Urban Outfitters Q4 sales rise 13.9%

The Urban Outfitters Group, which operates brands such as Anthropologie, BHLDN, Free People, FP Movement and Urban Outfitters, has reported its Q4 net sales increased 13.9% compared to pre-pandemic levels. 

For the three months ended 31 January, 2022, its net sales reached $1.33bn (£981.2m). Comparable Retail segment net sales increased 14%, driven by strong double-digit growth in digital channel sales, partially offset by low double-digit negative retail store sales primarily due to reduced store traffic.

By brand, comparable retail segment net sales increased 49% at the Free People Group, 14% at the Anthropologie Group and 3% at Urban Outfitters. Total Retail segment net sales increased 15%. Wholesale segment net sales decreased 22% primarily from reducing the Free People Group’s sales to promotional wholesale customers.

During the year ended 31 January, 2022, the company opened a total of 56 new retail locations including: 29 Free People Group stores (including 18 FP Movement stores), 17 Urban Outfitters stores, 9 Anthropologie Group stores and 1 Menus and Venues restaurant; and closed 18 retail locations including: 8 Anthropologie Group stores, 5 Free People Group stores, 3 Urban Outfitters stores and 2 Menus and Venues restaurants.

It also announced the appointment of Francis Pierrel as president of Urban Outfitters with responsibility for the brand in North America. Pierrel will report directly to Sheila Harrington, global CEO of Urban Outfitters and the Free People Group.

Richard A. Hayne, CEO of URBN, said: “I am pleased to welcome Francis to our company and the Urban Outfitters brand. He is a seasoned omni-channel retail executive with deep experience in managing iconic brands across all channels – e-commerce, stores, and wholesale. We believe his strong leadership will greatly benefit the Urban Outfitters brand.”