Limited Brands

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Limited Brands
Image:Limitedbrands.gif
Type of Company Public (NYSE: LTD)
Founded 1963
Headquarters Columbus, Ohio, USA
Key people Leslie Wexner, CEO
Industry Apparel Stores
Products Casual Luxury Clothing
Website www.limitedbrands.com

Limited Brands NYSE: LTD (formerly known as The Limited, Inc.) is an American company based in Columbus, Ohio. In 2006 it reported 9.7 billion dollars in revenue for the last fiscal year[1].

The Limited is an American retail store owned by the Limited Brands.

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[edit] History

In 1912 Bella Cabakoff emigrated with her parents from Russia to Columbus, Ohio to escape persecution. At 21, she became the youngest buyer at the Lazarus (department store). However, after spending over 20 years with Lazarus, in 1951 she joined her husband Harry L. in opening a women's clothing store named Leslie's (after their son) on State Street. This store became the training ground for Leslie Wexner. In 1963 he borrowed $5,000 from his aunt and opened a store at the Kingsdale Shopping Center in Upper Arlington. This store, was named 'The Limited' because the store focused on clothing for younger women, unlike his parents' general merchandise store. Later in 1964, Bella and Harry closed their store to join their son in his venture.

The original board consisted of only the three family members: Bella Wexner (who served as secretary until her death in 2001), Harry as chairman (who served until his death in 1975) and Leslie who succeeded his father as the chairman and later became CEO. He and his family continue to control 17% of LTD. In 1969, Wexner took The Limited Brands public, listed as LTD on the NYSE. In 1977, The Limited moved into its main headquarters on Morse Road in Columbus, Ohio, where it still operates from today.

The 1980's started a string of acquisitions: In 1982, The Victoria's Secret brand, store, and catalogue were purchased from Roy Raymond for $1 million. Also in 1982, 207 Lane Bryant stores were purchased. In 1985, a single Henri Bendel store was purchased for $10 million and 798 Lerner stores for $297 million. Finally, in 1988, 25 Abercrombie & Fitch stores were purchased for $46 million.

1990's saw the initial development of the Limited Too, Bath & Body Works, Structure, Victoria's Secret Beauty. Later, in 1998, several Bath & Body Works stores are converted to The White Barn Candle Company stores to begin a home fragrance brand.

[edit] Today

LTD currently employs over 18,000 people and reported $9.7 billion in revenue in 2006. In addition to retail brands, The Limited has an extensive support system of companies ranging from Logistics to Design to Real Estate. Limited Brands does not franchise, but directly owns and operates more than 4,000 stores in the United States.

[edit] Brands

Limited Brands currently operates the following retail brands:

Previous brands that have spun off include:

[edit] External link