Businessweek

Gaiam, Inc., a lifestyle media company, provides a selection of information, media, products and services to customers. As of December 31, 2011, the company’s products were carried by approximately 62,000 retail stores in the United States alone, and had approximately 10 million direct customers. Segments The company’s business is divided into two segments: the Business segment, which includes sales to businesses, retailers, international licenses, corporate accounts and media outlets; and the Direct to Consumer segment, which includes direct response television (DRTV), catalogs, ecommerce, and subscription services. Products and Services The company’s visual media programs represent an integral part of proprietary product offering. The company offers a variety of subscription paid services. These services include online subscription clubs. It offers subscription services under the following clubs: Spiritual Cinema Circle, Gaiam TV, The Firm, Kettlenetics, and Gaiam Yoga Club. The company, through its 37.5% investment in Real Goods Solar, Inc. (Real Goods Solar), offers turnkey solar energy services, including the design, procurement, installation, grid connection, maintenance and referrals for third-party financing of solar energy systems. The company offers proprietary products that range from media products to restorative, sleep, stress relief, yoga and Pilates accessories and organic cotton apparel, bedding and bath products. It has also expanded its media library to approximately 3,400 titles. Competition The company’s competitors include Warner Bros., Disney, Paramount, Fox, Lions Gate, and Liberty Media. History Gaiam Inc. was founded in 1988.