Columbia Sportswear 2012 Annual Report Download - page 12

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and fair treatment of people involved in manufacturing our products. Each factory producing products for us is monitored
regularly against these standards. Additional information about SMP and corporate responsibility programs may be found
at www.columbia.com. The content on our website is not incorporated by reference in this Form 10-K unless expressly
noted.
Competition
The markets for apparel, footwear, accessories and equipment are highly competitive. In each of our geographic
markets, we face significant competition from numerous and varying competitors, some of which are larger than us and
have more marketing resources and operational capabilities with which to compete, and others that are smaller with fewer
marketing resources, but deeply entrenched in local markets. Some markets, such as our Asian markets, have grown
significantly over the last five years and have attracted a large number of competitive local and global brands. In other
markets, such as Europe, we face competition from smaller brands that hold significant market share in one or several
European markets, but are not viable competitors in other key markets. Some of our large wholesale customers also market
competitive apparel, footwear, accessories and equipment under their own private labels. In addition, our direct-to-consumer
channels expose us to branded competitors who operate retail stores in outlet malls and key metropolitan markets, as well
as competitors who sell product online. Our licensees also operate in very competitive markets, such as those for apparel,
footwear, sunglasses and watches. We believe that the primary competitive factors in the end-use market for active outdoor
apparel, footwear, accessories and equipment are brand strength, product innovation, product design, functionality, durability
and price.
In addition to competing for end-consumer and wholesale market share, we also compete for manufacturing capacity
of independent factory groups, primarily in Asia; for retail store locations in key markets; and for experienced management,
staff and suppliers to lead, operate and support our global business processes. Each of these areas of competition requires
distinct operational and relational capabilities and expertise in order to create and maintain long-term competitive advantages.
Government Regulation
Many of our international shipments are subject to existing or potential governmental tariff and non-tariff barriers to
trade, such as import duties and potential safeguard measures that may limit the quantity of various types of goods that may
be imported into the United States and other countries. These trade barriers often represent a material portion of the cost to
manufacture and import our products. Our products are also subject to domestic and foreign product safety and environmental
standards, laws and other regulations, which are increasingly restrictive and complex. As we strive to achieve technical
innovations, we face a greater risk of compliance issues with regulations applicable to products with complex technical
features, such as electrical heating components. Although we diligently monitor these standards and restrictions, a state,
federal or foreign government may impose new or adjusted quotas, duties, safety requirements, material restrictions, or
other restrictions or regulations, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of
operations or cash flows.
Employees
At December 31, 2012, we had 4,166 full-time equivalent employees.
Available Information
We file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on
Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and all amendments to those reports, proxy statements and registration statements.
You may read and copy any material we file with the SEC at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, NE,
Washington, D.C. 20549. You may also obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the
SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. In addition, the SEC maintains an internet site at http://www.sec.gov that contains reports, proxy
and information statements, and other information regarding issuers, including us, that file electronically. We make available
free of charge on or through our website at www.columbia.com our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form
10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to these reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d)
of the Exchange Act as soon as reasonably practicable after we file these materials with the SEC.