What is Urban Outfitters?

Urban Outfitters is "a differential shopping experience, which creates an emotional bond with the 18 to 30 year old target customer we serve," according to their website.

The store sells trendy, kitschy, eclectic, luxury, vintage and controversial apparel and home goods through retail stores, catalogs and online sales.

History

In 1970 Urban Outfitters was founded in Philadelphia by Richard Hayne and Scott Belair. Richard Hayne is the current chairman.

The store was originally called "The Free People's Store" but within a short time re-branded itself as "Urban Outfitters."

Urban Outfitters began as a store selling vintage, kitschy, funny and unique furniture and apparel. The store has retained its original spirit. However, in recent years, it has also begun selling high-end brands such as Diesel and True Religion along with its other merchandise.

Locations

Urban Outfitters' headquarters is in Philadelphia. In total, there are over 140 retail stores located in the United States, Denmark, Ireland, Sweden, Canada, Germany and the United Kingdom.

URBN 2009 Sales

Urban Outfitters, NASDAQ: URBN, includes Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie, Free People, Terrain, and the recently added Leifsdottir. URBN operates 143 namesake stores and 123 Anthropologie stores.

2009 has been a difficult year for all retailers given the economic crisis plaguing the world. However, by retaining a consistent branding message, Urban Outfitters is faring relatively well.

2009 first-quarter sales fell 2 percent at Urban Outfitters, 13 percent at namesake stores, and 13 percent at Anthropologie. Online sales rose 4 percent. In all, URBN earnings fell 28 percent in the first quarter and is projected is fall 12 percent in full-year earnings.

Despite these figures, Urban Outfitters remains optimistic that it will maintain 20 percent sales growth long term because it has room to expand the company and same-store sale trends have been increasing of late.

Controversal Products

In its attempt to be edgy and humorous, Urban Outfitters is sometimes also viewed as offensive. It has been accused of being pro-violence, antisemitic and anti-Christian.

Awards

Urban Outfitters has won several awards both for its environmental practices and for its products.

2007:
National Preservation Honor Award from the National Trust for Historic Preservation for the Urban Outfitters Corporate Headquarters.

Global Award for Excellence from the Urban Land Institute.

2008:
Alfred M. Campbell Award, the Conservation Award, People's Choice Award and Best in Show from the Philadelphia Flower Show for its Terrain brand.

Resources

• Urban Outfitters