Ralph Lauren

Guide Notes

Ralph Lauren is a high end clothing line founded by American fashion designer and business man Ralph Lifshitz, (Ralph Lauren) in 1967. Ralph Lauren is most widely recognized for his Polo Ralph Lauren clothing line.

The company carries a full line on men and womens causal wear along with high quality one of a kind originals and is one of the largest fashion design retailers in the United States.

Ralph Lauren also carries handbags, shoes, sunglasses, fragrances, furniture, housewares and accessories.

Fast Facts

1. Launched in 1967
2. Founded by Ralph Lifshitz, (Ralph Lauren)
3. Leading line: Polo Ralph Lauren
4. Headquarters: New York City, NY
5. Polo founded: 1967
6. First standalone store: 1971
7. First international store: 1981
8. Became public: Mid - 1990s
9. NYSE ticker: "RL"
10. 2006 revenue: $3.746 Billion
11. Employees in 2006: Over 12,800
12. Official outfitter: Wimbledon

Ralph Lifschitz (Ralph Lauren) launched Polo Ralph Lauren with a start up amount of $50,000 dollars in 1967. And in 1969 he set up his first boutique inside Bloomingdales department store in Manhattan in 1969. Soon after, in 1971 Lauren had his first standalone store location in Beverly Hills, California. A decade later Ralph Lauren became international with stores found in London, Miami, Chicago, East Hampton, Chicago, East Hampton, Palm Beach, and Tokyo

Polo Ralph Lauren expanded its fashion expertize into Russia with two locations in Moscow. One can be found in Russia’s Tretyakovsky shopping district. And the second within Barvikha Luxury Village, located about 30 minutes from downtown Moscow.

Opening stores in Russia is more then just a strategic company initiative, the real excitement is communicating with a new culture. The Russian consumer will be able to experience my vision for the first time and it is thrilling. -Ralph Lauren