Abercrombie & Fitch is an American lifestyle brand that has been around since 1892. The first store, founded by David Abercrombie and Ezra Fitch, sold high-end sporting and travel gear in Manhattan. After the company closed in 1976, it was revived by Texas retailer, Oshman’s Sporty Goods in 1978, who purchased the Abercrombie & Fitch name, operating mainly as a mail-order company, the first fashion business to do so, with boutiques across America. Later, in 1988, the company name was purchased by the American clothing company, The Limited, and re-branded to a high-end casual luxury clothing and lifestyle brand for the youth market.
Abercrombie & Fitch is known for its high-quality, modern preppy clothing whose prices occupy the higher end of the youth retail market. Abercrombie & Fitch is also the parent company to subsidiaries Abercrombie, Hollister Co., and Gilly Hicks.
Abercrombie & Fitch stores are distinct, with white molding, black louvered doors, a high-energy soundtrack, and dim lighting. The Abercrombie & Fitch men’s fragrance Fierce is sprayed throughout the store and on clothing, giving a distinct and instant olfactory experience while shopping.