URBN

Von Maur is a privately held, family-owned department store chain founded in 1872 by German immigrant J.H.C. Petersen, who began with a rented 20-by-50-foot space in downtown Davenport, Iowa. Now in its fourth generation of family leadership under CEO Jim von Maur, the company operates 39 locations across the United States, remaining independent while much of the department store sector consolidated or went public. The company runs two retail formats: its flagship upscale department stores under the Von Maur name, and Dry Goods USA, a subsidiary focused on contemporary fashion. Von Maur stores are distinguished by a consistent set of in-store practices - live piano music, complimentary gift wrapping on every purchase, and free shipping - designed to emphasize service over transaction volume. The company's stated philosophy centers on creating memorable shopping experiences. Headquartered in Davenport, Iowa, Von Maur has grown steadily over 150 years without pursuing the aggressive expansion strategies common among larger retail competitors. Its privately held structure has allowed multigenerational continuity in both ownership and strategic direction. The company employs staff across store operations, corporate functions, and its Dry Goods USA subsidiary.

The Home Depot exists to solve a fundamental challenge for millions of people: making home improvement accessible, affordable, and achievable for everyone. Founded in 1978 by Bernie Marcus and Arthur Blank, the company revolutionized the hardware store concept by creating massive warehouses stocked with an unprecedented selection of products, staffed by knowledgeable associates who could actually teach customers how to complete their projects. What began as two stores in Atlanta has grown into the world's largest home improvement retailer, operating more than 2,300 stores across North America and serving DIYers, professional contractors, and Do-It-For-Me customers alike. At its core, The Home Depot is driven by a simple but powerful mission: to help people improve the places they call home. The company's inverted pyramid philosophy puts customers and front-line associates first, recognizing that when people are supported with the right tools, knowledge, and guidance, they can transform their living spaces and their lives. With approximately 475,000 orange-blooded associates and a commitment to eight core values including Respect for All People and Taking Care of Our People, The Home Depot continues to evolve through interconnected retail, innovative technology, and a deep connection to the communities it serves.

In 1986, founder Joseph Segel had a revolutionary insight: television could be more than entertainment - it could be a way to shop. From that moment, QVC pioneered a new model of retail, bringing products directly into living rooms with engaging hosts, demonstrations, and real-time interaction. Nearly 50 years later, QVC Group (formerly Qurate Retail Group) has evolved from a TV shopping network into a live social shopping powerhouse, reaching over 200 million homes worldwide through 15 television networks, streaming platforms, social media channels, and ecommerce sites. Today, QVC Group represents six leading retail brands - QVC, HSN, Ballard Designs, Frontgate, Garnet Hill, and Grandin Road - that together create what they call the "third way to shop." Beyond traditional broadcasting, they've embraced livestream shopping on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Pinterest, plus their own QVC+ and HSN+ streaming experiences. With team members across the U.S., U.K., Germany, Japan, Italy, Poland, and China, the company continues innovating in video commerce, making every screen a doorway to discovery, delight, and community. Their February 2025 rebranding to QVC Group marks a new chapter focused on streaming and social commerce growth.

Gap Inc. is the largest specialty apparel company in America, operating a portfolio of iconic American lifestyle brands including Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic, and Athleta. Founded in 1969 by Donald and Doris Fisher, the company has grown from a single San Francisco store to a global retailer with over 1,400 stores across more than 40 countries. The company operates headquarters in San Francisco, New York, London, Shanghai, and Tokyo. As a mission-driven company, Gap Inc. focuses on bridging gaps to create a better world through sustainability, diversity, and inclusion initiatives. The company is publicly traded on the NYSE (GAP) and generates approximately $15 billion in annual revenue. Gap Inc. inspires authentic self-expression through its products and experiences while championing equality, inclusivity, and environmental responsibility across its global operations and supply chain.

Hermès is a French luxury goods house founded in Paris in 1837 by Thierry Hermès as a harness and saddlery workshop. Now in its sixth generation of family ownership, the company remains independent and has expanded into leather goods, ready-to-wear fashion, silk accessories, ties, perfumes, watches, and jewelry, operating more than 300 boutiques worldwide. Production at Hermès is built around traditional artisanal methods. Skilled craftspeople spend years developing their techniques, and many individual products require hundreds of hours to complete. These methods have been refined and passed down across generations, remaining central to how the company designs and manufactures its goods. For those transitioning from service, Hermès offers an environment defined by precision, discipline, and mastery of craft - qualities familiar to anyone who has operated in structured, high-standards settings. Roles span production, retail operations, supply chain, and corporate functions across a global network of ateliers and boutiques.

In 2008, our founders were looking at the European fashion retail landscape and realized something was missing: a seamless, convenient online shopping experience for fashion. While customers could browse physical stores across cities, the digital transformation of fashion retail was in its infancy. They saw an opportunity to bring head-to-toe fashion to doorsteps across Europe, starting with shoes and rapidly expanding to clothing, accessories, and beauty products. From that spark of insight, Zalando has grown into Europe's leading online platform for fashion and lifestyle, serving over 50 million active customers across 25 markets. We've evolved from a pioneer in e-commerce to building a comprehensive pan-European ecosystem that connects brands, partners, and customers in new ways. Our purpose of reimagining fashion for the good of all drives us to create a smarter, friendlier, and more open fashion world - where technology meets style and shopping becomes an experience rather than a chore.