AN UNPRECEDENTED FORCE of change, the developments of 2014 coalesced to form a historic gamechanging year which ultimately heralded the conclusion of a monumental era and transition into new times. We take a concise look back at the key moments of a year now for the history books...
J A N U A R Y
Abercrombie & Fitch Co. does away with its Shareholder Rights Plan, a gamechanger for the Company doing away with its - as termed in the industry - "poison pill" and "could [now] make it easier for the company to pursue a sales process [...or also] make it easier for any potential buyer to come in quickly and take the company private..." This among more developments in corporate governance. (read more)
F E B R U A R Y 2
Founder of the modern A&F and previous joint Chairman and CEO, Michael "Mike" S. Jeffries, begins under his all-new renewable one-year contract which heightens a more democratic corporate governance (having separated the roles of Chairman and CEO) and has CEO unprecedentedly susceptible to performance. Newcomer Arthur C. Martinez is non-executive Chairman. (read more)
F E B R U A R Y
Insight, Inc., is hired to help further calibrate merchandising and pricing with intelligent strategies
Diversification of merchandise offerings rolls out - including all-new variety item offerings and sizes expansion - intensifies throughout year, preeminence of third-party collaborations
For the first time, black begins gaining a preeminence in merchandise
S P R I N G
A&F Paris flagship reopens by spring after having suffered significant internal fire damage on November 24, 2013; the greatest fire damage to occur in an A&F location and the second fire-incidence to happen to a flagship after A&F Fifth Avenue's in 2011. (read more)
A P R I L
Last Gilly Hicks storefronts shutter
A P R I L 1 9
After having entered the Greater Chinese market in 2012 with the historic A&F Hong Kong, Abercrombie & Fitch inaugurates on mainland China with A&F Shanghai flagship; looks forward to great potential in ever-flourishing market. (read more)
M A Y
Having begun the removal of louvers from A&F storefronts by last weeks of 2013, stores also adjust brightness, and scale back fragrance spraying and music volume. (read more)
J U N E
Introduction of Guy Aroch as photographer for Abercrombie & Fitch brand; initially for lookbooks and featured social media style photos beginning in the summer season.
J U L Y
Fall 2014 may end up becoming last Bruce Weber-lensed marketing campaign. Markedly minimalist in aesthetic, yet classic, refined Weber as ever more.
J U L Y
Abercrombie & Fitch redefined as "the next generation of All-American style" as part of new descriptor. (read more)
A U G U S T 2 9
Statement is made during second quarter full earnings report on dramatically scaling down logoing in merchandising come spring 2015. As a sign that there is still continuous struggle with headwinds, financial results report brings about a steep continuous drop throughout the coming weeks for ANF stock; it does away with the rising progress the stock achieved since the beginning of the year, and up to this point, after there having been a broad expectation in general of seeing more promising initial signs with ongoing new initiatives (Q2 proved otherwise). (read more)
Statement is made during second quarter full earnings report on dramatically scaling down logoing in merchandising come spring 2015. As a sign that there is still continuous struggle with headwinds, financial results report brings about a steep continuous drop throughout the coming weeks for ANF stock; it does away with the rising progress the stock achieved since the beginning of the year, and up to this point, after there having been a broad expectation in general of seeing more promising initial signs with ongoing new initiatives (Q2 proved otherwise). (read more)
A U G U S T 3 0
First international mall-based A&F in the world opens in Chengdu, China. (read more)
O C T O B E R
First-ever "brand president" for the Abercrombie & Fitch brand - and first-ever non-American to helm A&F - begins work, British-national Christos Angelides
O C T O B E R 1 7
Abercrombie.com upgrade launches. (read more)
O C T O B E R 2 4
First non-Weber-lensed marketing campaign since the acclaimed, iconic photographer's 1995-begun exclusive work for Abercrombie & Fitch; Christmas 2014, Aroch photography fully. (read more). Season also witnesses retirement of renowned, iconic Weber photography-plastered shopping bags.
First non-Weber-lensed marketing campaign since the acclaimed, iconic photographer's 1995-begun exclusive work for Abercrombie & Fitch; Christmas 2014, Aroch photography fully. (read more). Season also witnesses retirement of renowned, iconic Weber photography-plastered shopping bags.
N O V E M B E R 7
ANF stock makes immediate sharper drop and hits a dramatic two-year low after the third quarter results update release and revised performance outlook. (read more)
N O V E M B E R 2 1
Company announces anticipated entrance into Mexico with first-ever fully-fledged franchising partnership with reputable Grupo Axo, major move forward in expansion in the sub Latin American market after A&F opening in San Juan Puerto, Rico, in 2010. (read more)
D E C E M B E R 9
Mike Jeffries, 70, retires from the Company he revolutionized, made globally iconic at the turn of the millennium: marks end of founding, monumental 1992-2014 era; leaves behind towering, historic legacy. While headhunt is on for new CEO "who’s acutely aware of the disruption that’s coming in the industry — the emerging dominance of online and omnichannel retailing — someone who can strategically navigate those waters", Company is now managed by the Office of the Chairman - lead by now-Executive Chairman Arthur C. Martinez, and including COO Jonathan Ramsden and brand presidents Angelides (A&F / kids) and Fran Horowitz (HCo). (read more)
D E C E M B E R 1 6
Finalizes deal with Inter Parfums to take handle of perfumery business - development and distribution - and bring fragrances beyond A&F and Hollister-branded stores - to upscale department stores, specialty stores, and duty-free shops worldwide. (read more)
D E C E M B E R 2 3
Abercrombie & Fitch brand inaugurates in the Middle East. (read more)
Conclusion of the first have of the 2010s, the latter years of the decade begin with 2015 in new post-Jeffries era...
Raise your FIERCE bottles to 2015...Stay FIERCE!