Fast Company's senior fashion writer Elizabeth Segran discusses Abercrombie & Fitch's resurgence, highlighting its rebranding efforts towards inclusivity, diversity, and functionality. The podcast explores the brand's history, controversial marketing strategies, and successful comeback by focusing on quality, fit, and targeting a specific audience.
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Quick takeaways
Abercrombie rebranded to target young adults, embracing diversity and inclusivity in marketing.
Strategic rebranding efforts led to financial growth, aligning with current consumer preferences.
Deep dives
The Rise and Fall of Abercrombie and Fitch
Abercrombie and Fitch, a brand synonymous with American teenage culture in the late 1990s, underwent a dramatic transformation driven by CEO Michael Jeffries. The brand's focus on exclusivity, hyper-sexualization, and preppy clothing catered to a specific segment of physically fit, predominantly white teenagers. However, Abercrombie faced severe backlash for its racist and discriminatory practices, leading to lawsuits and controversies that tarnished its image and revenue.
Abercrombie's Revival Strategy
After a period of financial decline and negative public perception, Abercrombie and Fitch launched a revitalization effort in 2019. The brand shifted its focus from targeting teenagers to young adults in their early 20s, embracing diversity and inclusivity in its marketing and product offerings. By introducing inclusive sizing, quality materials, and versatile designs, Abercrombie successfully repositioned itself in the market.
Success of Abercrombie's Rebranding
Abercrombie's strategic rebranding efforts yielded significant success, with the brand experiencing a remarkable turnaround in recent years. By aligning with current cultural shifts towards acceptance and quality-driven consumer preferences, Abercrombie achieved notable financial growth and stock performance. This resurgence serves as a compelling example for heritage retail brands seeking to adapt and thrive in a changing retail landscape.
Fast Company’s senior fashion writer Elizabeth Segran explains how the company overcame a problematic history to pull off a renaissance.
This episode was produced by Amanda Lewellyn, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Matt Collette, engineered by Patrick Boyd and Andrea Kristinsdottir, and hosted by Noel King.