History of Abercrombie and Fitch

By VanillaBean21

  • Founded by David Abercrombie

    Sold high-end fishing rods and safari gear. Founded in Manhattan, New York.

  • Ezra Fitch became co-owner

    Fitch was a frequent customer and eventually became co-owner with Abercrombie.

  • Started sending out catalogues

    Magazines cost a dollar each and nearly bankrupted the company.

  • Moved onto Madison Avenue

    The store changed locations to a much more expensive and luxurious location. Cementing A&F's elite sporting reputation.

  • Fitch retires and passes on buisness to James Cobb

    Fitches passes on his shares to his brother in law.

  • Opens store in San Fransisco and other only summer or winter stores.

    Opens a half a dozen stores after highest net profit.
  • Abercrombie and Fitch files for bankruptcy

    Abercrombie and Fitch files for bankruptcy

    Filed for bankruptcy after company loses 1 million
  • Oshman's Sporting Goods buys A&F name

    Oshman's Sporting Goods buys A&F name

    Sold mainly exercise of sports equipment of the modern age of the time.

  • Amount of stores had grown to 26.

    Net sales reached 4o to 45 million

  • The Limited acquires 25 of 27 existing A&F stores.

    Acquires them for 45 million in cash. Emphasis was placed on apparel.

  • Michael Jeffries becomes president of company

    Changed company for the demographic of youth. Sold expensive casual wear.
  • Filed lawsuit against American Eagle Outfitters

    Filed lawsuit against American Eagle Outfitters

    A&F filed a lawsuit against AEO for copying it's trademark merchandise and image.
  • Open Abercrombie Kids, a childrens store.

    Open Abercrombie Kids, a childrens store.

    Broadened clientele by opening children's store.
  • Opens first Hollister store.

    Opens first Hollister store.

    Opens first store of Hollister , a store influenced heavily from the West Coast, namely California.
  • Opens first Gilly Hicks store.

    Opens first Gilly Hicks store.

    Opens new store, GH, which focuses on lingerie, and sleepware.