The Oodie founder responds after Aldi releases a ‘hooded blanket’ that looks JUST like his design

The young founder of internationally successful business ‘The Oodie’ has spoken out after Aldi announced it will be launching new ‘snuggle hoodies’ that look exactly like his popular designs.

Davie Fogarty, from Adelaide, South Australia, started the brand in 2018 with just $500 after dropping out of university and has since turned over $400million.

On Saturday July 9, Aldi is launching sherpa-lined hooded blankets for just $29.99 instead of the $84 that Oodie charges. One Aldi design features cartoon avocados with faces that look just like a pattern on one of the Oodies.

Mr Fogarty told FEMAIL that although it’s ‘flattering’, he predicts shoppers will opt for his own, ‘premium’ product. 

From Saturday July 9, Aldi shoppers across the country will be able to get their hands on the sherpa-lined hooded blankets for just $29.99 (pictured) – while Oodies retail for $84

One Aldi design features cartoon avocados that embody a similar resemblance to a design sold by The Oodie, and other similar colours including pink and charcoal will also be available (pictured: The Oodie avocado design)

One Aldi design features cartoon avocados that embody a similar resemblance to a design sold by The Oodie, and other similar colours including pink and charcoal will also be available (pictured: The Oodie avocado design)

From a young age, Davie Fogarty, from Adelaide, South Australia, (pictured) dreamed of starting his own business and would sell cookies to teachers and students at school to make some extra cash

From a young age, Davie Fogarty, from Adelaide, South Australia, (pictured) dreamed of starting his own business and would sell cookies to teachers and students at school to make some extra cash 

‘While it is flattering to see our trademarked Avocado design bring inspiration to big retail chains, we are confident customers will appreciate our premium product quality and want to support an Australian business by shopping the original Oodie,’ he said.

The Oodie is lined with Sherpa fleece and is made with a front kangaroo pocket, making it the perfect winter essential.

To compare, the Aldi snuggle hoodie is also made with ‘ultra-soft fleece’ and ‘warm sherpa lining’ with a one-size fits most design and large front pocket.

But as the Oodie is deemed ‘premium’ it will likely last longer and remain fluffy after being washed several times.  

Mr Fogarty told FEMAIL he isn't irritated by the situation with Aldi at all, but is instead flattered (pictured: Oodie avocado design)

'While it is flattering to see our trademarked Avocado design bring inspiration to big retail chains, we are confident customers will appreciate our premium product quality and want to support an Australian business by shopping the original Oodie,' he said (pictured: Aldi avocado design)

Mr Fogarty told FEMAIL he isn’t irritated by the situation with Aldi at all, but is instead flattered (Pictured left: The Oodie. Pictured right: Aldi snuggle hoodie)

At the moment in the market, there seems to be a variety of similar blanket-incorporated jumpers and hoodies of varying designs that may have sought inspiration from the original Oodie

At the moment in the market, there seems to be a variety of similar blanket-incorporated jumpers and hoodies of varying designs that may have sought inspiration from the original Oodie

At the moment in the market, there seems to be a variety of similar blanket-incorporated jumpers and hoodies of varying designs that may have sought inspiration from the original Oodie. 

The Aldi adult snuggle hoodie is just one of many items available. 

Other big-name retailers have also previously sold similar hooded blankets, providing customers on a budget with options.

On TikTok some shoppers were concerned about the quality and said they’d prefer to fork out the cost for the original Oodie.

‘The real Oodie is worth it! Save up if you can, the Kmart one doesn’t compared,’ one person wrote in response to a video by user Yasmine. 

‘The real one is a lot better,’ another said.

Mr Fogarty (pictured) founded 'The Oodie' in 2018 and owns nine additional brands

The university marketing drop-out later built his global business with his last $500 and now aged 27 he owns 10 brands - including Calming Blankets and petcare brand Pupnaps - as part of his company Davie Group

Mr Fogarty (pictured) founded ‘The Oodie’ in 2018 and owns nine additional brands

The Oodie launched four years ago but sales exploded in 2020 when Covid swept Australia, leaving millions working, playing and languishing at home during lockdowns.

The instant nation of homebodies meant Australians were spending more money on cosy outfits to wear around the house; The Oodie is a cosy, wearable blanket with a warm sherpa fleece interior and ‘kangaroo pouch’ front pocket.

On TikTok Mr Fogarty shared a video after feeling humbled by his incredible success.

In a separate video Mr Fogarty said he'd change his approach and 'general mindset' about both life and business

Mr Fogarty told FEMAIL the brand has turned over more than $400million to date

In a separate video Mr Fogarty said he’d change his approach and ‘general mindset’ about both life and business. He told FEMAIL the brand has turned over more than $400million to date (pictured, a spreadsheet from last year)

‘Money comes back, but I’ll never be 23 and growing Australia’s biggest oversized wearable blanket business,’ he wrote.

He’s also known for sharing business tips, how to source ‘winning’ products and what he’d do differently if he could do it all again.

In a separate video Mr Fogarty said he’d change his approach and ‘general mindset’ about both life and business. 

‘I was so hell bent on becoming successful and making as much money as possible, and not only missed a lot of opportunities, but I probably wasn’t as happy or enjoyed life as much as I could have,’ he said. 

‘If I could change one thing, it would be my mentality around that and just trying to find peace rather than trying to be something I didn’t need to be.’

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