The list of the most profitable companies among the ready-to-wear retailers published every year by the US magazine “Apparel” is an evaluation, which is curiously awaited for by the industry.  The list, interrogating the US based companies operating in the ready-to-wear retailing according to their net sales and profitabilities, communicates the financial performance of the companies which are focused on the retail market and which are very effective in the market in a manner to include especially the design, product development, resource creation and distribution.  At the top of the list is Chico’s FAS   which has been the leader of the list for the last three years.

Since its humble beginning Chico’s, has created the business model related to vertical retailing of women’s garments and accessories, which has been envied by others in the industry.  Chico’s which has been established in the year 1983 in Fort Myers Florida, while providing service to its customers in Florida as Mexican themed ethnic art store and boutique it has presently reached yearly sales level of one billion dollars. Even during economic stagnancy periods, the yearly sales rates of the same stores have increased by double-digit figure percentages. Chico’s and its two newly added brands White House/Black Market and Soma, targets women from the age group 25-55 of medium and higher income levels.  The company with its 688 stores in the beginning of 2006 continues to draw attention in this continuously ageing and expanding market. The products are in general from natural fabrics made from materials such as cotton, linen, and silk.

Columbia Sportswear: Columbia Sportswear, the number one ski and nature garments manufacturer of America, which is in Portland Oregon, has increased its income by 15 percent by increasing its turnover above one billion dollars.  The company, as a new phase in its brand creation last May has signed an agreement with the company World Wide Supply for the manufacture of Columbia Sportswear bicycles.

American Eagle Outfitters: While it was in the 33^rd rank in the top 50 list of last year, with the jump it made this year became the company making the best leap among the companies, which are on the list of both years.  In the retail company focusing on young people the big increase in the sales of denims indicates that the company has returned   to its roots which are the high school market and that after a dangerous retreat has once again met with the young people of high school generation.

Urban Outfitters: The sales have increased with rocket speed and have reached 828 million dollars in 2005 from 295.3 million dollars in 2001. The 35 years old company having 140 stores is targeting two target masses with its brands Antropologie and Urban Outfitters. Antropologie targets the consumer of 30-45 years old, while Urban Outfitters is targeting a younger mass.

Abercrombie and Fitch: Trying to change its appearance with the first opened Ruehl store which has been inspired by the Greenwich village culture furthermore intends to grow in America through the Hollister surf garments stores. The total sales of the company, which is in the development process, have exceeded 2 billion dollars in 2004. (37 million dollars is through e-commerce.)

Timberland: The prestigious manufacturer of classical nature garments and shoes has expanded its famous design center in London in order to expand its product presentation. In 2005 the sales of garments and accessories have increased by 8 percent from 300 million dollars to 333 million dollars.    

Cintas: The Cincinnati based company ranked among the leaders of the list of top 50 retails in the past years. Approximately 5 million employees of over 500 thousand companies that were the customers of the company were wearing the garments produced by the company. 

Bebe: With its style in the extremes and as the favorite retailer of ladies’ garments preferred by famous people has climbed from the 21st rank to the 8th in the top 50 list of retailers and it is expected that it will rise higher in 2006. According to some analysts, with the triggering of retail sales in boutiques the number of stores has exceeded 200. 

Aeropostale: The company targeting shopping loving male and female of 11-18 of age started shopping center based retailing in 1987 and by increasing its sales which had been 160 million dollars in 1999 to 964 million dollars in the year 2004 made itself a special place in the market.

Pacific Sunwear of California: The growing surf garments retailer Pac Sun, aside what is shown on the list has also stepped into the hiphop fashion (d.e.m.o). Furthermore Pacific Sunwear had been selected as last year’s retail star. (Turkishtime)