Urban Outfitters changes Leifsdottir strategy

PHILADELPHIA-- Urban Outfitters announced that its Leifsdottir brand will now besold exclusively at Anthropologie stores and through its direct-to-consumer business, and will no longer be available for wholesale distribution with the conclusion of spring deliveries. Johanna Uurasjarvi, creative director Leifsdottir, will return to the Anthropologie brand as executive creative director Anthropologie product design.

"We believe this change gives us the best opportunity to maximize the brand equity of the Leifsdottir label, and we are excited to welcome Johanna back to the Anthropologie business," said Glen Senk, CEO.

The company said it expects to record one-time costs of approximately $2.7 million in the first quarter of the current fiscal year for the disposal of certain Leifsdottir assets, disposition of inventory and other related costs.

Urban Outfitters currently operates 176 Urban Outfitters stores in the United States, Canada, and Europe, catalogs and four web sites; 153 Anthropologie stores in the United States, Canada and Europe, catalogs and two websites; Free People wholesale, which sells its product to approximately 1,400 specialty stores and select department stores; 42 Free People stores, catalogs and a web site; Leifsdottir wholesale, which sells its product to approximately 65 specialty stores and select department stores and through a web site; 1 Terrain garden center and website; and BHLDN, which sells its product through a web site as of Jan. 31.