<h1>Logistics Study on Distribution Strategy of Abercrombie & Fitch</h1>
Abercrombie & Fitch (A&F) is an American retailer that focuses on casual wear for consumers ages 18 through 22. With over 300 locations in the United States, the brand is now expanding internationally. The company also operates three offshoot brands: Abercrombie (childrenswear), Hollister Co., and Gilly Hicks. The company operated a post-grad brand, Ruehl No.925, that closed in early 2010.
There have been three retailers called Abercrombie & Fitch, and the current A&F shares only its name with the original business. Founded in 1892 in Manhattan by David T. Abercrombie and Ezra H. Fitch, the real Abercrombie & Fitch was an elite outfitter of sporting and excursion goods, particularly noted for its expensive shotguns, fishing rods, and tents.[8] In 1976 Abercrombie & Fitch filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, finally closing its flagship Manhattan store in 1977.[9]
The name was revived shortly thereafter, when in 1978-79, Oshman's Sporting Goods, a Houston-based chain, bought the defunct firm's name and mailing list. Oshman's relaunched A&F as a mail-order retailer specializing in hunting wear and novelty items. It also opened shops in Beverly Hills, Dallas, and (by the mid-1980s) New York City. Finally, in 1988, Oshman's sold the company name and operations to The Limited, a clothing-chain operator based in Columbus, Ohio.
Flash back:
The current version of A&F sells mostly clothes instead of pith helmets or elephant guns, and describes its retailing niche as an aspirational "Casual Luxury" lifestyle brand.
Especially since 1997, the company has consistently kept a high-profile in the public eye - both positive and negative - due to its type of advertising (including its own film and magazines), its philanthropy, and its involvement in legal conflicts over branding, clothing style and employment practices
Distribution strategy:
Abercrombie & Fitch is a retailer engaged in selling casual apparel, personal care and other accessories for men, women and children under the Abercrombie & Fitch, abercrombie, Hollister and RUEHL brands. The company operates 990 stores in the US, the District of Columbia, Canada and the UK.
Abercrombie & Fitch has adopted a global sourcing strategy that includes relationship with vendors in 37 countries and the US. A&F has two distribution centers in Ohio. The company sources its merchandise from approximately 258 factories and suppliers, primarily in Southeast Asia, and Central and South America.
Abercrombie & Fitch recorded strong growth in revenues in fiscal 2007. Its revenues grew at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 28% for the period 2005-2007. A&F's strong financial performance gives stability to its operations.
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