Calling all 90’s babies! You remember Abercrombie & Fitch, right? The brand which hit its absolute height of popularity twenty years ago, made popular from its t-shirts, but probably made famous because of their saucy marketing strategy!
Abercrombie is an all-American lifestyle brand with a history as rich as grandma’s apple pie. Established in 1892, A&F didn’t start as your go-to for trendy threads but began as a humble sporting goods store. As time passed, it morphed into a leading fashion retail powerhouse. This brand’s got a reputation for being all about stylish clothing, those steamy marketing campaigns, and that air of exclusivity.
From Denim Dominance to the Brink of Bankruptcy
Picture this: Abercrombie & Fitch, the unrivalled king of the mall scene. But by 2016, you’d find them teetering on the edge of retail oblivion. Quite the fall from their denim throne, isn’t it? They were sitting on a whopping $7 billion valuation – and then, boom, the nosedive happened. But how? Buckle up, it’s time to uncover the rollercoaster ride!
Where It All Began
Let’s hop in our time machine and go back to 1892 when Abercrombie & Fitch was just a baby. They started as Abercrombie Co., serving the outdoor elites, including legends like Teddy Roosevelt and Ernest Hemingway. These guys were on fire for decades, embracing that outdoorsy vibe. But hold on to your hats, because the ’70s rolled in and bankruptcy was knocking at the door. Oshman’s Sporting Goods stepped in, trying to keep the Abercrombie flame alive. They maintained a modest catalog and a few retail spots, but sales stayed lukewarm.
The Game-Changing Pivotal Moment
The year is 1988, and the stage is set. In walks Mike Jefferies, a name that’s about to become synonymous with Abercrombie’s transformation. Jefferies brings in a ground-breaking twist, mixing Ralph Lauren’s preppy charm with Calvin Klein’s seductive allure. It’s all aimed right at the teen scene, and The Limited group is loving it. Fast forward four years, and Jefferies is at the helm as Abercrombie’s president.
The Saucy A&F Quarterly
To rise above the crowded teen fashion noise, Abercrombie needed a standout move. So, here comes the A&F Quarterly, a game-changing concept. These ultra-saucy catalogs are graced with almost-bare-it-all models and playful innuendos. Boom! Abercrombie’s now the emblem of teen allure. They’ve got the coolness factor on lockdown, targeting only the “cool kids,” as Jefferies says.
Controversy Strikes
But what’s a success story without a few hiccups? Abercrombie’s rocket to stardom wasn’t without turbulence. There were some cringe-worthy moments, like offensive shirts, allegations of biased hiring practices, and some tone-deaf quotes. Teens started looking elsewhere, and Abercrombie’s coolness started fading.
The Big Redemption Plan
In 2014, as years of decline and a plummeting stock price loomed large, Mike Jefferies waved goodbye. By 2016, Abercrombie was wearing the “most hated retailer” label in America. Change was in the air, and Abercrombie was at a crossroads.
The New Vision: Growing Up with the Brand
The fresh management team realized they’d grown up alongside their customers. It was time for Abercrombie to mature, just like their consumers. They set their sights on young professionals and gave their signature merchandise a total makeover. Out went the neon polos and logo-heavy shirts, in came sensible, stylish threads.
Revamping the Store Experience
But the makeover didn’t stop at the merchandise. Abercrombie’s stores turned a new leaf. No more dark, club-like vibes. The shirtless greeters were out, along with the black-and-white photos of bulging muscles. Lights on, and everyone’s welcome.
Hope on the Horizon
For those of us who remember Abercrombie as a teen favorite, these changes are exhilarating. Abercrombie’s journey from glory to redemption is a story of resilience and adaptability. Now, the only thing left to ponder is, do people still stack those polos?
Credits: Daniel Murray & Elena Papaxenophontos
Wow!- Mmm
- Hmm
- Meh
- Pff
