Abercrombie & Fitch: When was it founded? Know is its history and journey
New York, it catered to the city's elite, offering everything from tennis shoes to elephant guns. One of its frequent customers, Ezra Fitch, eventually purchased shares in the company in 1900. However, disagreements over the company's direction led to Abercrombie's departure in 1907, with Fitch taking full control.
(1907 — 1970s)
Under Ezra Fitch's leadership, Abercrombie & Fitch embarked on a remarkable journey. In 1909, they mailed over 50,000 copies of a comprehensive 456-page catalog worldwide, introducing their products to a global audience. The catalog featured outdoor clothing, camping gear, articles, and advice columns.
By 1910, the brand expanded to include women's clothing and moved to a more fashionable location near Fifth Avenue. In 1917, the iconic Madison Avenue store opened, featuring 12 stories filled with sporting goods, clothing, and even a kennel for pets.
For decades, Abercrombie & Fitch's apparel, guns, and outdoor equipment symbolized American opulence.
(1970s — 1980s)
In the early 1970s, Abercrombie & Fitch faced financial struggles as it filed for bankruptcy in 1976. Attempts to attract a broader customer base with less expensive items and suburban locations couldn't save the brand from its crisis.
(1988 — 1990s)
In 1978, Oshman's Sporting Goods purchased Abercrombie & Fitch, but the brand changed hands again in 1988 when it was acquired by The Limited, a company known for building brands like Victoria's Secret. The transformation began.
(1990s — 2000s)
Under the leadership of Michael S. Jeffries, Abercrombie & Fitch transitioned from a struggling sports brand into a «casual luxury» brand with a strong focus on the American teen market. Jeffries believed in the potential of the growing
