The Story Behind Urban Outfitters

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Urban Outfitters originated as "The Free People's Store" and in 1970 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, focusing on "funky" fashion and household products. Shortly thereafter the owner (now Chairman), Richard Hayne, changed the name to Urban Outfitters. Urban Outfitters line has evolved from vintage, bohemian, retro, ironically humorous, kischy apparel and furniture to include luxury brands such as Lacoste, Evisu, Diesel, True Religion, and Seven for All Mankind. Headquartered at the Philadelphia Navy Yard, Urban Outfitters operates more than 140 locations in the United States, Canada, Ireland, Denmark, Sweden, Germany, Belgium, and the United Kingdom. Urban Outfitters owns and operates five retail brands: Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie, Free People, Terrain and Leifsdottir, a newly introduced wholesale brand for Anthropologie.

According to their website, Urban Outfitters' "established ability to understand our customers and connect with them on an emotional level is the reason for our success." The site goes on to say that "The reason for this success is that our brands... are both compelling and distinct. Each brand chooses a particular customer segment, and once chosen, sets out to create sustainable points of distinction with that segment" and that "The emphasis is on creativity. Our goal is to offer a product assortment and an environment so compelling and distinctive that the customer feels an empathetic connection to the brand and is persuaded to buy." Urban Outfitters truly is a all-around amazing brand.