Abercrombie and Fitch is an American fashion retailer that caters primarily to the fashion needs of young adults. The company also owns Hollister, Abercrombie, and Gilly Hicks.http://library.corporate-ir.net/library/61/617/61701/items/249197/Piper_June_2007.pdf They previously operated Ruehl, which closed in 2009, due to the state of the economy.http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/money_co/2009/06/abercrombie-fitch-to-close-ruehl-stores.html There are 1,125 stores run by Abercrombie and Fitch in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.http://www.hoovers.com/company/Abercrombie__Fitch_Co/hyrkif-1-1njdap.html They also sell merchandise online and via catalogs. Abercrombie and Fitch carry outerwear, underwear, jewelery, and other accessories for men, women, and children.http://www.abercrombie.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/division_10051_10901_12202_-1

Abercrombie Co. was founded in 1892 by David T. Abercronbie. Abercrombie Co. was geared toward supplying outdooesmen. Back then the retailer sold gear specifically for outdoor activities like camping, fishing, and hunting.http://www.fashionencyclopedia.com/A-Az/Abercrombie-Fitch-Company.html Lawyer, Ezra Fitch, became a partner in the company in 1900, and the name was changed to Abercrombie and Fitch.http://www.fashionencyclopedia.com/A-Az/Abercrombie-Fitch-Company.html

In 1977, Abercrombie and Fitch filed for bankruptcy. The company was purchased by The Limited in 1988. Four years later, Michael S. Jeffries was hired as the CEO.http://www.fashionencyclopedia.com/A-Az/Abercrombie-Fitch-Company.html He took on the task of breathing new life into the Abercrombie and Fitch brand. With competitors like J Crew, The Gap, and American Eagle Outfitters, and the added hurdle of the up and down economy, this has not been an easy task.http://www.hoovers.com/company/Abercrombie__Fitch_Co/hyrkif-1-1njea3.html

Abercrombie and Fitch takes pride in the fact that they are committed to international human and labor rights. The company uses third party auditors that spend time auditing the factories in their supply chain. This leads to transparency and an environment that is continually being improved. They take steps to ensure that their products are made in responsible and safe working environments. They also partner with suppliers with the same beliefs.https://afcares.anfcorp.com/anf/intranet/site/afcares/human_rights