Why Circuit City Failed

There are many different reasons why stores have been failing all over.  It is no secret that our economy is in the worst possible spot right now.  Since Our economy is so bad and millions have lost jobs and many more will in the future, consumer spending have greatly decreased.  Along with going out to eat and buying Starbucks every morning, buying luxuries electronics has gone out the window due to our current economic state.  

Another smaller reason why "the number two electronics store in the U.S." failed was plainly bad management (Time.com).  "Circuit City was incredibly successful in the 1980s and 1990s, but they never changed after that," says David Schick, an analyst at Stifel Nicolaus."  They weren't up to date in their management skills or selling skills.

In conclusion, the two main reasons Circuit City failed were the horrible economic state and their out of touch selling and management skills.

Anthropologie (Since 1992)

Anthropologie is a private company that was established in 1992 by Richard Hayne and is based in Trenton, South Carolina. Richard Hayne also co-founded it's parent company, Urban Outfitters, in 1970 and has been its President and Chairman of the Board of Directors since its incorporation in 1976. Another Company under Urban Outfitters is Free People. 

Anthropologie had a wide range of merchandise. Although they focus on women's apparel and accessories, they also carry furniture and home furnishings. Unlike Urban Outfitters, which focuses more on hip trends, Anthropologie focuses on professional, sophisticated 30-something women with a total family income of $200,000 or greater. Their clothing is very youthful and one-of-a-kind.

Anthropologie has grown fast and become very popular in the United States. They now have over 90 stores in 24 different states. Although they are somewhat new, Anthropologie now accounts for 50% of Urban Outfitters annual revenue, equaling at about $400 million in sales. They generally try to stay away from malls and prefer to locate stores on streets or wide open spaces.

Anthropologie has become a pioneer in retail for the fact that they intentionally avoid advertising. They do have a website and catalogs but they do not run commercials or print ads.

Anthropologie

Anthropologie is my favorite retailer for many reasons. Every time I go in there and purchase something I know that i'm getting good products.  They sell well crafted clothes, bags, jewelry furniture, shoes, and many more things.  That is another reason why I love Anthropologie.  They sell so much more than just clothing.  I could go into their store and buy a shirt, new drawer knobs for my kitchen, and a new duvet for my bed.  

Another thing that attracts me is the atmosphere of their stores.  They always have lit candles of nice fragrances and calming music.  It a relaxing place to be.  Not like these Abercrombie & Fitch stores with music blaring that gives me a headache as soon as I walk in. 

One of my absolute favorite things is the staff and dressing rooms.  I love the fact that when you go into the dressing room they ask your name and right it on the door and tell you who they are.  The dressing as well is also very relaxing.  They have couches and the walls are painted calming colors. Lastly, I love the style.  It is very rare that I find something in Anthropologie that I would not wear.  I am a big fan of the earthy, organic style.