81-599: The Pedder Building , located at No. 12 Pedder Street , in Central , Hong Kong , is a historic commercial building built in the Beaux-Arts style . Built in 1923 (elsewhere noted as 1932), it is the last surviving pre-World War II building in Pedder Street. The building was known for art galleries, many of whom left after disputes, and for extraordinarily high rent charged to Abercrombie and Fitch, which also vacated due to cost. It
162-586: A remembrance poppy , which is worn as part of the Remembrance Day commemorations in the United Kingdom and Canada every November. The official reason for the refusal was reported to be that the poppy is not considered part of the corporate approved uniform, and is therefore prohibited. The ban drew criticisms, and on November 8 the company posted on its Facebook page the following statement: "As an American company that has been around since 1892, we appreciate
243-509: A " Grade II Historic Building " by the Hong Kong Antiquities and Monuments Office (grading awarded in 1981), and was upgraded to Grade I on 10 September 2020. The building occupies a narrow site of 14 by 50 metres (46 by 164 ft) with an arcade at the front entrance on Pedder Street. It consists of nine storeys plus one mezzanine floor and a basement, and stands 35 metres (115 ft) above street level. The architectural design of
324-517: A "movie" because of the "fantasy" that plays out in-store. Following a lighter earnings announcement in August 2014, A&F shifted its business strategy to a degree to trendier styles and faster production processes, effectively embracing fast fashion while retaining its upmarket prestige in contrast to its competitors. In 2018, Abercrombie shifted its target market to an older demographic to include not just teenagers but young adults. The company
405-419: A 2006 interview. While I believe this seven-year-old, resurrected quote has been taken out of context, I sincerely regret that my choice of words was interpreted in a manner that has offended." He also stated, "We are completely opposed to any discrimination, bullying, derogatory characterizations or other anti-social behavior based on race, gender, body type or other individual characteristics." The exterior of
486-714: A 21% drop in A&;F's stock price. The company's headquarters (aka "The Home Office") is located outside Columbus, Ohio in New Albany, Ohio , a small farm town that expanded into a wealthy community planned and developed by L Brands founder Les Wexner . The Home Office was designed as a campus and internally referred to as such, sitting on 350-acres and consisting of 11 two-story buildings (some connected by skybridge). The company's two merchandise distribution centers (1 million square feet each) are located on campus to help ensure brand protection. Also on campus are model stores, one for each of
567-454: A Vice President of Diversity, (5) hire 25 recruiters to seek out minority applicants, (6) discontinue the practice of recruiting employees at primarily white fraternities and sororities , (7) include more minorities in marketing materials, (8) report to a neutral court-appointed monitor twice per year regarding its progress in those areas, and (9) report to the court once per year. In June 2009, British law student Riam Dean, who had worked at
648-443: A balcony surmounted by two neutral levels. It is the oldest commercial edifice in town, and has survived a world war and the better part of a century. There is an intermediate moulding above the three main entrance arches which used to be lined with a row of gargoyle masks flanked on the two ends by two giant bronze figures. However, in 1990, the gargoyles came loose and fell off, and the ornaments were subsequently removed. Symbolising
729-404: A boycott started by a Stanford University Asian American student group. That same year, Abercrombie Kids removed a line of thong underwear sold for girls in pre-teen children's sizes after parents mounted nationwide storefront protests. The underwear included phrases like "Eye Candy" and "Wink Wink" printed on the front. More T-shirt controversies occurred in 2004. The first incident involved
810-625: A deliberate pace". After initially opening at a deliberately slow pace, the company began to accelerate international expansion for its namesake and its Hollister Co. brand in 2012. The company's first non-U.S. stores opened in Toronto and Edmonton in 2005, and then expanded to other major cities in Canada. The company first entered the European market in 2007 with the opening of its flagship London store at 7 Burlington Gardens , Savile Row . Since then,
891-810: A franchise agreement with Grupo AXO to open retail stores in Mexico by 2015. In 2015, the company entered the Middle Eastern market with the opening of its flagship store in Kuwait. Since then the company has opened locations in Dubai and plans to expand deeper into the Middle East with stores in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman. In November 2010, the Southampton, England , store prevented 18-year-old Harriet Phipps from wearing
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#1732854543560972-462: A further stretch of land running north up to Connaught Road on which the General Post Office and Union Building were built. The new pier built at the end of Pedder Street following the reclamation was named " Blake Pier " after the city's 13th Governor. Served as the official wharf of the colonial establishment from 1841 to 1890s. In February 1886, the first pile of the new Pedder's Wharf
1053-818: A lawsuit against the company after it allegedly violated his copyrights in making shirts that said "The Fitchuation" and "GTL...You Know The Deal". The case was dismissed in July 2013. In 2013, a 2006 Salon interview with then-CEO Mike Jeffries went viral, causing public backlash against A&F's marketing practices. Jeffries comments – that his brand is only suitable for "the good-looking, cool kids," and that there are people who do not belong in his clothes, namely, overweight people – came under fire. That's why we hire good-looking people in our stores. Because good-looking people attract other good-looking people, and we want to market to cool, good-looking people. We don't market to anyone other than that. ... In every school there are
1134-634: A major conglomerate in Hong Kong. Current buildings along the street include: [REDACTED] Media related to Pedder Street at Wikimedia Commons 22°16′57″N 114°09′30″E / 22.2826°N 114.1582°E / 22.2826; 114.1582 Abercrombie %26 Fitch Abercrombie & Fitch Co. ( A&F ) is an American lifestyle retailer that focuses on contemporary clothing. Its headquarters are in New Albany, Ohio . The company operates three offshoot brands: Abercrombie Kids , Hollister Co. , and Gilly Hicks . As of February 2020,
1215-499: A male gymnast (implying that male participation in female-dominated sporting activities makes such males less "masculine") gathered publicity. A&F stopped selling the shirt in October 2004 after USA Gymnastics president Bob Colarossi announced a boycott for mocking the sport. In 2005, the Women and Girls Foundation of Southwest Pennsylvania launched a " Girlcott " of the store to protest
1296-463: A shirt featuring the phrase, "It's All Relative in West Virginia," playing on the trope that incestuous relationships are supposedly common in rural America. West Virginia Governor Bob Wise spoke out against the company for depicting "an unfounded, negative stereotype of West Virginia", but A&F did not remove the shirts. Later, another T-shirt that read "L is for Loser" next to a picture of
1377-585: A sprawling complex which stretched along the Praya, and a west wing which abutted Pedder Street. Originally, Pedder Street ran from Pedder's Hill, where the Harbour Master's Office was established, south to north ending at Pedder's Wharf on the Praya. The street was extended north by 1904 when the Praya Reclamation Scheme finished transforming the old Praya into the modern day Des Voeux Road, along with
1458-470: Is a major thoroughfare in the core of Hong Kong 's Central District . It runs south–north from Queen's Road Central , continues through Des Voeux Road Central , and ends at its intersection with Connaught Road Central . The street was named after Lieutenant William Pedder , first lieutenant of the Nemesis , Britain's first ocean-going iron warship, and the first harbour master of Hong Kong. Pedder Street
1539-428: Is estimated that the building is now over half vacant, with a number of remaining tenants known to be moving to less costly premises. The vacancies have started to make the building know in central as “ghost building”, “ghost art building” and “haunted building”. It is listed as a Grade I Historic Building . Designed by Palmer and Turner Architects , the building was completed in 1924, the same year as its neighbours,
1620-543: Is noted for its use of "brand representatives" (aka "models") as in-store customer service staff. Previously, the models were required to buy and wear only A&F clothing at work. However, after a 2003 settlement with California state labor regulators , A&F allowed brand reps to wear any logo-free clothing, as long as it corresponded with the season and A&F's style. The California settlement also provided $ 2.2 million to reimburse former employees for their forced purchases of company-branded clothing. An "Impact Team"
1701-640: The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission , 17-year-old Samantha Elauf said she applied, in June 2008, for a sales position at the Abercrombie Kids store in the Woodland Hills Mall , located in Tulsa, Oklahoma . The teenager, who wears a hijab in accordance with her religious beliefs, claims the manager told her the headscarf violates the store's "Look Policy". The United States Supreme Court agreed to hear
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#17328545435601782-488: The "A&F Casting" feature on its website. The website also provides a gallery of current photography. Framed copies at company stores will sometimes name the model and store. The company's brand image is heavily promoted as an international near-luxury lifestyle concept . The company began cultivating a far more upscale image after the 2005 opening of its Fifth Avenue flagship store alongside Prada and other upscale retailers. Having for years used high-grade materials in
1863-506: The China Building ( 華人行 ) and the Queen's Theatre , and has always been let for commercial use. The building was originally owned by Mr. So Shek Chung, and passed to Mr. Ng Wah in 1926. In 1962 the property was sold to Tai Kee Leong Co. Ltd, owned by Fok Ying-tung . The building hosted the headquarters of Jebsen & Co. (now Jebsen Group ) from 1925 to 1965. The Pedder Building is listed as
1944-536: The China Tee Club, which closed on 30 September 2011. In October the same year, after 17 years, the 6,300 sq ft (585 m) flagship Shanghai Tang store closed down, with rising rents cited as the main reason. The landlord was asking for a monthly rental of HK$ 7 million. US clothing retailer Abercrombie & Fitch reportedly took over the lease for an even higher monthly rent. However, in November 2016,
2025-522: The Hong Kong and Whampoa Dock Company, precursor of Hutchison Whampoa . The clock tower was taken down in 1913. In 1915, one of the clock faces was integrated into the clock tower at the Kowloon–Canton Railway terminus in Tsim Sha Tsui . In its heyday, Dent also occupied the south-western corner of Pedder Street (and Queen's Road), where it had established a " Tea Exchange ". In 1846, it
2106-525: The T-shirts, and agreed to have corporate executives meet with the "Girlcott" girls at the company's headquarters. A T-shirt controversy arose again over the company's Back-to-School 2009 collection of "humor tees". One shirt proclaims "Show the twins" above a picture of a young woman with her blouse open to two men. Two other shirts state "Female streaking encouraged" and "Female Students Wanted for Sexual Research". The American Family Association disapproved of
2187-726: The United States, 5 in Canada (2 in Alberta, 2 in Ontario, and 1 in British Columbia). The company currently operates 70 full-line stores abroad and 10 outlet stores across 16 countries. The company's brand is believed to have reached its maximum growth potential in the American market. International expansion began in 2005, with the long-term goal of opening flagships for A&F (and eventually all its brands), in high-profile locations worldwide "at
2268-455: The article was published in 2006, until they resurfaced in May 2013 after actor Kirstie Alley brought them up in an Entertainment Tonight interview, and prominent daytime talk-show host Ellen DeGeneres spoke out against the company. Jeffries issued an official statement on May 17, 2013, regarding the news articles, saying, "I want to address some of my comments that have been circulating from
2349-643: The building is The Landmark , a mecca of high-street fashion brands and luxury shops. The passage next to the building is filled with local speciality booths including shoe repair, watch repair and a ' chop ' maker. In addition, the Pedder Building is part of the Central and Western Heritage Trail on the Central Route, together with other historic buildings and sites such as the Steps and Gas Lamps on Duddell Street nearby. The D2 exit of Central MTR station leads to
2430-441: The building is typical 1920s office style, with stone cladding on its base and Neo-classical elements such as arches, mouldings, a triangular-shaped pediment, columns and sculpted medallions. The architecture of the building follows a vertical layout, distinguished by a ground-floor on two levels, a mezzanine and four office floors, adorned with an in relief portico, directly above the main entrance, and finally one floor encircled by
2511-423: The building. It used to be members-only but now it serves non-members for dinner. On the first floor and above there are more than a dozen small stores selling garments, jewellery, fashion and similar. One floor houses a number of clinics. In July 2011, it was announced that fashion clothing giant Abercrombie & Fitch would take over three main floors and the basement for a new store, ousting Shanghai Tang and
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2592-412: The business, becoming its sole owner from 1907 to 1928. The company was an elite outfitter of sporting and excursion goods, particularly noted for its expensive shotguns, fishing rods, fishing boats, and tents. It outfitted Theodore Roosevelt 's safari and Admiral Richard E. Byrd 's expedition to Antarctica. Ernest Hemingway was also a regular customer; the gun with which he committed suicide in 1961
2673-474: The case on February 25, 2015, and ruled 8–1 on June 1, 2015, against the company. In 2010, a Muslim woman working at a Hollister store in San Mateo , California, was fired. Before being dismissed, Hani Khan had refused Abercrombie & Fitch's human-resources representative's demand that she remove her hijab. The representative reportedly stated that the headscarf, which Khan wears for religious reasons, violated
2754-426: The colonial history of Hong Kong, the building showcases Hong Kong as an international city, where western and eastern culture merge. Nevertheless, owners Henry Fok Estates have shied from their custodial role of the heritage site, with managing director Ian Fok Chun-wan saying it is becoming harder for owners to conserve heritage buildings because of tight regulations and a lack of incentives or benefits. Occupying
2835-451: The company for disability discrimination , and sought up to £20,000 in damages. In August 2009, the tribunal ruled the 22-year-old was wrongfully dismissed and unlawfully harassed. She was awarded £8,013 for loss of earnings and wrongful dismissal. In a lawsuit filed in September 2009, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission v. Abercrombie & Fitch Stores , in U.S. District Court by
2916-673: The company has opened stores in Milan , Copenhagen , Paris , Madrid , Brussels , Dublin and other major cities in Europe, including six stores in Germany. The company opened its first Asian flagship store in Tokyo in 2009, followed by Fukuoka , Singapore , Hong Kong and Seoul . The company would primarily focus on the Chinese and Japanese markets where luxury consumption is high. The company has also entered
2997-525: The company operated 854 stores across all its brands. The original Abercrombie & Fitch was founded in 1892 in New York City by David T. Abercrombie as an outfitter for the elite outdoorsman . Ezra Fitch —a wealthy lawyer, real estate developer, and devoted Abercrombie customer—bought a significant stake in the business in 1900. In 1904, it was incorporated and renamed "Abercrombie & Fitch Co." Fitch eventually bought out Abercrombie's share of
3078-495: The company risked finding itself transformed into "a cautionary tale of a store that was left by the wayside when it declined to change with the times". The company's year-to-year revenue, a key indicator of a retailer's health, rose 13% in September 2010. The company has carried men's fragrances Fierce , Colden , and has re-branded the original cologne Woods (Christmas Floorset 2010). Women's fragrances have included 8 , Perfume 41 , Wakely , and Perfume #1 . Fierce and 8 are
3159-421: The company to also cut its inventory of moderately priced products. In 1976, Abercrombie & Fitch filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. In 1977, the company closed its New York flagship store at Madison Avenue and East 45th Street. While Abercrombie & Fitch went out of business during its bankruptcy, the brand survived: in 1978, Oshman's Sporting Goods , a Houston -based retail chain, bought
3240-415: The company was described by Standard & Poor's as having a market value of $ 650 million and about $ 420 million cash on hand. In May 2017, the company was in talks to sell itself. Potential buyers included rivals Express (a fellow former L Brands subsidiary) and American Eagle Outfitters , and private equity firm Cerberus Capital Management . However, negotiations failed by early July, contributing to
3321-531: The company's "Look Policy". The Council on American-Islamic Relations has stated that the dismissal is a violation of non-discrimination laws, and filed a complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. In 2011, the Belgian Centre for Equal Opportunities and Opposition to Racism started an investigation into the company's hiring and remuneration policies. The firm was suspected of only hiring personnel under 25 years old, making heavy demands on
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3402-416: The company's "look policy". Women's Wear Daily calls the company's clothing classically "neo-preppy", with an "edgy tone and imagery". The company's fashions have a reputation for luxury, with the majority of designs trend-driven. There is heavy promotion of "Premium Jeans". In early 2010, the company introduced a leather handbag collection inspired by designs from Ruehl . Its prices are recognized as
3483-577: The company's brands, where store layouts, merchandising and atmosphere are developed and tested. In January 2017, A&F announced it was terminating 150 Home Office employees. The company also has a European office in Mendrisio , Switzerland. A&F was once known for its racy marketing photography by Bruce Weber . It was black and white and set outdoors, usually with partially nude males and females for an increased tone of sexuality. The company promotes its casting sessions, models, and photo shoots in
3564-457: The company's flagship store in London's Savile Row , took the company to an employment tribunal . Dean, who was born without a left forearm, claimed that although she was initially given special permission to wear clothing that covered her prosthetic limb , she was soon told that her appearance breached the company's "Look Policy" and sent to work in the stockroom, out of sight of customers. Dean sued
3645-425: The contemporary store design features white molding and formerly black louvers. From 2013 to 2014, the louvers were removed from all locations except from certain flagship stores which had windows above street level. The company stated that the louvers were removed in an effort to eliminate the exclusive atmosphere from stores and to experiment with window marketing. The currently featured marketing image directly faces
3726-424: The cool and popular kids, and then there are the not-so-cool kids. Candidly, we go after the cool kids. We go after the attractive all-American kid with a great attitude and a lot of friends. A lot of people don't belong [in our clothes], and they can't belong. Are we exclusionary? Absolutely. These quotes, which were the basis for the article's "youth, sex and casual superiority" headline, went largely unnoticed when
3807-649: The defunct firm's name and mailing list for $ 1.5 million (equivalent to $ 7 million in 2023). Oshman's relaunched the company as a mail-order retailer specializing in hunting wear and novelty items. Retail stores were also opened in Beverly Hills, Dallas, and (by the mid-1980s) New York City. In 1988, Oshman's sold the brand and its operations to Columbus, Ohio -based The Limited (parent company of several retail clothing chains, including Victoria's Secret ). Under The Limited, which later rebranded itself as L Brands , A&F gradually shifted its focus to young adults,
3888-631: The entire plans "utterly unacceptable." A&F appealed, managed to overcome the obstacles and opened the store in September 2014. The following year, the company was subject to nearly £16,000 in fines and legal costs when it was ruled that changes it had made in the Grade II-listed building were illegal. In an attempt to more effectively reach the brand's ideal "college-age" customer, the company tested two experimental campus stores in August 2018, both of which have since closed. The company has operated four concept brands apart from its namesake over
3969-413: The entrance. The interior is lit with dim ceiling lights and spot lighting. Electronic dance music meant to create an upbeat atmosphere may be played at sound levels as high as 90 decibels , exceeding the corporate policy of 84 decibels and comparable to heavy construction machinery and harmful to the ears. The company operates 854 stores across all four brands. The company's brand has 278 locations in
4050-482: The fashion retailer announced its decision to close down their flagship Hong Kong store, citing strategic review. To continue its presence in Central, Shanghai Tang set up several project units, namely "Shanghai Tang Loft" on the sixth floor of the Pedder Building, from 23 October to 20 February 2012. Located in the central business district, the Pedder Building is surrounded by skyscrapers and modern architecture. Opposite
4131-402: The ground floor and basement area of the building, Shanghai Tang was one of the prominent tenants in the building. The shop was founded by a local businessman, David Tang , and it is well known for selling pre-war retro-styled Chinese fashion. Oriental Chinese restaurant China Tee Club, founded in 1986 by former Miss Hong Kong Loletta Chu and her two sisters, is located on the first floor of
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#17328545435604212-535: The highest in the youth-clothing industry. Internationally, prices are almost double those in American stores. Retail analyst Chris Boring warns that the company's brands are a "little more susceptible" should recession hit, because their specialties are premium-priced goods rather than necessities. Indeed, as the late-2000s recession continued, the company took a hit financially for its refusal to lower prices or offer discounts. It argued that doing so would "cheapen" its near-luxury image. Analyst Bruce Watson warned that
4293-439: The influence of the "sex-as-recreation" lifestyle shirts, and asked the brand to remove its "sexualized shirts" from display. Because of extensive counterfeiting of its products, the company launched a brand protection program in 2006 to combat the problem worldwide (focusing more on China, Hong Kong, Japan and Korea) by working with law enforcement globally. The program is headed by a former FBI Supervisory Special Agent who
4374-407: The level of its sexually charged style of advertising and instead focus more on customer service. A&F also changed the job title of store employees from "models" to "brand representatives", and allowed a less tightly controlled, more individualist dress code. Additionally, A&F declared that "brand representatives" would focus more on customer service (by offering to help serve customers), versus
4455-423: The main entrance of the building. Buses from Mid-Levels , Southern District and Ma On Shan also reach the building. Besides taking MTR and buses , tram and minibus are the other two possible options too. Many minibus routes pass along Pedder Street . 22°16′55″N 114°09′25″E / 22.28188°N 114.1569°E / 22.28188; 114.1569 Pedder Street Pedder Street
4536-408: The manufacture of its merchandise, and pricing them at "near-luxury" levels, the company introduced the trademark Casual Luxury as a fictional dictionary term with multiple definitions such as "[using] the finest cashmere , pima cotton , and highest quality leather to create the ultimate in casual, body conscious clothing," and "implementing and/or incorporating time honored machinery ...to produce
4617-419: The most exclusive denim..." This upscale image has allowed it to open stores in international high-end locations and further promote the image by pricing its merchandise at almost double the American prices. Echoing the entertainment-based, high-class-aspirational approach L Brands' Les Wexner used to fuel the 1980s-2010s growth of Victoria's Secret, Abercrombie CEO Mike Jeffries has called A&F's brand image
4698-401: The most heavily marketed fragrances, as they are the signature scents of the brand overall. In 2002, the company sold a shirt featuring the slogan "Wong Brothers Laundry Service – Two Wongs Can Make It White," with smiling figures in conical Asian hats , an offensive depiction of 19th century Chinese immigrants to the U.S. A&F discontinued the designs and apologized after
4779-464: The old Post Office, is a monument erected by public subscription in 1862. Although at the present day absolutely useless owing to the high buildings since constructed around it, the Clock Tower remains as an obstruction to the traffic. During the past ten years the public have off and on agitated for its removal, but, as only to be expected in a Crown Colony, the community's wishes have been over-ridden by
4860-553: The optimistic, laidback California lifestyle". The company overhauled its merchandise mix and closed several underperforming stores. Longtime CEO Michael Jeffries resigned in December 2014, after 22 years with the company. Fran Horowitz took over as CEO in February 2017. To combat competition from more downscale fast-fashion rivals like Forever 21 and H&M , A&F announced light changes to its image. A&F pledged to reduce
4941-408: The past reputation of displaying aloofness toward them. In 2015, the company signaled that it would begin implementing these changes. By that May, store models were no longer forced to wear Abercrombie-branded clothes. According to recent reports from Q1 2021, it was the "group’s best second-quarter operating income and margin since 2008, with sales exceeding pre- pandemic levels." In April 2017,
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#17328545435605022-493: The physical appearance of its staff and rewarding a premium to male models that work shirtless. In November 2009, the company was added to the " Sweatshop Hall of Shame 2010" by the worker advocacy group International Labor Rights Forum . In 2009, the company was fined more than $ 115,000 by the Minnesota Department of Human Rights for refusing to let a teenage girl help her sister, who has autism , try on clothes in
5103-463: The premises and three upper storeys in August 2012. The first Jardine House, headquarters of Jardine, Matheson & Co. , was probably built around 1841 after Jardine's successful bid for its lots on The Praya Central. In 1908, the second Jardine House was built. It was rebuilt in around 1956, and reborn in the early 1970s as Wheelock House, current headquarters of Wheelock and Company Limited, controlling shareholder of The Wharf (Holdings) Limited ,
5184-626: The sacrifices of the British and American servicemen/women in the World Wars and in military conflicts that continue today. Our company policy is to allow associates to wear a poppy as a token of this appreciation on Remembrance Day. Going forward, ...we will revisit this policy to the days/weeks leading up to Remembrance Day." In 2012, the company announced plans that it would open its Abercrombie Kids shop at No. 3 on Savile Row , next door to Gieves & Hawkes . The plans drew criticism and opposition from
5265-450: The sale of T-shirts displaying messages such as "Who needs brains when you have these?" ("these" meaning breasts), "Available for parties," and "I had a nightmare I was a brunette ." The campaign received national coverage on The Today Show , and the company pulled the shirts from stores on November 5, 2005. Five days after this media coverage, the company pulled two of the shirts from its shelves, released an apology to girls for producing
5346-454: The settlement and Models after) and store management positions to Caucasian males. The company agreed to a settlement of the class-action suit, which required the company to (1) pay $ 40 million to African Americans, Latinos, Asian Americans, and women who applied and were not hired or worked in certain store positions, (2) revise its hiring, performance measurement, and promotion policies, (3) revise its internal complaint procedures, (4) appoint
5427-515: The tailors of the Row, who were already unhappy about the presence of its main store on Burlington Gardens at the end of the Row to begin with. This eventually led to a protest organized by The Chap magazine on April 23, 2012. During the consultation period, objections were lodged to Westminster City Council and in February 2013 the Council rejected many of the company's proposals for the store, and branded
5508-494: The views of the officials, who seem unable to see eye to eye with the people as to the obsolescence of a structure that has long since out-lived its usefulness. — Picturesque Hong Kong: a handbook for travellers . Hong Kong: Tillotson & Sons. 1911. p.65 In 1862, at the southern end of the street where it meets Queen's Road, the Pedder Street Clock Tower was completed and was the landmark of Central until it
5589-408: The west wing was let out to other trading firms. The Hong Kong Hotel was Hong Kong's first deluxe hotel when it opened in 1866. In 1951, the hotel was closed down, and the building was bought up by a local Chinese investment group for office use. In 1957, the building was redeveloped into the present Central Building . At the junction of Queen's Road with Wyndham Street and Pedder Street, opposite
5670-568: The wharf once was. It was a typical Edwardian municipal construction of granite and red brick, situated there until 1976; the Supreme Court was relocated in January 1912 to a new building constructed on reclaimed land, where it remained until 1985. To make way for Pedder station of the MTR , the General Post Office was moved to Connaught Place . The old building was demolished in 1976, and World-Wide House
5751-490: The years; they have been referred to as subsidiaries , but operate as divisions under the company's umbrella. The company has been involved in legal conflicts over its employment practices, treatment of customers, and clothing styles. In a 2004 lawsuit González v. Abercrombie & Fitch , the company was accused of discriminating against African Americans, Latinos, Asian Americans, and women by preferentially offering floor sales positions (called Brand Representatives before
5832-418: Was built in its place. Pedder Building occupied the site next to the China Building since 1924. The basement suite of the building was occupied for most of the post-war period by the auctioneering firm Lammert Bros. which had been operating in Hong Kong since 1855. The basement was occupied by Shanghai Tang 's flagship store until October 2011. American clothing retailer Abercrombie & Fitch moved into
5913-488: Was created in 2004 to control merchandise within each store and strictly maintain and enforce company standards. Bigger and higher volume stores have a "Full Time Stock" who trains Impact associates, processes shipments, maintains stock room standards, and can even act as a manager if the store is short on management staff. Stores' general manager and assistant managers are responsible for forms, lighting, photo marketing, fragrance presentations, and ensuring brand reps comply with
5994-432: Was demolished. It chimed for the first time at midnight on 31 December 1862. The 80 feet (24 m) tall clock tower with a lighted dial, designed by a Mr. Rawlings, was to be funded by subscriptions, but the lack of public response meant that many of the more elaborate decorative features were jettisoned. In the end, a donation was secured from Scotsman Douglas Lapraik , one of the most successful Tai-pans who founded
6075-442: Was driven in 38 feet (12 m) from the praya wall. "Three similar piles have been towed over from Tsim Sha Tsui and are ready to be put in place". The new wharf, located at the junction of Pedder Street and Des Voeux Road, extended 195 feet (59 m) out from the praya wall, and was 40 feet (12 m) wide. Six sets of steps lead down to the water. Pedder Wharf became landlocked after the big reclamation scheme of 1890–1904, and
6156-435: Was established at the centre of Hong Kong's commerce in the early colonial days . The premises of Hong Kong's two most powerful trading hongs at the time, Dent & Co. and Jardine, Matheson & Co. , were located on The Praya Central, Victoria's original waterfront, on the opposite sides of Pedder Street. Dent & Co., one of the key founding members of The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited , had
6237-410: Was later spun off as a separate, publicly traded company , and eventually grew into one of the largest apparel firms in the United States. Mike Jeffries became CEO in the 1990s and refocused the brand on the teen customer. In 1998, the company launched a children's product line , Abercrombie Kids, for 7-14 year olds. In 2000, A&F launched its Hollister Co. subsidiary, "a new concept focused on
6318-731: Was part of the FBI's Intellectual Property Rights program, and covers all the company's brands. The company says that the program "will improve current practices and strategies by focusing on eliminating the supply of illicit Abercrombie & Fitch products." In August 2011, the company offered Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino and other cast members of the MTV reality show Jersey Shore a "substantial payment" if they stopped wearing Abercrombie-branded clothes, stating "We are deeply concerned that Mr. Sorrentino's association with our brand could cause significant damage to our image." In November 2011, Sorrentino filed
6399-521: Was purchased from Abercrombie & Fitch. Following Hemingway's death, his wife placed several of his guns on consignment with the company. By the 1970s, A&F was struggling to compete with lower-priced competitors while trying to maintain its high-end image. It was known for holding an extensive inventory of lavish items, but high operating expenses forced A&F to shed its highest priced items, such as an $ 18,000 (equivalent to $ 141,224 in 2023) gold and onyx chess set. Cash flow problems forced
6480-463: Was replaced by Blake Pier. The palatial offices of Dent & Co. occupied the site where Gloucester Tower, The Landmark , stands today. They were originally constructed in 1850, and the site was redeveloped in 1864. Dent & Co. went into financial distress in 1866 and sold half of its land on Pedder Street to the newly established Hongkong Hotel Company . The hotel was duly built, and became Hong Kong's first deluxe hotel. The remaining part of
6561-470: Was transformed into the Treasury (庫務署), Supreme Court and General Post Office . This land was auctioned in 1921, when it achieved a price of HK$ 50 per square foot. The resulting China Building (華人行) was completed in 1924. Further reclamations had taken place in the meantime (ca.1900). The General Post Office was relocated in 1911 to new premises on the newly reclaimed (northern) section of Pedder Street where
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