarters being established on a barge in Duluth, Minnesota soon after. By 1993, the catalog was expanded and entitled Duluth Trading Co.

Later years and expansion

In the mid-1990s, the company was purchased by Fiskars, a Finnish group company. In 2000, it was sold to Gempler's, and moved its headquarters to Belleville, Wisconsin. The company created a successful line of shirts called "Longtail T-Shirts" in 2002 which were designed to get rid of plumber's crack. Gempler's was sold in 2003 to Lab Safety Supply and the owners retained Duluth Trading Company. In 2005, they released their first women's catalog.

In 2011, Duluth Trading Co. aired its first nationwide commercial featuring an angry beaver. The company's parent, Duluth Holdings Inc., went public in 2015.

During the economic downturn of the mid-2010s, the company continued to perform well, compared to its competitors. During that time, they opened many new locations throughout the United States. As of 2022, they have over 60 locations in the country. 

In October 2020, Duluth Trading Co. acquired New York-based premium menswear label Best Made Co. (founded by Peter Buchanan-Smith in 2009.) Dave Loretta, the company's SVP and CFO said in a press release, "We've been longtime admirers of Best Made's exceptional brand offering of superior-quality products and inspired storytelling."