The history of Columbia company started in 1937, when Paul and Marie Lamfrom left Germany for the United States and bought a small hat distributing company there. The company was named after the Columbia River. Hats, however, were only the beginning of what has now resulted in a line of footwear, headgear, camping equipment, skiwear, and outerwear accessories. Today’s owner of the company Tim Boyle managed to raise the company’s sales because of producing their own products and reorientation of the company toward producing, not retailing. Boyle had to start his business in 1970, when his father suddenly died, but regardless al economic troubles Boyle managed to bring the company to a new level. This was done due to special fabric technology and multiple wearing options.
Today Columbia shoes are produced by its owned companies Sorel Corporation and Mountain Hardwear, and Columbia jackets are known worldwide.

 With the annual revenue of $1.29 billion and 2712 employees the company grows bigger and expands new markets. It now has 13 000 retailers in 72 countries of the world. Only in Portland, the city, where the headquarters of the company are located, there are 13 outlets of it. Among the United States Oregon ha the densest number of Columbia outlets – 6 in one state.

Columbia claims being a sportswear company, and it supports this image by being a sponsor of cycling Team Columbia, former famous T-Mobile Team. According to the contract, Columbia will be granting financial support to the team for 3 years.