But when they find something they like, they flock to it as they would to a Barenaked Ladies concert. Starting last spring, Abercrombie refocused on its primary market of fashion-savvy older teens and young adults.
Margins hold up.
In addition, Abercrombie cut prices, selling many items for substantially less than it did last year. The company is also expanding its modest, 300-store base nationwide, aiming to open about 200 new stores by the end of next year. Such glimmers of hope have made Strong Midcap Growth fund co-manager Derek Felske a firm believer, helped by a little family research. It's got pizazz. But if the fickle finger of teenage fashion turns away from the company, Abercrombie's wares could become as unhip as Michael Jackson's glove.