Nau, now a then.

got an e-mail this morning that sent me out of bed and onto my laptop: Nau is closing. the clothing store that innovated in every area - from organic cotton to category-changing activewear to donations - is closing. i found a confirmation on Treehugger - read this, it's a nice capsule.

or, check out Nau.com to get amazing deals as they closeout their inventory.

this development makes me very sad. i understand - especially as the owner of a small apparel business - that the current economy is putting the hurt on elective purchases. Nau's pricepoint was high, but not out of the realm of consideration based on the quality. moreover, i'm sad to see such an innovative, socially-aware company go off the stage. in just one year, Nau generated an incredible amount of press, commentary and worthy buzz because of the company's forward thinking. just think, if Nau could have survived financially, what changes it might spark in other companies.

i hope those founders, executives, store employees and even the factory workers responsible for some fine, fine clothing were inspired and in turn carry Nau's mission into new projects, brands and ways of life.

congrats, Nau, on the risk and i hope you, and your consumers, see the reward that came in the year of business.

here are a couple posts on Nau i previously published.