How Hip-Hop Made Timberland a Billion Dollar Brand

In the U.S.,the Timberland boot is widely recognized as a fashion staple. But that wasn’t always the case. Throughout the ‘90s, the Timberland brand went through a massive expansion, seeing revenue climb over $1 billion in 2000. Timberland’s rise was not without controversy. In the early ‘90s, hip-hop stars on the East Coast adopted the boot, and sales began to climb. At the time, hip-hop wasn’t mainstream and the strength of black spending was often overlooked by marketers. Throughout Timberland's rise, its executives would learn to both respect and embrace their evolving consumer base, which would change the trajectory of the brand forever. Here’s how hip-hop helped make Timberland a billion-dollar brand. » Subscribe to CNBC Make It.: About CNBC Make It.: CNBC Make It. is a new section of CNBC dedicated to making you smarter about managing your business, career, and money. Connect with CNBC Make It. Online Get the latest updates: https://w