Abercrombie & Fitch

American
Abercrombie & Fitch, established in 1892 by David T. Abercrombie in New York City, originated as an outfitter catering to the elite outdoorsman. In 1900, Ezra Fitch became a significant stakeholder, eventually acquiring sole ownership from 1907 to 1928. Renowned for its high-end sporting and excursion goods, the brand outfitted notable expeditions, including Theodore Roosevelt's safari and Admiral Richard E. Byrd's Antarctic journey. The company faced challenges in the 1970s, leading to bankruptcy in 1976 and the closure of its flagship store in 1977.
 
Despite bankruptcy, the brand endured as Oshman's Sporting Goods acquired its name and mailing list in 1978, relaunching it as a mail-order retailer. The Limited later purchased Abercrombie & Fitch in 1988, transitioning its focus to young adults. Under The Limited, the brand became a separate, publicly traded company and grew into a major apparel firm in the U.S.
 
In the 1990s, CEO Mike Jeffries refocused Abercrombie & Fitch on the teen demographic, introducing Abercrombie Kids in 1998 and Hollister Co. in 2000. Facing competition from fast-fashion rivals, the company underwent image changes, reducing sexually charged advertising and adopting a more customer-centric approach.
 
In 2014, longtime CEO Michael Jeffries resigned, and Fran Horowitz assumed the role in 2017. Abercrombie & Fitch embraced transformations to combat competition, emphasizing customer service and revising employee dress codes. By Q1 2021, the company reported its "best second-quarter operating income and margin since 2008, with sales exceeding pre-pandemic levels," showcasing its resilience and adaptability in the market.
loading data Loading...
Loading...
Loading... Loading...
  • This website uses cookies to track how visitors use our website to provide a better user experience. By continuing to browse this website, you are agreeing to our cookie policy
    Ok
Join InCollect close

Join to view prices, save favorites, share collections and connect with others.

Forgot Password?
  • Be the first to see new listings and weekly events
    Invalid Email. Please try again.
    Enter