History of Anthropologie in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: September 16, 2024

Anthropologie is an American retail chain specializing in a curated selection of clothing, accessories, home decor, furniture, beauty products, and gifts. Targeting a bohemian and eclectic aesthetic, they cater primarily to women and operate stores across the United States, Canada, Europe, and the United Kingdom.

1970: Founding of Free People and Conceptualization of Anthropologie

In 1970, Richard Hayne and Scott Belair, former Lehigh University roommates and then classmates at the University of Pennsylvania Wharton Business School, started a retail store named Free People. Hayne later conceptualized Anthropologie, a brand aimed at women aged 30 to 45.

1992: First Anthropologie Store Opens

In the fall of 1992, Anthropologie opened its first independent store, located in a renovated auto shop in Wayne, Pennsylvania.

1998: Launch of Mail-Order Catalog and Website

In 1998, Anthropologie launched both a mail-order catalog and its first website.

2009: International Expansion: London and Toronto

Anthropologie expanded internationally in 2009, opening its first store in London, England, and its first Canadian store in Toronto at the Shops at Don Mills.

2018: Anthropologie Bans Mohair Products

In 2018, following an exposé on the mohair industry in South Africa, Anthropologie joined other fashion retailers in banning the sale of mohair products.

October 2019: First Anthropologie Home Outlet Opens

Urban Outfitters opened the first Anthropologie Home Outlet in Pittsburgh in October 2019, specializing exclusively in home furnishings.

2020: Protests Against Alpaca Wool Use

In 2020, Anthropologie faced protests for not complying with PETA's call to stop selling items made with alpaca hair.

April 2021: Leadership Change: Tricia D. Smith Becomes Global CEO

Hillary Super stepped down as CEO of Anthropologie in April 2021, and Tricia D. Smith, with 26 years of experience at Nordstrom, took over as Anthropologie's global CEO.