In 1970, Dick Hayne was just 23 years old when he, college roommate Scott Belair, and Judy Wicks came up with the idea to open a retail store. Originally called Free People, the first location was a small space across the street from the University of Pennsylvania, offering second-hand clothing, furniture, jewelry and home décor for college-aged customers in a casual, fun environment. What started as a unique retail experience and community center for creative students would grow into something far bigger - a revolutionary approach to retail that celebrated individuality and creativity.
Today, URBN is a portfolio of global consumer brands comprised of Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie, Free People, FP Movement, Anthropologie Weddings, Terrain, Menus & Venues, and Nuuly. The company went public in 1993 and has expanded globally with operations across the United States, Canada, and Europe. Headquartered in Philadelphia's historic Navy Yard, URBN has grown from that single storefront into a multinational lifestyle retail corporation while maintaining its founding values. The company remains passionate, creative and entrepreneurial, creating unique retail experiences with an eye toward creativity and a singular focus on pleasing customers through each brand's distinct point of view.