53 responses to “The sincerest form of flattery? The North Face doesn’t think so!”

1. 

   Amanda Edmondson January 20th, 2010 at 07:55

   I had not heard of this company until now. I like his idea of going against the norm and being your own person. Winkelmann does have a point—people buy The North Face products just because others do. I’d say the piece Winkelmann is relating to is The North Face fleece jacket. But, I know this is something The North Face is not complaining about. They are out there to make money and satisfy customers, which their products seem to do. In addition, if The North Face was not so popular, Winkelmann wouldn’t have anyone to make fun of and earn profit. In my eyes, both companies benefit from one another. There’s nothing wrong with some friendly competition.

2. 

   Angeline Tran January 20th, 2010 at 08:49

   This is a really cute idea. I was going to buy some of the merchandice, but it seems pretty expensive. I’d rather buy Purdue gear instead for the same price.

3. 

   Brian Corley January 20th, 2010 at 10:14

   I have heard about this previously and I think it is awesome that he is taking on such a big company like North Face. Plus he gets free advertising, you can’t beat that.

4. 

   Joseph Mecca January 20th, 2010 at 10:26

   Great Idea! I love that he’s getting all these free publicity from North Face. Obviously North Face is the company he designed South Butt after, but he’s poking fun at the individuals who purchase the product for the style and “prestige” one believe they attain when they waltz around in the North Face logo. Don’t get me wrong, they make some quality products, but I’ll put South Butt next time I need some clothing just to support Jimmy’s point.

5. 

   Amanda Salomon January 20th, 2010 at 11:03

   I had not heard of this till class the other day. I feel that it is kind of childish for this young man to do this, but he does seem to have a good attitude toward the situation.

6. 

   Amit Pahwa January 20th, 2010 at 11:55

   It is a good idea if he actually stood by why he says – good quality products at an affordable price. If you compare prices his products are pretty much the same price as North Face. The difference in price is easily made up for in that North Face is a reputable company that has distribution everywhere and is known for releasing quality products while little to nothing is known about the quality of this kid’s products.

   This is just another example of a kid trying to get rich by ripping off someone else.

7. 

   Kyle Egbert January 20th, 2010 at 11:58

   Great story, I hope he does well. The next time I go to visit my girlfriend who goes to Mizzou, I am going to look at their products and might buy something. I don’t think the North Face will get anywhere with their suit and if they were smart, would stop giving away the free press. I looked at their online store and it definitely has room to improve, but its a young company. I guess it goes to show that a company does well when it is polarizing, and we all shouldn’t try to appease everyone.

8. 

   Zach Morgan January 20th, 2010 at 12:34

   I have heard of this clothing line about a year ago and definitely found humor in it. I also find humor in the fact that no matter where you go on campus, a majority of students wear the famous black fleece jacket by North Face. I am anxious to see how far along the company will go with the free press that has come out of it.

9. 

   Alexandra Graves January 20th, 2010 at 12:45

   I like the idea of this clothing line. But then again though his intention was not to start a trend that may be just want happens. Even though he thinks that people only follow North Face or other clothing businesses is because they are following a trend and he is in no way part of a trend. He will have followers that are the people that “don’t care about what or who they are wearing”. Its an out-there idea but it’s just another clothing store, that just making a name for itself.

10. 

    Kyle Rose January 20th, 2010 at 13:08

    I don’t think North Face has a case they can win against him, unless they sue for libel or slander. I can tell South Butt’s owner started this company in order to compete with high priced North Face apparel, but he also seems to be mocking them in a way.

11. 

    Michael Tym January 20th, 2010 at 13:44

    I really like this idea and I think Jimmy Winkelmann is a real entrepreneur. As far as the law suit goes there really is no similarity in the designs of the logo, they point different directions and his only has 2 bars rather than the North Face’s 3. I understand why The North Face is getting upset but they need to learn to take a joke.

12. 

    Dan Wyss January 20th, 2010 at 13:57

    This is pretty funny. It might be a little immature but it is clever at the same time. Everybody really does wear North Face’s though. It’s a unique angle to starting a company.

13. 

    John Gorbandt January 20th, 2010 at 14:42

    I think it is a very creative idea. He says he doesnt like it when people follow trends but I believe that is exactly what will happen with this brand.

14. 

    Mahmod Alrawi January 20th, 2010 at 15:21

    Cool website…it seems he took his time making it. I really like this idea though, I remember my brother working with his friends on a clothing company, and he poked fun of another company with the name he made. Ive seen a lot of these emerge in the past few years, its really a very easy business to maintain, especially when your products are all sold online and you have a trusted supplier for the shirts. Still, really cool idea.

15. 

    Kelly Plantz January 20th, 2010 at 15:37

    The South Butt company that was started is comical. However I do own North Face products and love them they are not the popular trend setter products that everyone has to have. I own one of their down coats which is warm and waterproof and I have never seen anyone wear something similar to. The thing that I would be unsure about if I were to purchase a product from The South Butt is the quality and warranty and if it is even comparable to NF. When I wear my North Face coat or gloves that are fuzzy, warm, and comfortable I know that it was made for the cold. I don’t know if I could actually trust another company that is a knock off brand. Also the differences in price aren’t much so I would rather not risk it and purchase something I love and can trust. The kid was smart for starting a company similar to The North Face however I will stick with the real North Face and the products that I love.

16. 

    Damon Ward January 20th, 2010 at 15:59

    I think that this company is a great idea and will be a major competitor with The North Face. In comparing some of the mens jackets from the two sites, I found that there is normally a different of at least $40. In the previous post Kelly commented that she wouldn’t risk buying South Butt gear because it might not stand up to the North Face gear. Personally, if it looked and felt about the same, I’d take the risk and buy it. Who knows you might save $40 or more and be more satisfied with your South Butt jacket.

17. 

    Maria Del Real January 20th, 2010 at 15:59

    Well, I think this was a great idea! It takes a lot of courage to stand in front of a camera and tell The North Face, “Bring it on!” His idea seems to be flourishing in St. Louis. I don’t think that people will begin to buy this brand just to “fit in”, but rather poke some fun at The North Face. It doesn’t necessarily mean that just because the name is the exact opposite name of The North Face that it is a knock off. Sometimes not everyone can afford The North Face, so they may look to The South Butt just to get a kick out of it.

18. 

    Lauren Cassidy January 20th, 2010 at 16:04

    I think this is such a funny story, and he seems like a comical kid! I don’t, however, understand his reasoning behind the creation of South Butt. He states that he created the line to encourage people to just be themselves, but yet buying South Butt products will make the owner just like others who own the same products. And also, South Butt products closely resemble North Face products, so in essence purchasers are still buying “in” products. Its a great idea, but I’m not so sure on his reasoning.

19. 

    Keegan Klauke January 20th, 2010 at 16:24

    any publicity is good. even people who go to jail for throwing a party that destroys a city block will be offered thousands of dollars to plan a party when his bail is paid. so a lawsuit in this fashion really did this company great publicity even though it came in a snap locked briefcase.

20. 

    Ryan Poxon January 20th, 2010 at 17:05

    This is the second successful entrepreneur we’ve seen in the last week who has included a sense of humor within their company. I feel like those who have became succesful have done it because they are confident with their ability and aren’t afraid to show their true personality.

21. 

    Martin Murray January 20th, 2010 at 17:34

    The North Face is one of the most popular brands out right now. You can’t walk down the street without seeing at least five NF jackets. The North Face is so huge, they shouldn’t worry about The South Butt brand. However, the styles of the jackets and logo are pretty similar…

22. 

    Loïc Mazet January 20th, 2010 at 17:45

    Helping people by being themself is really good way to make money. However I think that the logo and the styles are a little bit too close to The North Face!

23. 

    Taylor Gelsosomo January 20th, 2010 at 18:01

    I think the logo clearly looks like the North Face logo. The idea is clever and had he not made the logo like that, he probably wouldn’t have any lawsuits right now-although that is what is getting him the publicity. I think North Face missed the humor in this, but I can also understand that they would be upset.

24. 

    Anthony Sikorski January 20th, 2010 at 18:27

    I think that he has ever right to continue his company. Is the North Face really that threatened by South Butt? By them complaining so publicly they are actually helping South Butt out. If they were smart they would just stop mentioning it now and drop the law-suit. There are bigger companies North Face should be worrying about.

25. 

    Shawn Gearhart January 20th, 2010 at 18:31

    If this guy is truly not sure why The North Face is suing him then he is living in a naive world. He even said himself that the idea was a parody, which indicates that he wanted to relate and imitate his idea closely to The North Face brand. Like one commented already, if he keeps selling like he says he is, the South Butt will end up popular around his area like NF is everywhere else, which is the concept he was trying to avoid to begin with.

26. 

    Douglas Booth January 20th, 2010 at 18:33

    I don’t think he is trying to “get rich” on this endeavor. Instead, I think he is trying to make a valid point that some clothing trends are a little overwhelming and that not everyone has to where what’s “in style” to fit in. I think he has a great idea here and the North Face is making it too big of a deal.

27. 

    Tyler Teykl January 20th, 2010 at 18:43

    I too believe the North Face was/is a brand item more than a cold gear item. I am from Texas, and the North Face became big down there. It was the cool thing to wear at several high schools in the area. If you have been to Texas, you know it doesn’t get very cold. I therefore support his idea and clothing line.

    I would like to see how this would settle in trial. I wonder if the North Face will go that far or instead drop the case.

28. 

    Karlis Jansons January 20th, 2010 at 18:50

    If i was North Face I would also be upset. I don’t know how the situation will work out legally, but South Butt is trying to make some money off of North Face’s success. While they are different, one can see the resemblance and that my persuade uneducated consumers to purchase their item.

29. 

    Christian Barrett January 20th, 2010 at 19:15

    I’d say that he could end up very much in the clear – there have been at least two companies that were in a very similar situation against Google (ignoring the parody aspect to this case) that won because their logos were significantly different enough (being in slightly different fonts and shapes) and their products varying just enough. Both of these companies based their defense partly on clients not mixing up their product and that of Google’s.

    From a business viewpoint, I have to wonder if this student plans to keep this going for a while – as something that started primarily as a parody and has gained popularity from a lawsuit, it’s doing quite well. However, I fear that the South Butt is capitalizing on a fad, rather than a trend – they got lucky with the timing, but can’t sustain the income.

30. 

    David Hyman January 20th, 2010 at 19:35

    This is classic! I find it hilarious, and a great idea as well. Jimmy thought of this idea all my himself and that is very impressive! Great idea for a brand and product, and hopefully he succeds more!

31. 

    Michael Evans January 20th, 2010 at 19:46

    I can definitely understand why the North Face is upset. However, I also think Jimmy Winkelmann has a good idea. There’s plenty of people out there who dislike North Face, so I think he’s smart to capitalize on that. And look at all the free publicity he’s getting!

32. 

    Justin Riley January 20th, 2010 at 19:55

    I think it is very clever what he is doing. He is right, most people buy North Face products because everyone else does. I think its great that he is doing this and having fun with it. I do not feel he is stealing anything from North Face. North Face should quit whining about it.

33. 

    Craig Hasbargen January 20th, 2010 at 20:24

    I have heard about this ongoing dispute before and I cannot believe that The North Face is so shook up about a college student making a few extra bucks. If they would have dropped the law suit a week after it started there would not have been as much nation wide publicity that there is with the on-going law suit… They are essentially dooming themselves…

34. 

    Ariana Zades January 20th, 2010 at 20:26

    The South Butt is a parody of the more popular North Face brand and where that is funny and he brings up a good point, I think it will just end up where the North Face brand is now. I have never heard of the South Butt company until now and if it keeps progressing the way it is, it will end up where they were trying to turn away from.

    If I was part of the North Face company, I would be upset as well. The North Face is recognizable for their products and their brand logo. Winkelmann hardly changed their logo or products to differentiate themselves from the North Face. I’m sure legal issues are necessary and I support North Face.

35. 

    Spencer Childers January 20th, 2010 at 20:31

    Haha. Thats really funny. Finally someone makes fun of the clothing trends that happens everywhere. I hope that he is able to continue making the clothes despite copying The North Face Logo.

36. 

    Ben Albers January 20th, 2010 at 21:13

    Bravo to Jimmy Winkelmann. Isn’t this the definition of an entrepreneur? Someone who goes against the grain, states their opinion, and can come up with a brilliant idea? I have to side with Jimmy on this one. I really do not understand the hype with North Face jackets. I bought a knock-off one for only 20 bucks! I somewhat understand why North Face could be offended by this. I also believe that they could have been the bigger man and congratulate a regular guy to come up with such a funny idea.

37. 

    Derrick Henson January 20th, 2010 at 21:30

    I love Jimmy’s humor. I know when I was in high school and even now in college that lots of people have north face products. And I know that there are some that think its looks nice and comfortable, but I think a lot of people have it for the popular image. I would have bought some products off of Jimmy, but the prices are comparable to north face. That’s the biggest reason I don’t buy north face products is the high prices. But I have to say “Good Job” to Jimmy.

38. 

    Jaideep SIngh January 20th, 2010 at 21:52

    Well… I think he did cross the line a little… anyways found this neat little t shirt website that sells these likes of satire t shirts. I found a few funny ones
    http://www.tantrauniverse.com/detail.html?vi=131
    http://www.tantrauniverse.com/detail.html?vi=43
    http://www.tantrauniverse.com/detail.html?vi=135
    http://www.tantrauniverse.com/detail.html?vi=539

39. 

    Steve Maniago January 20th, 2010 at 22:58

    Jimmy has a great idea here. He has infused a popular product among many people with his own idea.. Well most of the his products look like North Face products. But it is good to see someone who has the guts to take on a company such as North Face

40. 

    jacob higbee January 20th, 2010 at 23:36

    This is a great idea. there have been others do the same thing as is the “life is good” spinoff “life is crap”. Doing this has much potential and really attracts those who are looking to deviate from the social norms and follow the crowd.

41. 

    Casey Piquette January 21st, 2010 at 00:03

    I really don’t like this idea. I personally am an avid North Face user…not because everyone else does, but because I have used their gear for traveling abroad and hiking. It is very dependable and North Face has a solid line.

    I am all for competitors at a more affordable price, but the fact that it was in-spite of “band-waggoners” seems a little pathetic. Think of a more creative, unique name. I really think the only reason this business has been successful is because people think its funny. But once people forget about the story behind it, I see the company falling away.

42. 

    courtney m. cronk January 21st, 2010 at 00:04

    haha! i love this. however it is an awfully lot like the north face logo. i havent heard of this product until after reading this blog. I want to know if “the south butt” product is just as quality made as “the north face”. are there any differences in quality? or price? I think it is a good idea, especially for those who dislike the north face brand. but then again, if everyone buys this product, wouldnt they be falling into the same category of buying things because NOT everyone else has it? sounds kind of the same to me.

43. 

    Josh Graves January 21st, 2010 at 01:45

    hahaha thats pretty funny. its a good idea, but a terrible name. i know its the opposite of north face, but it needs to be something else. its not catchy enough. i think that this guy barely qualifies as an entrepreneur, because he really didn’t invent the product market here. he just copied it.

44. 

    Rob Lampert January 21st, 2010 at 02:42

    After thinking about Winkelmann’s whole motivation for starting “The South Butt”, I couldn’t help but chuckle at the practical use of satire. Like Hank mentioned in class, If you have a product that some people like and other people hate, you have a good product. Just by reading some of the comments on The South Butt website, you can tell that there are some people that find it funny and ironic, but you can also find a lot of people that don’t have a sense of humor.

45. 

    Justin de la Chi(cago) January 21st, 2010 at 11:38

    I do find it amusing how people take such offense to being categorized and pigeonholed into the societal, or aspirational, norm. This being the North Face Posse.

    Good for Mr. Winkelmann! If you can piggyback on a successful brand and create the anti- version, free marketing and obviously fierce corporate backlash bring great recognition.

    I hope the quality is as up to par….

    J

46. 

    Beck Warwick January 21st, 2010 at 16:46

    North face should have know better than suing this young man for his product line. the product is not a direct representation of of north face nor does it use the same trademark. historically large corporations suing smaller startups over controversy has only sparked the startups through the free publicity. i dont see any legal infraction on jimmy winkelmanns part. north face needs to gain a sense of humor and wise up.

47. 

    Nwokedi Idika January 21st, 2010 at 22:20

    A simple *quiet* “cease and desist” letter with a lot of legalese in it would’ve done the trick for The North Face. Bringing attention to a much smaller enemy definitely breaks one of the “48 Laws of Power.”

48. 

    Stephanie Mellady January 21st, 2010 at 22:23

    I think this idea is hilarious, but I don’t ever see it actually being North Face’s competition. It looks like North Face does have reason to sue, it obviously states on the website that this is a parody and uses the trademarked North Face name on their website. I would bet that if North Face took South Butt to court North Face would come out victorious, which is unfortunate because I am all for free market competition.

49. 

    Ziang Chen January 23rd, 2010 at 02:31

    I’m glad I heard about this in class. I showed my roomate and he chuckled. I wonder how long he can keep his sales up. I hope this kid is smart and milks this idea for as long as possible and know when to get out before losing profit.

50. 

    Byron Young January 23rd, 2010 at 12:34

    “Just be yourself” is a great idea. People are always embracing the idea of being different, in movies, music so why not in clothing. He took an idea and marketed a North Face log and turned it in to a success.

    Although, I am doubting this will last a long time he might as well get paid now.

51. 

    Robert Metcalf January 23rd, 2010 at 18:24

    Obviously Jimmy uncovered a demand for this idea. How big is the market? I think as long as the NF remains a healthy brand Jimmy will do fine. Of course that is assuming that the court lets him!

52. 

    Daniel Johnson January 26th, 2010 at 10:42

    It seems that many people these days are suing other competitors companies. This is very similiar to the AT&T case vs Verizon wireless. Also Jenny Craig vs Weight Watchers. It seems that people think the consumer can not discriminate between logos, or references made on commercials. I think that the companies should not make such a deal of these issues and worry more about advertising thier own company.

53. 

    Evan Tangman January 26th, 2010 at 22:09

    I agree with others that “South Butt” is not a good brand name, but I’m not really sure of this guy’s motive. Let us say his motive is to succeed in the market. Wouldn’t South Butt just become another bandwagon brand like The North Face or UGG(LY)? If he is just doing it for publicity I think he gave people a few laughs.