More than Retail: Building Community & Connection from the Inside Out

The Power of Connection

For Casey Chonka , Regional Manager for the Southwest Central U.S. stores, the magic of lululemon is when the four walls of a store transform into the heartbeat of a community.

“One [moment] that sticks with me is from our Center1 store in Tulsa, Oklahoma,” she shares. “We hosted a run with a local crew, and when it wrapped, no one wanted to leave. Guests were sitting on the floor, stretching, swapping stories, and laughing with our Educators, while one of our Ambassadors led a recovery session right there in the store. It didn’t feel like retail, it felt like an extension of the neighborhood.”

That’s the power of intentional connection. It’s not just about transactions—it’s about transformation.

Building Community

At lululemon, building community is part of the job. Casey has spent 15 years growing with the brand, and she’s learned that connection starts with leadership.

“I pair leaders across my region, set up mentor/mentee relationships, and carve out time for honest storytelling,” she says. “When leaders feel seen and supported, they bring that same energy to their teams and guests.”

That energy is contagious, and it’s what makes our stores feel like home.

In Toronto, Community Specialist Ethan Williams brought that same spirit to life during the 2024 holiday season. Alongside lululemon’s Queen Street West Run Crew and local lululemon Ambassadors, Ethan helped organize a city-wide donation drive for local shelters and community centres.

“The beauty was in how enthusiastic the community was,” Ethan says. “We hosted ‘Items of the Week’ for donation, made care packages together, and personally delivered them to shelters and families. The reactions were priceless. It was heartwarming to see how much our community could come together and make a difference.”

“If you want a place where your personal goals matter as much as your professional goals, this is it.”

A Culture of Belonging

Whether it’s high-energy team sweats or just grabbing a bite to eat together, Ethan believes community looks different for everyone—and that’s the point.

“I keep an open mind and really listen to the feedback my team gives me,” he says. “It’s not about what I want to do. It’s about what we want to do. I just want my team to feel included and know there’s always a way to get involved.”

That inclusivity is rooted in empathy. “I didn’t always have a strong community growing up,” Ethan shares. “Now that I’ve found it, I want to make sure no one ever feels left out.”

Why It’s More Than “Just a Job”

For those considering a role in our stores, both Casey and Ethan have the same message: This is a place where you’ll grow.

“If you want a place where your personal goals matter as much as your professional goals, this is it,” says Casey. “You’ll be cheered on, invested in, and given opportunities that don’t exist in ‘just a job.’”

Ethan adds, “I’ve done things I never dreamed of doing, all through the amazing people I’ve met here. The same way these humans can impact you, you can impact someone else. That’s beautiful.”

The Future of Community at lululemon

As lululemon continues to grow, so does the opportunity to deepen our impact.

“I get lit up thinking about the scale of what’s possible,” Casey says. “We’re not just outfitting people for sweat—we’re creating places where people find belonging, purpose, and joy.”

As Ethan puts it: “At lululemon, we show up and we celebrate each other, together.”

Interested in being a part of our community? Explore opportunities in our stores and come be part of something bigger: https://bit.ly/43bC1UR