Yvon Chouinard

Tags: Customer Experience, Marketing 9/12/11 - Laurel Tielis Patagonia has long had the reputation of being a socially responsible company. Walmart not so much. But this week, I think they're telling a similar story. Each company is offering buying choices that positively impact on its core customer, as well as the community at large. Shopping's no fun when you're out of funds Walmart, in response to cash-short customers, has given them an early Christmas gift by bringing back layaway for the holiday season. Shoppers concerned with higher prices across the board–food, gasoline, energy–told the retailer they are more comfortable

As part of its Common Threads Initiative, Patagonia partnered with eBay to launch a new storefront for customers to buy and sell used Patagonia gear. The Common Threads Initiative was created in order to help reduce consumption and be more environmentally friendly.