News Now! | Comin' Up, Abercrombie & Fitch MixC Qingdao, China...

Exterior shot from one of the entrances to MixC Qingdao!   |   Image, A&F Qingdao team

         NOW ONE YEAR after the phenomenal inauguration of its first-ever premier location in mainland China, the grand A&F Shanghai flagship store, the Abercrombie & Fitch label is prepping for the initial acceleration of its presence in Greater China! Coming up, the first of three anticipated locations to continue flourishing the recognition and strength of the All-American icon in the world's greatest luxury and aspirational market...

News Now! | Abercrombie Fifth Avenue & Dublin, Top-Tier Windows Unblocked, Exposed...

Detail of a photo from A&F Dublin on opening day, 1 November 2012.
Note the detail of system behind windows.   |   Image, Patrick M. for The Sitch on Fitch

         A SIGNATURE, KEY element introduced with the the rollout of the Abercrombie & Fitch flagship prototype (beginning with A&F Fifth Avenue in 2005), and then implemented onto the mall-based formats by 2007, the distinct, elegantly conceived obstruction implemented on the windows of Abercrombie & Fitch stores were meant to heighten seclusion, privacy and intimacy instore, for the consumer, with the A&F Experience playing out as if in a glorious world of its own in containment from the outside world. However, with the volatile environment of post-Recession fashion retail, the removal of all obstructions at the windows began in 2013 with the intent of exposing the interior to now instead try to make an intrigue-effect on the passerby now able to have a peak inside and check out some sort of windows displays. While the removal of the louvers over Abercrombie & Fitch facades was very much evident from the get-go has it took hold nationwide America, the removal of all original, signature elements secluding the interiors of flagships and, in the case of A&F Dublin, non-flagship top-tiers is well set...

News Now! | Abercrombie & Fitch Pacific Centre, Vancouver, Canada Comin' Up!...

Joining Canadian store-siblings like, seen here, A&F Toronto Eaton Centre!
Image, Liesbeth B., (image source)

         WHILE THE OPENING of all-new full-price Abercrombie & Fitch stores has become a rarity in the North American market, the opportunities for newfound premium locations in key consumer nodes continue to arise. While there's A&F Westfield World Trade Center in the America and shops in Mexico coming up, Canada is now officially set to get its fifth Abercrombie & Fitch! #GetStoked

News Now! | Abercrombie & Fitch 360 Mall, Kuwait City Now Open...

The door's all open! Welcome to the next level of A&F mall party-up!
Image, A&F 360 Mall, April 2, 2015

         AN ULTIMATE JUXTAPOSE of elegance and fierce cool coalesce to bring to the world the hottest spots on the planet, our beloved Abercrombie & Fitch! And this time, the latest gem has opened shop as of Thursday, April 2, to make Kuwait City the first international location ever with more than one A&F! Now host to the best of the renowned Abercrombie & Fitch Experience in rather much high concentration of euphoria, Kuwait's just gotten so much hotter... #WELOVEKUWAIT

News Now! | Abercrombie & Fitch 360 Mall, Kuwait City Opens Soon...

         ABERCROMBIE & FITCH ladies and gentlemen, mark your calendars! We're set to witness awesome history yet again with the upcoming opening of A&F 360 Mall in Kuwait City! The stoked associates are having at it, the iconic FIERCE wares settling in, and everyone's just too excited to get this #AFparty started high!

News Now! | Abercrombie & Fitch Mall of the Emirates, Dubai Opening Soon...

Sunset falls across Dubai... The great Sheikh Zayed Road,
in direction towards the Mall of the Emirates, and on which way one passes
the towering Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest man-made structure
seen here in far background.   |   (image source)

         INVIGORATED BY AMBITIOUS, visionary will, progress manifests in onward awes which only captivate and inspire further achievement of great. The premiere shining beacon of calibrated progress in the Middle East, Dubai has transmutated into a leading global icon inherent of such nature and facing the future ever on in stride with time. And far long awaited until now, the moment of meeting between it and another distinguished course of resolute, forward triumph has arrived. The modern Abercrombie & Fitch and the modern Dubai. A new era, indeed...

News Now! | Abercrombie & Fitch 360 Mall, Kuwait City Comin' Up...

         THE INAUGURAL DESTINATION for Abercrombie & Fitch in the Middle East, Kuwait City is a once-mirage now manifested into reality – the all-American icon has arrived in the region, and the city itself is about to get hotter! Now in the works, the second Abercrombie & Fitch to begin blasting the best of the A&F Experience in the great 360 Mall...

News Now! | Abercrombie & Fitch The Avenues, Kuwait City Now Open...

         FOR THE ALL-American icon, a new chapter has dawned o'er the magnificence of the Middle East: the premiere Abercrombie & Fitch in the region has now begun welcoming customers into the best of the A&F Experience! On Tuesday, December 23rd, 10:00 (AST; UTC+3), the all-new exceptional international location opened doors inside Kuwait City's The Avenue indoor shopping mall, one of the largest and utmost best of shopping centers in the regional market. The party's officially kicked off!...

News Now! | Abercrombie & Fitch The Avenues, Kuwait Opening December 23...

Mark your calendars for history!

         HERALDING THE ENTRANCE of the great all-American icon into the Middle East, on December 23rd, Abercrombie & Fitch will begin welcoming esteemed shoppers into the best of the A&F Experience! This inaugural store is situated in the distinguished The Avenues, one of the largest and utmost best of shopping centers in the regional market (read more). The store exterior itself has beautifully incorporated elements of Arabic architectural codes synthesized with the recognized Abercrombie & Fitch top tier aesthetic; it furthermore eloquently features the Abercrombie & Fitch name for the first time in Arabic script. This is truly an all-new, exceptional gem in the lineup Abercrombie & Fitch international locations!

News Now! | Abercrombie & Fitch Debuts, Begins Partying in Mexico 2015...

         NEARLY HALF A decade after its entrance into the Latin American market with an A&F shop in Puerto Rico, Abercrombie & Fitch Co. has now finalized agreements to bring its presence to flourish in the subregion with the realization of premium, well-represented retail points across the United Mexican States ("Mexico"). Despite having brokered a partnership with a separate retail company for Middle Eastern expansion, this particular business venture represents the first ever fully-fledged franchising arrangement for the Company; it has been signed with Mexico City-based Grupo Axo which boasts Emporio Armani, Etro, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Coach, Express, Victoria's Secret Beauty & Accessories, and Brooks Brothers among others in its portfolio. Having garnered industry headlines after the November 21 announcement, the development is of considerable interest and anticipation.

News Now! | Abercrombie & Fitch Gotemba Premium Outlets Opening November 22...

         IN THE GRACE of great, iconic Fujisan (Mount Fuji), the third Abercrombie & Fitch retail location in Japan will be swinging doors! The team of A&F Gotemba (JP-ANF, store #11756) is only too stoked to finally be welcoming fantastic customers at Japan's premier Gotemba Premium Outlets outlet mall!

Leading up to opening day, check out these sharings by the awesome team!...

"Come next interview and be part of our group!!! Look at nice view of our mall"
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"nterviews today. We had such a great time with these guys."
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"Team Gotemba!!! It was so much fun :)"
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News Now! | Abercrombie & Fitch Kuwait City...

         THE SANDS OF time have shifted with fateful winds to manifest this great next moment in history, the arrival of the Abercrombie & Fitch label in the Middle East! As it continues in the pursuit of establishing a formidable, premium retail infrastructure worldwide, the highly anticipated affair signals a wholly exciting new entrance into another key regional international market of unique allure and commanding consumerism. An unyielding heat wave of renowned, youthful all-American style is moving in...

As inaugural setting to this historic upcoming Abercrombie & Fitch location is Kuwait City, the cosmopolitan capital of its eponymous country being among the top most wealthy and progressive in the region. With partner Majid Al Futtaim for retail ventures in the Middle East, Abercrombie & Fitch selected the most distinguished of the city's shopping centers and one of the largest and utmost best in the regional market, The Avenues indoor shopping center which most recently was awarded the 2013 accolade, in the expansion and design category, of Gold Award for Best Shopping Center in the Middle East and North Africa:

"The Avenues was awarded this prize by the Middle East and International Shopping Center Councils, after excelling over other shopping malls. The Avenues is one of the world’s largest shopping centers and is the most visited in Kuwait. It boasts of a unique architectural design that brings together several architectural schools, giving a distinct identity to each district — inspired by some of the world’s oldest cities — and offering visitors a unique shopping experience. The Avenues offers a range of renowned brands, restaurants and entertainment centers spread over a leasable area of 270,000 sq-mt. It houses over 800 retail units and a multi-level parking lot with a capacity of 10,000 vehicles." – Arab Times, December 2, 2013

Specifically, Abercrombie & Fitch has taken strategic space in the Grand Avenue "district" of the overall seven in the mall. The subdivision is described as "[h]ome to major international brands debuted for the first time in the Middle East; [stretching] over 400 meters in length and approximately 22 meters wide, with palm trees lining the sides of the street; [boasting] a city feel with the stone-paved boulevard feature like that found in many European cities with architecture retail facades derived from international, local and contemporary influences; [c]overed with a transparent roof structure that allows sunlight streams and a heat insolent to enhance the outdoor feel similar to Oxford Street in London or the Champs-Elysees Boulevard in Paris; [t]he lighting [bringing] together modern brass etchings and Venetian design in the rotundas; and [including] a 2-story level 'Galleria' zone that houses a variety of international fine dining cuisines overlooking the Grand Avenue." Two adjacent units have actually been acquired to be set up as a greater store, and they are together on the ground floor and at a spot where the Grand Avenue and the Prestige, holding luxury brands, meet. Facing the A&F facade, the location is adjacent on the right to Louis Vuitton which itself, to the right, is across a perpendicular hallway from Dior, with both LV and Dior flanking either side of this hallway to proceed into the Prestige area. The setup places Abercrombie & Fitch shouldered with the luxury district, and it follows in code of positioning the brand's worldwide top-tier locations in sharp standing naturally neighbored with other internationally iconic, prestigious labels.

Construction is currently ongoing since this fall. Check out these shots from when the hoarding went up in September...

A&F The Avenues, Kuwait City, will be the third mall-based international Abercrombie & Fitch in the world (after A&F Chengdu and Oberhausen), and it will be the second of such of indoor setup (after Oberhausen). No official word yet on the store opening, though we can well expect it sometime by the turn of the new year!

Kuwait City, you're about to get hotter...

Stay FIERCE!

P.S. This post will be kept updated as new information becomes available, including links to new posts on the matter.

Images in this post by A&F The Avenues, Kuwait City team.

News Now! | Abercrombie Centro Oberhausen Opening Debuts New Indoor Mall Prototype...

A&F Centro Oberhausen feat. the all-new mall prototype for Abercrombie & Fitch.

         BEARING A FACE of the future, the first mall-based Abercrombie & Fitch store in Europe henceforth welcomes the passionate shopper to experience the tomorrow now. Currently the only Abercrombie & Fitch store of its kind in the world (with a similar, adapted aesthetic having opened days prior in outdoors multi-level placement at the Chengdu IFS mall), A&F Centro Oberhausen in Germany is situated in the former Gilly Hicks spot in the shopping center, and it features the reimagined elements of the new A&F mall prototype.

Associates and fans had a most wonderful inaugural day in experiencing the spirit of this new premium location now live! Check out sharings from the day...

"Grand opening today!"   |   Image, @jan_saunier, associate
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"Abercrombie and Fitch Store Eröffnungsfeier in #Oberhausen :)"   |   @iam_mark1922
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"We did it!"   |   @bvaimart, associate
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"Wer auch immer du bist, danke für das bild haha"
[Whoever you are, thanks for the pic haha]   |   @ginnylein, fan
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Abercrombie & Fitch plans on introducing the all-new mall store prototype in the American market during this third quarter (Q3) of the 2014 fiscal year; it furthermore anticipates on accelerating this revamp expansion across the chain in the United States during FY2015. There is no official word yet on further upcoming mall locations in Europe, though A&F has plans to open another in China by this year's end, and the rate of openings expansion across the Chinese market is to accelerate during FY2015.

Very coolly the nation with the most international A&F locations to its own, Germany now boasts six Abercrombie & Fitch stores: three flagships (Düsseldorf, Hamburg, and Munich), one mall store (Oberhausen), and two outlet stores (Wolfsburg and Zweibrucken). Furthermore, North Rhine-Westphalia (Nordrhein-Westfalen) – the most populous, wealthiest in terms of GDP, and most industrious – is the only state to be home to two A&Fs – Düsseldorf and Oberhausen – in the country.

The description page for Abercrombie & Fitch on CentrO's website uses a slightly altered version, and in German language translation, of the new descriptor released in July for the brand (along with those of the rest of the A&F Family):

"The modern Abercrombie & Fitch is the next generation of effortless all-American style. The essence of laidback sophistication with an element of simplicity, A&F sets the standard for great taste. Confident and engaging, the Abercrombie & Fitch legacy is rooted in a heritage of quality craftsmanship and focused on a future of creative ambition."

"Das heutige Abercrombie & Fitch ist die nächste Generation vom leichtgängig typisch amerikanischen Stil. Mit seiner Art von Einfachheit und Raffinesse setzt A&F den Maßstab für guten Geschmack. Vom klassischen Campusleben bis hin zu Impressionen auf Reisen erweckt A&F Geschichten von Abenteuer und Entdeckungen zum Leben. Zuversichtlich und fesselnd ist das Vermächtnis von Abercrombie & Fitch, basierend auf hochwertiger Handwerkskunst mit dem ehrgeizigen Streben in eine kreative Zukunft."

The future is gold, indeed...

Stay FIERCE!

Check out the preceding post for further detail on location and perspectives (here).

A&F Centro Oberhausen (DE-ANF; #11191)
Centro Allee 117 - C043
46047 Oberhausen
Deutschland
Tel: 02086 2018647

Opening day: 10:00AM - 9:00PM (21:00)
Monday-Saturday: 10:00AM - 8:00PM (20:00)
Sunday: closed

Follow @TheSitchonFitch

News Now! | Abercrombie Chengdu Opening Day Love...

         CHENGDU IFS is now truly the hottest spot in town! In the presence of hundreds of awaiting fans, the world's first ever mall-based overseas Abercrombie & Fitch has now opened doors! Welcoming one and all into the iconic awe of the A&F Experience, the all-new exceptionally situated shop is a total dream purveying FIERCE wares and all else #AFstyle galore!

Check out awesome pics shared by the fantastic team and fans of the totally unforgettable opening day craze!...

"I'm so excited about our opening day that I can't fall asleep.
Let the craziness begin!!!!!! 明天10点，不见不散！"   |   Winter, associate
2  9     A  U  G  U  S  T     2  0  1  4

"Last photo with you guys! @dylanmcgrath6 @jimmymulvi @ivoschouw
@connagh92 @marcuswalch @maxvigier @frederikolarsen
@younghnkor Thanks!"   |   Winter, associate
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"Never say good bye!"   |   Younghoon Jung, model
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"Opening Day!"   |   Tina L., managers recruiter
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"We❤️Chengdu"   |   Tina L., managers recruiter
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"Hey! How's It Going? Abercrombie&Fitch已正式开幕了！
快点来吧😁"   |   Tina L., managers recruiter
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"Handsome...Hamdsome...Mr Handsome... "   |   @d_skidikus_d, fan
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"All the hot guys!!!!"   |   @kifesunshine, fan
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@yukixxx_, fan
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@yukixxx_, fan
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@yukixxx_, fan
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@yukixxx_, fan
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"初初见你，钟意你！！！
(好想人肉搜索他，但只知道他是个韩国人……)"   |   @qiwenxiang, fan
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"#abercrombie #chengdu with #hotguys"   |   @ethanfanbi, fan
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"ALL I see is YOU @dylanmcgrath6 Sooooo sad I didn't get a chance to meet
and say goodbye to Dylan today!(I even prepared a gift for him) Dylan's smile is
the sweetest, the most charming and warming smile I've ever seen!!! Definitely
gonna meet you again!!! Come back to Chengdu soon so I can show
you around this awesome city!"   |   @mmmjy_, fan
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"Hey，u guys!!! U are sooooo hot !!!
Can't wait to see u guys next time !!!"   |   @david_lee96, fan
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"#chengdu #ifs #af #AbercrombieFitch 成都人民战斗力太强
[both-hands-on-face, gasp emoji!]"   |   @yrx0613, fan
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A&F Chengdu – placed in prime commercial setting within a megacity standing as a main leader of growth in the region – is Abercrombie & Fitch's first location in the mainland Chinese interior, in western China. which is an important step to its advancement of its business infrastructure in the country; it is the second mainland Chinese location after the April 24th opening of A&F Shanghai earlier this year, and it is the third overall A&F in Greater China when considering the first ever landmark opening, A&F Hong Kong, which made epic history on August 11, 2012.

The future in China is bright with massive potential. Other cities are already being screened for future expansion for HCo and A&F, and the mainland Chinese direct-to-consumer abercrombie.com site has been planned to launch in the latter-half of this year. Abercrombie & Fitch Co. looks forward to accelerating expansion in China in 2015, and it anticipates a business infrastructure of 100+ Company stores by the 2020s. Roar on!

Stay FIERCE!

P.S. Read more all about A&F Chengdu at #THEHOTTESTBLOG (here)!

A&F Chengdu (store #11250, CN-ANF)
Chengdu IFS
No.1 Section 3 Hongxing Road
Chengdu, 51 610021

Follow @TheSitchonFitch

S.M. Highlights! | Abercrombie Chengdu's FIERCE Girl, Winter...

         AS WE GET ever near to the highly anticipated inauguration of the world's first mall-based overseas Abercrombie & Fitch opening doors in Chengdu, China, #THEHOTTESTBLOG highlights gorgeous associate Winter for her great effortless #AFstyle and unyielding passionate, bright and energetic love for Abercrombie, her store and her wonderful team members! #YouGoGirl #WeLoveWinter

Her FIERCE moments from this A&F Chengdu countdown week...

"Hi! We are here!!!! 从今天起的未来一周内
大家每天下午12至6点都可以在A&F门店门口看到我们的猛男们！
快来和他们拍照互动吧"
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"Hi! We are here!!!!从今天起的未来一周内
大家每天下午12至6点都可以在A&F门店门口看到我们的猛男们！
快来和他们拍照互动吧！"
2  3     A  U  G  U  S  T     2  0  1  4

"Hi! We are here!!!! 从今天起的未来一周内
大家每天下午12至6点都可以在A&F门店门口看到我们的猛男们！
快来和他们拍照互动吧!!!!"
2  4     A  U  G  U  S  T     2  0  1  4

"Are you guys ready for our amazing opening day??"
2  6     A  U  G  U  S  T     2  0  1  4

"The countdown to the third day!!!!!!!
Are you guys excited for our amazing opening day!!!"
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"Sweet dream."
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"One team! One dream!"
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She'd be lovely in an Abercrombie & Fitch marketing campaign...

Abercrombie & Fitch opens at the Chengdu IFS on Saturday, August 30, 10:00 AM (CST; UTC+8)! The first 200 fans in line get a free 1.7 fl oz bottle of signature FIERCE cologne!

Stay FIERCE!

P.S. Read more of in-detail posts of A&F Chengdu at #THEHOTTESTBLOG (here)!

A&F Chengdu (store #11250, CN-ANF)
Chengdu IFS
No.1 Section 3 Hongxing Road
Chengdu, 51 610021

Follow @TheSitchonFitch

S.M. Highlights! | Abercrombie Chengdu Promo Boys Arrive...

         IT HAS BEGUN! The A&F Hot Guys have officially kicked off the countdown week leading up to the upcoming inauguration of A&F Chengdu, the world's first-ever mall-based overseas Abercrombie & Fitch! Only to be evermore amped with epic excitement, super-stoked euphoric fans and totally mesmerized passersby came gathered 'round to simply be part of this unprecedented FIERCE cool taking over Chengdu city! And as if teasing this hot anticipation most palpable, "What's Next" just coolly stamped across the chests of the uber-awesome Fitchmen!

Check out these fantastic sharings, from the associates and fans, from the amazing kickoff day...

"Hanging out with Notorious B.I.G. in Chengdu"   |   Jimmy, model

"A wave of models of Abercrombie & Fitch have
come to Chengdu City."   |   Chengdu IFS

@Yeungkay930, fan.

@Yeungkay930 (featured), fan

@bylison, fan

@wenchaoer, fan

@sss_sui (featured), fan

"AF小鲜肉简直帅哭 大白牙阿大白牙 Guess girls here are all
mesmerized by these two guys"   |   @kikizoukiki (featured), fan

"竟然有这样的福利"   |   @lillianxsy, fan

"Our Greeters have arrived! Come to the store & hang out with them!
嘿！我们的猛男们已经在店门口啦！快来到我们店门口和他们互动吧！"
@hollister_chengdu

"A&F Hot Guys."   |   @fionaqiqismile (featured), fan

"去跟风，追帅哥"   |   @kevinlq67 (featured), fan

@yooyoyooc, fan

"The Greeters Are In Town! Are You Ready Chengdu?"   |   Tina (featured), managers recruiter

@songhanjing (featured), fan

"Making a serious face with those smiling hot AF greeters!
Can't wait to the opening on 30th of Aug!"   |   @daisymaria1102 (featured), fan

@z.zul, fan

"Look who came all the way to Chengdu for the
@af_chengdu Opening!"   |   Chantele (featured), associate

"First time with the #anf greeters!!!"   |   @chengy0325 (featured), fan

Abercrombie & Fitch opens at the Chengdu IFS on Saturday, August 30, 10:00 AM (CST; UTC+8)! The first 200 fans in line get a free 1.7 fl oz bottle of signature FIERCE cologne!

Stay FIERCE!

P.S. Read more of in-detail posts of A&F Chengdu at #THEHOTTESTBLOG (here)!

A&F Chengdu (store #11250, CN-ANF)
Chengdu IFS
No.1 Section 3 Hongxing Road
Chengdu, 51 610021

Follow @TheSitchonFitch