Genre Sports equipment Parent Jacobson Group Founded 1905 | Products Tracksuits
Footwear Type of business Private | |
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Area served Worldwide, except Central, Eastern Europe, Middle East & Africa Headquarters Rawtenstall, United Kingdom Profiles | ||
Gola is a sporting goods manufacturer based in England. It was founded on 22 May 1905. It used to be known as the Bozeat Boot Company, and was based in the Northamptonshire village of Bozeat. Gola was purchased by the Jacobson Group and has since expanded its range.
The company produces mainly track suits and trainers (American English: Sneakers), of which the models known as "Harrier" and "Chase" are particularly popular, especially in continental Europe. During the 1970s, Gola's licensing was held under Electronic Rentals Group and its principal Chairman, Roy Keith Black. Black pushed several million pounds into Gola and developed the Gola Bag of 1972 which created an international craze.
Recently, in the early 2000s, Gola sportswear was re-launched in the UK as a 'retro' sports fashion brand, selling to the same people, now grown up, who fondly remembered the brand from their childhood – but at premium prices.
Gola sponsored the Football Conference (previously Alliance Premier League) from 1984 until 1986, during which time the league was known as the Gola League. When Gola's backing finished, car maker Vauxhall took over.