FROM PEDALS TO RECORDS FREE PEOPLE BLOOMED
PHILADELPHIA – A seed was planted in 1970 by a young Dick Hayne in the form of a modest West Philadelphia storefront called Free People. Little did Hayne know the growth the seed would endure.
Selling records, plants, and few clothing items was just the beginning of building much more than a store. Building a community where freedom of expressing yourself through clothing was priority. Fueling ones creative, individualistic, and feminine side, the storefront that nurtured the youthful shoppers lasted a year.
As one store became two, and two stores became three, the name was changed to Urban Outfitters as it flourished. Hayne’s wife, Meg, tended the growing business and kept the flame lit as immediate demand led to Dick creating a wholesale line. The wholesale line that took on many personalities for a while: Bulldog, Ecote, Cooperative, Anthropologie, and then Free People breathed once again 14 years later as a separate business in 1984.
“We realized that it was Free People that invoked some of our favorite images, those of femininity, courage, and spirit.” Dick said, “It was time to get back to our roots.”
With the dedication of Dick and Free Peoples loyal, truehearted fan base, the opening of the first brick-and-mortar store was made possible in 2002. Located in Paramus, New Jersey, Free People continued to bloom.
Two years later, the birth of Freepeople.com hit the internet in 2004, followed by the first mail-order catalog during the summer of 2005.
Today, Free People inspires women everywhere, and continues to project its own unique personality while being a part ofURBN, a portfolio of global consumer brands comprised of Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie, Free People, FP Movement, BHLDN, Terrain, Menus & Venues, and Nuuly.
Urban Outfitters honors its connection to the first ever Free People storefront by continuing to sell plants and records. What Dick Hayne started at 23 years old, lives on today, tomorrow, and every day after.
“Since the first store opened in West Philadelphia, we continually strive to connect with our customers through unique products and engaging store design,” said URBN.”
Founded in 1984, Free People is a specialty women’s clothing brand known for its high level of quality, creativity, and femininity. Featuring all the latest trends in all things vintage and bohemian, the brand offers an assortment of products from apparel to activewear, cruelty free beauty and wellness products, swimwear, outerwear, shoes, and intimates. Known for their breathless apparel, the brand is a destination to fulfill your spirit. Free people aims to allow women to express themselves in the most genuine, wholehearted manner, not only through their clothes but their lifestyles. Free People gives back as they stand with mother nature, female empowerment, local aid, and furryfriends. Shown by a loyal community, Free People is sincere in all efforts. For more information, visit www.freepeople.com.
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