Abercrombie & Fitch

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Founded in 1892 as a sporting goods supplier and expedition outfitter. It currently specializes in upscale sportswear aimed at children and young adults.

From the description of Abercrombie & Fitch Quarterly Catalog collection, 1997-2007. (Duke University Library). WorldCat record id: 192150683

Abercrombie & Fitch Historical Timeline

  • 1892: David T. Abercrombie founded a sporting goods store in his name in New York, N.Y.
  • 1900: Ezra H. Fitch became partner in the David T. Abercrombie Co.
  • 1904: Store incorporated as Abercrombie & Fitch
  • 1907: Abercrombie resigned; Fitch took over management of the store but kept the name
  • 1909: First mail-order catalogs distributed, in a run of 50,000
  • 1910: Sportswear for women introduced
  • 1928: Fitch retired; James S. Cobb named as President
  • Circa 1929: Sporting goods company Von Langerke & Detmold (known in Chicago as Von Langerke & Antoine) purchased
  • 1930: Griffin & Howe, a New York gun shop, purchased
  • 1961: John H. Ewing named as President
  • 1968: First warehouse sale conducted
  • 1970: William Humphries named as President
  • 1976: Chapter 11 bankruptcy filed
  • 1977: Abercrombie & Fitch stores closed
  • 1978: Abercrombie & Fitch name bought by Oshman's Sporting Goods
  • 1979: Beverly Hills store opened, specializing in sportswear and fitness equipment
  • 1988: 25 of 27 stores purchased by The Limited, Inc.; focus on apparel
  • 1992: Marketing shifted focus toward upscale youth
  • 1997: Abercrombie & Fitch Quarterly catalog debut
  • 1998: Abercrombie & Fitch spun off as an independent entity
  • 2003: Abercrombie & Fitch Quarterly catalog ceased publication

Upon the demise of the Quarterly in 2003, Abercrombie & Fitch continued to issue seasonal catalogs, but the lifestyle content was largely replaced by fashion photography.

From the guide to the Abercrombie & Fitch Quarterly Catalog Collection, 1997-2007, (David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Duke University)

Archival Resources

Corporate Body

Active 1885

Active 1972

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SNAC ID: 72445855