Abercrombie

An Analysis of Case Study: Assignment #2 – Abercrombie & Fitch: An Upscale Sporting Goods Retailer Becomes a Leader in Trendy Apparel

By: Maxine Aldred

BUS 499

Business Administration Capstone

Course Name

Dr. E. Jefferson, Ed.D.

Professor

May 2, 2010

Introduction: Assignment #2– Abercrombie & Fitch: An Upscale Sporting Goods Retailer Becomes a Leader in Trendy Apparel

The purpose of his case study is to examine Abercrombie & Fitch: An Upscale Sporting Goods Retailer Becomes a Leader in Trendy Apparel. Abercrombie and Fitch is one of the oldest clothing and retail. It was started in 1892 by its founder David Abercrombie in the United States. Eight years later, the company's owner then joined with Ezra Fitch to become Abercrombie and Fitch. It continued its operations throughout the first half of the twentieth century. However, in the nineteen sixties, the company underwent financial challenges which made it necessary to change its business strategy. It was purchased by "The Limited" and repositioned itself as a provider of youth apparel. The A&F brand itself focuses on casual wear and accessories for a target consumer ages of 18 through 22. The company became well known as a supplier of rugged, high-quality outdoor gear. To fully analyze this case, interview will be conducted with Michael Jeffries for the open Chief Operating Officer position, Rovenpor (2009).

In examining the case, the following questions will be addressed:

1. Identify and describe the greatest environmental threats that have immediate implications for A&F.

Abercrombie & Fitch has been known for not being very diverse.   The company as a whole was striving for a certain look and style. It mainly consisted of young white male and females to fit their clothing line. There were not many minorities working in the stores. If minorities were hired, they were working in the back, in stock.   Actions like these have opened the door for lawsuits for...