Abercrombie & Fitch
Abercrombie & Fitch Co. · United States
Abercrombie & Fitch is an American fashion brand founded in New York in 1892 and headquartered in New Albany, Ohio. It sells casual apparel, accessories and personal care for men and women through its own stores and online.
| Founded | 1892, New York City |
|---|---|
| Founders | David T. Abercrombie, Ezra Fitch |
| Headquarters | New Albany, Ohio |
| Sister brands | Hollister, Abercrombie Kids, Gilly Hicks |
| Website | abercrombie.com |
What is Abercrombie & Fitch?
Abercrombie & Fitch is the namesake brand of Abercrombie & Fitch Co., a publicly listed American specialty retailer based in New Albany, Ohio, outside Columbus. The company also has regional offices in London and Shanghai.
History
The business was founded on 4 June 1892 in Manhattan by David T. Abercrombie as an outfitter for outdoorsmen. Ezra Fitch bought into the company in 1900 and it was incorporated as Abercrombie & Fitch Co. in 1904. In 1996 it was spun off from The Limited, later L Brands.
Products and positioning
Today the brand sells casual apparel, accessories, footwear and personal care products. The wider company portfolio includes:
- Abercrombie & Fitch, the namesake brand
- Abercrombie Kids, for children
- Hollister Co., for teens
- Gilly Hicks, for underwear, loungewear and activewear
Distribution
The company operates more than 780 stores and sells in markets worldwide. In the 2020s it shifted its focus towards e-commerce and closed most of its international flagship stores.
Why it matters
Abercrombie & Fitch is one of the longest-established American apparel names, and its move from flagship-led expansion towards digital sales reflects wider changes in specialty retail.
Frequently asked questions
Who founded Abercrombie & Fitch?
Abercrombie & Fitch was founded by David T. Abercrombie in 1892, with Ezra Fitch joining in 1900.
Where is Abercrombie & Fitch headquartered?
The company is headquartered in New Albany, Ohio, in the United States.