Nau: Now closing -- 2 weeks after opening

That's right -- Nau, the eco-friendly, fashion-forward clothing store, is closing its doors -- just two weeks after opening its Beverly Center boutique on May 19.

I guess the L.A. debut was very, very bad timing. According to Nau's website, the company "simply could not raise the funds to continue to move forward."

The news is a bit of a blow to the sustainable fashion community. After all, Nau was a company that was out to prove that you COULD do everything eco-friendly and socially-conscious -- AND make money at it. In addition to making sure all its clothes were made of sustainable materials under fair labor conditions, Nau donated 5% of each sale to progressive causes.

"Nau set out to show that business can be a force for positive social and environmental change. Although our current financial obstacles have proven to be insurmountable, it does not mean our fundamental goal is unattainable." That's part of the statement on Nau's website.

I hope that's true. Of course, many companies -- eco or not -- go under during its first few years. And certainly, there are many eco-conscious fashion companies that're doing just fine -- Patagonia being one fine example. In addition, new enviro-friendly boutiques are opening up at a rapid pace.

The upside: All of Nau's lines are on sale for 50% off! Enjoy.

Photo by Siel

Comments

[russell Hollenbeck]

It was a deeply sad day here in Portland. I knew a few of those who had a passion to make a difference at Nau. I talked to them at Green Drinks, conferences and panels. They definitely walked the walk. They worked in a USGBC LEED® certified building close to the trolley. However, these are talented individuals who will be absorbed in the apparel cluster we have here in Portland. So please do not look at this as sustainable company going out of business but one that will affect and change the culture of many others. The retail landscape is very hostile today with established companies closing stores or going out of business all together. Business realities can destroy even the best intentions.

[Brett Borders]

I was really sad to see Nau close so suddenly. They had an extremely high-quality fashion line, much better than any retail store I had ever seen in the US!

[WilliamK]

The green Kool-aid is easy to swallow in Portland where environmentalism is alive and well.

The idea of sustainable apparel from a company that honestly cares about the environment and runs its business accordingly is compelling. I was hooked by the buzz Nau was getting in the blogosphere and in outdoor media...until I went to their store. I couldn't afford anything. I couldn't "buy" into the concept.