Abercrombie & Fitch 2008 Annual Report Download - page 4

Table of Contents
PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS.
GENERAL.
Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (“A&F”), a company incorporated in Delaware in 1996, through its
subsidiaries (collectively, A&F and its subsidiaries are referred to as “Abercrombie & Fitch” or the
“Company”), is a specialty retailer that operates stores and websites selling casual sportswear apparel,
including knit and woven shirts, graphic t-shirts, fleece, jeans and woven pants, shorts, sweaters,
outerwear, personal care products and accessories for men, women and kids under the Abercrombie &
Fitch, abercrombie, Hollister and RUEHL brands. In addition, the Company operates stores and a website
offering bras, underwear, personal care products, sleepwear and at-home products for women under the
Gilly Hicks brand. As of January 31, 2009, the Company operated 1,125 stores in the United States,
Canada and the United Kingdom.
The Company’s fiscal year ends on the Saturday closest to January 31, typically resulting in a
fifty-two week year, but occasionally giving rise to an additional week, resulting in a fifty-three week
year. Fiscal years are designated in the consolidated financial statements and notes by the calendar year in
which the fiscal year commences. All references herein to “Fiscal 2008” represent the results of the
52-week fiscal year ended January 31, 2009; to “Fiscal 2007” represent the results of the 52-week fiscal
year ended February 2, 2008; and to “Fiscal 2006” represent the results of the 53-week fiscal year ended
February 3, 2007. In addition, all references herein to “Fiscal 2009” represent the 52-week fiscal year that
will end on January 30, 2010.
A&F makes available free of charge on its website, www.Abercrombie.com, under “Investors, SEC
Filings”, its annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K
and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), as well as A&F’s definitive annual meeting
proxy materials filed pursuant to Section 14 of the Exchange Act, as soon as reasonably practicable after
A&F electronically files such material with, or furnishes it to, the Securities and Exchange Commission
(“SEC”). The SEC maintains a website that contains electronic filings at www.sec.gov. In addition, the
public may read and copy any materials A&F files with the SEC at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at
100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. The public may obtain information on the operation of the
Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330.
The Company has included its website addresses throughout this filing as textual references only. The
information contained within these websites is not incorporated into this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
DESCRIPTION OF OPERATIONS.
Brands.
Abercrombie & Fitch. Rooted in East Coast traditions and Ivy League heritage, Abercrombie & Fitch
is the essence of privilege and casual luxury. The Adirondacks supply a clean and rugged inspiration to
this youthful All-American lifestyle. A combination of classic and sexy creates a charged atmosphere that
is confident and just a bit provocative. Idolized and respected, Abercrombie & Fitch is timeless, and
always cool.
abercrombie. The essence of privilege and prestigious East Coast prep schools, abercrombie directly
follows in the footsteps of Abercrombie & Fitch. With a flirtatious and energetic attitude, abercrombie is
popular, wholesome and athletic. Rugged and casual with a vintage inspired style, abercrombie aspires to
be
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Source: ABERCROMBIE & FITCH CO /DE/, 10-K, March 27, 2009 Powered by Morningstar® Document Research℠