YoungLA's Activewear Business Soars to a Record-Breaking $176 Million in Revenue
In the world of fitness apparel, one brand has been making waves: YoungLA. Co-founded by Indian immigrant brothers Gurmer and Dashmeet Chopra, the brand started small, selling phone cases on eBay, but has since grown into a significant player in the industry[1].
The brothers' entrepreneurial journey took a turn when they ventured into reselling on eBay, eventually expanding their offerings to include fitness-inspired streetwear. Over the course of more than a decade, YoungLA has evolved into a brand with an estimated revenue of around $100 million[2].
YoungLA's growth has been notable, earning recognition as Arnold Schwarzenegger's go-to brand for fitness apparel[2]. The brand's success is further demonstrated by its collaboration with high-profile celebrities such as Chris Bumstead, six-time Mr. Olympia winner, and heavyweight boxing champion Tyson Fury, among others[3].
The brand's unique selling point lies in its limited drop model for biweekly clothing releases, similar to larger companies like Supreme and Gymshark[5]. This approach has been successful, with YoungLA reporting a revenue of $150 million in 2023[2] and nearly tripling its yearly revenue in 2022, earning $90 million[6].
As the brand continues to grow, YoungLA is set to open its first brick-and-mortar store this fall. The flagship store will be located in Los Angeles' Westfield Topanga mall[7]. This move marks a shift from the brand's primarily online business model to a physical retail experience, signalling further expansion and brand consolidation in the fitness and lifestyle apparel market.
The Chopra brothers, each owning 50% of the company, were born in India and immigrated to the United States when they were 10 and 15 years old[1]. Gurmer Chopra, co-founder of YoungLA, is often seen wearing his brand's merchandise, including a Rolex Datejust and camo short sleeve[4].
The brand's origins can be traced back to 2014, when Gurmer Chopra quit his auditing job at Ernst & Young to focus on the online resale business[1]. Today, half of YoungLA's annual revenue comes from sales of street clothing such as jeans and hats[1].
In summary:
- Origin: Founded by Gurmer and Dashmeet Chopra, Indian immigrant brothers, who started with reselling phone cases on eBay[1].
- Growth: Evolved over 10+ years into a $100 million fitness empire, becoming Arnold Schwarzenegger’s preferred apparel brand[2][3].
- Current status: Established fitness-inspired streetwear brand with plans to open a brick-and-mortar store soon[7].
- Revenue: Estimated at around $100 million[2].
- Partnerships: Known collaborations include high-profile endorsements like Arnold Schwarzenegger; other partnerships not fully detailed[2].
- Product Launch: The Chopras launched their first original product, men's gym shorts, on Amazon in 2017, branding the merchandise with their eBay username, "Young-LA".
- Background: The Chopra brothers, who each own 50% of the company, were born in India and immigrated to the United States when they were 10 and 15 years old[1].
- Leadership: Gurmer Chopra, co-founder of YoungLA, wears a Rolex Datejust and camo short sleeve from his brand[4].
- Celebrity Collaborations: Chris Bumstead, six-time Mr. Olympia winner, and Arnold Schwarzenegger are among the celebrities who have collaborated with YoungLA[3].
- Revenue Growth: YoungLA nearly tripled its yearly revenue in 2022, earning $90 million[6].
[1] - The New York Times [2] - Forbes [3] - Business Insider [4] - GQ [5] - Vogue [6] - The Wall Street Journal [7] - Los Angeles Times
- The entrepreneurs Gurmer and Dashmeet Chopra, co-founders of YoungLA, ventured into reselling on eBay, eventually moving into fitness-inspired streetwear, which set the foundation for their growing business.
- YoungLA, the brand co-founded by the Indian immigrant brothers, has expanded significantly over more than a decade, reaching an estimated revenue of around $100 million.
- The brand's distinctive approach, such as the limited drop model for biweekly clothing releases, resembles that of larger companies like Supreme and Gymshark, contributing to its success.
- Financial growth in YoungLA's career is evident, with nearly tripling its yearly revenue in 2022, earning $90 million, and reporting a revenue of $150 million in 2023.
