Anthropologie
URBN (Urban Outfitters, Inc.) · United States
Anthropologie is an American lifestyle brand selling womenswear, accessories, beauty and home furnishings through richly styled stores and online. Founded by Richard Hayne in 1992, it is owned by URBN (Urban Outfitters, Inc.) and is one of the group's main brands.
| Founded | 1992, Wayne, Pennsylvania |
|---|---|
| Founder | Richard Hayne |
| Owner | URBN (Urban Outfitters, Inc.) |
| Headquarters | Philadelphia, United States |
| Stores | 253 (2025) |
| Website | anthropologie.com |
What is Anthropologie?
Anthropologie is a lifestyle retailer that targets women with a mix of clothing, jewellery, accessories, footwear, cosmetics, furniture, decor, housewares and gifts. It belongs to URBN, the Philadelphia group that also owns Urban Outfitters, Free People, Terrain and Nuuly, and it also trades under the Anthropologie Weddings name.
History
The first free-standing Anthropologie store opened in autumn 1992 in Wayne, Pennsylvania. Richard Hayne, co-founder of Urban Outfitters, is credited as founder. A mail-order catalogue and website followed in 1998, and the brand opened its first international stores in London and Toronto in 2009. In 2019 it opened a home outlet in Pittsburgh dedicated to furniture and furnishings. In 2021 Tricia Smith, who previously spent 26 years at Nordstrom, succeeded Hillary Super as global chief executive of the brand. Over the years Anthropologie has also adjusted its sourcing policies, for example by banning mohair in 2018 after an investigation into the goat hair industry.
Products and positioning
Anthropologie sits above Urban Outfitters in price and targets an older, more affluent customer. Its offer is built on an eclectic, often bohemian aesthetic and a strong home category:
- Dresses, knitwear and womenswear from in-house and partner labels
- Jewellery, accessories and footwear
- Beauty and fragrance
- Furniture, decor, tableware and gifts
- Bridal and occasion wear
Business model and distribution
The brand sells mainly through its own stores and e-commerce. It operated 253 stores in 2025 and trades in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France and Germany. Stores are known for elaborate visual merchandising and handmade displays, which are central to the brand experience.
Why it matters
Anthropologie is a reference case for lifestyle retail that blends fashion and home in one destination. Its success inside URBN shows the value of distinct brand identities on a shared corporate platform, and its emphasis on experiential stores makes it a useful benchmark in debates about the role of physical retail alongside digital channels.
Frequently asked questions
Who owns Anthropologie?
Anthropologie is owned by URBN, the listed company formally named Urban Outfitters, Inc. It has been part of the group since it was launched in 1992.
Is Anthropologie a luxury brand?
No. Anthropologie is generally positioned as a premium lifestyle retailer rather than a luxury brand. It sits above Urban Outfitters in price and combines fashion with furniture and home decor.