Polo Ralph Lauren
Headquarters:
650 Madison Ave.
New York, NY 10022
Phone: (212) 318-7000
Employees: 17,000
CEO: Ralph Lauren
Stock Symbol: RL
Website:
http://www.ralphlauren.com
Career Site
Polo Ralph Lauren Corporation is a leader
in the design, marketing and distribution of premium lifestyle
products in four categories: apparel, home, accessories and fragrances.
The Company's brand names, which include
Polo by Ralph Lauren, Ralph Lauren Purple Label, Ralph Lauren,
Black Label, Blue Label, Lauren by Ralph Lauren, RRL, RLX, Rugby,
RL Childrenswear, Chaps and Club Monaco, constitute
one of the world's most widely recognized families of consumer
brands.
The company operates three main segments:
wholesale, retail stores and licensing its brand names for other
products.
The company operated 326 stores at the end of March 2009 which includes Ralph Lauren stores and factory stores.
Polo's largest store is located on Chicago's
Michigan Avenue and includes an RL (Ralph Lauren) Restaurant
next door.
In fiscal 2009, Polo Ralph Lauren had revenues of $5.0 billion and net income of $406 million.
Men's products make up nearly half of total
sales.
History
Ralph Lauren establishes the Polo label
in 1967 with an instantly successful line of ties. In direct
opposition to the narrow ties and conventional styles of the
time, Lauren designs wide, handmade ties using unexpected, flamboyant,
opulent materials. The ties quickly become a menswear status
item.
Already interested in promoting a lifestyle
with his ties, Ralph Lauren names his line after a sport that
embodies a world of discreet elegance and classic style: Polo.
In 1969, Polo by Ralph Lauren establishes
the first shop-within-a-shop designer boutique for men in Bloomingdale's
in New York City.
In 1971, the company would introduce clothing
for women.
In 1972, Polo's original mesh shirt with
the polo player logo is introduced in 24 colors and promotes
its preppy heritage.
In 1979, Polo begins ad campaigns in major
magazines using 20-page spreads in vivid color to build awareness
of its brand.
In 1983, the Ralph Lauren home collection
debuts with bedding, towels, area rugs and table coverings. In
the following years, the Ralph Lauren home collection introduces
expertly crafted furniture, lighting, carpeting, and in 1995,
the Ralph Lauren paint collection.
In 1986, Polo Ralph Lauren opens a flagship
store in the famous Rhinelander mansion on Madison Avenue at
72nd Street in Manhattan.
The Polo Sport line is introduced in 1993
featuring clothing for outdoors and sporting events like sailing.
The company would go public on June 11,
1997.
Updated January 9, 2010
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