Stores Like Abercrombie & Fitch (Cheaper, Hollister)

There is always a lot of chatter about fashion trends and stylish attire surrounding fashion week. Although fashion companies such as Abercrombie & Fitch provide high-quality apparel in classic styles, some buyers choose to purchase at other American clothing stores like Abercrombie & Fitch.

Abercrombie and Fitch is an American clothing and footwear company best known for its initials A&F. It thinks that your everyday attire should feel as relaxed, adaptable, and stress-free as the start of any long weekend.

It focuses mostly on casual wear; although the brand offers mostly to a young adult clientele, it has expanded to include men’s, women’s, and children’s lines, allowing it to accommodate people of all ages comfortably. 

It has a wide assortment of unisex apparel, footwear, and accessories for any mood or occasion. Jeans, dresses, coats, underwear, and jackets are included in the basic collections and a long-lasting range that combines quality and fashion.

List of Best Alternative Stores Like Abercrombie & Fitch

• Hollister Co.
• Aeropostale
• H&M
• J.Crew
• Forever 21
• Gap
• American Eagle Outfitters
• Tommy Hilfiger
• Uniqlo
• Express

Like the other fashion brands such as; American Eagle Outfitters, Zara, and H&M, J.Crew also Abercrombie provide outfits to their most appealing customers. In addition, fashion specialists have a passion for trying new trends and styles. So if you are curious, try some other stores like Abercrombie to satisfy your fashion needs.

Then you can scroll down to know more about the best stores like Abercrombie. There are such options that you will love to try rebuilding your clothing collection. 

1. Hollister Co.

Hollister and Abercrombie & Fitch have a lot of similarities, since they are both owned by Abercrombie & Fitch Co. Here are some of the key ways in which Hollister is similar to Abercrombie:

• Target demographic – Both brands target teens and young adults, with Hollister focused on high schoolers and Abercrombie focused on college-aged consumers.
• Preppy, beachy styles – The clothing at both stores features laidback, preppy pieces with a beach vibe. Lots of polos, henleys, jeans, and hoodies.
• Stores designed as “experiences” – Hollister and Abercrombie stores are designed to be an experience, with dim lighting, attractive models, and strong fragrances.
• Focus on basics with some trends – The bulk of both brands’ offerings are basic and casual wardrobe staples, with some trendy pieces each season.
• Higher prices than fast fashion – Though not designer-level pricing, both carry clothes at a higher price point than fast fashion chains.
• Strong branding – Hollister and Abercrombie both have highly recognizable branding, with large logos on many pieces.
• Southern California inspirations – The brands pull inspiration from SoCal surf/skate culture to develop their laidback styles.

Hollister provides a younger-skewing version of the Abercrombie aesthetic and shopping experience. The similarities go beyond just the clothes and into the lifestyle branding.

2. Aeropostale

Aeropostale is considered a major competitor to Abercrombie & Fitch for the following reasons:

• Target market – Both brands focus their clothing and marketing towards teens and young adults. Aeropostale’s core demographic is teens while A&F targets late teens and early 20s.
• Product offering – Aeropostale and A&F sell similar casual basics, graphic tees, sweatshirts, jeans, and athletic apparel with a youthful styling.
• Brand image – They both maintain a young, preppy brand image emphasizing active lifestyles and casual fashion.
• Pricing – They are similarly priced, with most items costing $20-$50, appealing to middle and upper-middle class youth.
• Store atmosphere – The in-store atmosphere is youthful, energetic, and fashion-focused. Music, lighting, and visuals aim to appeal to teens.
• Marketing tactics – Both brands leverage social media influencers, viral ads, campus marketing, and pop culture to reach target youth.
• Competition for mall space – Being mall-based stores, they compete for prime retail spots in malls to reach suburban teen shoppers.

So with the same core demographic and similar offerings, retail experience, and branding, Aeropostale is considered one of A&F’s biggest competitors in the teen and young adult niche. The overlap in customers is substantial.

3. H&M

One of the leading affordable fashion retailers, H&M is a go-to for those looking for Abercrombie-esque styles but at at cheaper price. H&M offers a vast and varied selection of the latest trends and basics for men, women, teenagers, and kids. Shoppers can count on discovering both staple pieces like denim, tees, and athleticwear as well as eccentric trend-driven items.

H&M prides itself on making runway-inspired fashion accessible to all. While keeping price points low, quality and sustainability are still important focuses. The assortment changes rapidly, almost weekly, so there are always new, exciting things to discover in-store and online. From office-appropriate looks to night-out attire to casual weekend wear, H&M aims to be a one-stop-shop for stylish clothing at affordable prices.

With its combination of on-trend pieces along with affordable wardrobe basics, H&M is ideal for teens and young adults wanting to replicate Abercrombie & Fitch styles on a budget. Savvy shoppers can fashion the relaxed All-American preppy look for less at this popular Swedish retailer.

4. J.Crew: Clothes, Shoes & Accessories For Women, Men & Kids

J.Crew and Abercrombie & Fitch cater to somewhat different demographics and have distinct brand aesthetics, but they can be alternatives to each other depending on what the consumer is seeking. Here’s a breakdown of how they compare and contrast, which may help in understanding why some might consider J.Crew as an alternative to Abercrombie & Fitch:

J.Crew generally targets an older, more professional demographic. The brand is known for offering stylish, classic, and sophisticated apparel suitable for a range of occasions including work, casual outings, and formal events.

Additionally, J.Crew known for a classic, timeless aesthetic with a modern twist. The brand often emphasizes clean lines, solid colors, and high-quality materials. On the other hand, Abercrombie & Fitch has a more casual, youthful, and sometimes rugged or preppy aesthetic. The brand often features trendy, seasonal colors and patterns.

Both brands have a mid-tier price point, but J.Crew is often perceived as slightly more upscale due to its classic styling and the quality of materials used.

For versatility and occasion suitability, the J.Crew offers a wide range of apparel suitable for various occasions, making it a more versatile choice for those looking to invest in pieces for a broader spectrum of settings. But, Abercrombie & Fitch more suited for casual and relaxed settings, although they have expanded their offerings to include more versatile pieces over the years.

Individuals who prefer a more mature, classic aesthetic, and are perhaps in a professional work environment, may find J.Crew to be a good alternative to the more casual and youthful style of Abercrombie & Fitch. On the other hand, younger individuals or those with a preference for trendier, casual attire may continue to favor Abercrombie & Fitch.

5. Forever 21

Forever 21 is a well-known American fashion company based in California that started in 1984. The company focuses on developing and manufacturing clothing and accessories. 

Forever 21 and Abercrombie & Fitch are both popular fashion retailers that sell clothing and accessories for men and women. They both target young and trendy customers who seek stylish and fashionable apparel. They both have a global presence and operate online and offline stores. However, they also have some differences in their products, prices, and marketing strategies.

Forever 21 is known for its low prices and fast fashion. It offers a wide range of products, from basics to trendy items, that are updated frequently to keep up with the latest styles. It also offers personal care, footwear, and home goods. Forever 21 has a strong online presence and uses social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok to promote its products and engage with its customers.

Abercrombie & Fitch is known for its high-quality and premium clothing. It offers a more limited range of products, focusing on casual wear, denim, and outerwear. It also offers personal care and fragrance. Abercrombie & Fitch has a more traditional marketing approach, using billboards, magazines, and catalogs to advertise its products. It also relies on its store design and ambiance to create a distinctive brand image.

Forever 21 and Abercrombie & Fitch are similar in some aspects, but they also have different value propositions and target segments. Forever 21 appeals to customers who want affordable and fashionable clothing, while Abercrombie & Fitch appeals to customers who want high-quality and classic clothing.

6. Gap 

Gap and Abercrombie & Fitch are both well-known fashion brands that sell casual clothing for men, women, and children. They have some similarities and differences in their history, marketing, and products.

History: Gap was founded in 1969 by Donald and Doris Fisher in San Francisco, California. They wanted to create a store that sold jeans and music records for young people. Abercrombie & Fitch was founded in 1892 by David Abercrombie and Ezra Fitch in New York City. They started as a shop that sold outdoor gear and sporting goods for professional adventurers.

Marketing: Gap uses a simple and classic style to appeal to a wide range of customers. They focus on quality, fit, and comfort of their clothing. They also have sub-brands like Banana Republic, Old Navy, and Athleta that cater to different segments of the market. Abercrombie & Fitch uses a more edgy and provocative style to attract a younger and trendier audience. They emphasize the sex appeal, exclusivity, and lifestyle of their clothing. They also have sub-brands like Hollister, Gilly Hicks, and Ruehl that target different age groups.

Products: Gap offers a variety of clothing items such as jeans, shirts, sweaters, jackets, dresses, and accessories. They have a consistent and timeless design that can be mixed and matched easily. They also have a line of maternity, baby, and kids clothing. Abercrombie & Fitch offers clothing items such as jeans, t-shirts, hoodies, coats, skirts, and underwear. They have a distinctive and fashionable design that features their logo, slogans, and graphics.

Gap and Abercrombie & Fitch are similar in that they both sell casual clothing for different age groups. However, they differ in their history, marketing, and products. Gap is more classic and universal, while Abercrombie & Fitch is more trendy and exclusive.

7. American Eagle Outfitters

With over 1,000 stores across North America, American Eagle Outfitters (commonly known as American Eagle) is one of Abercrombie & Fitch’s biggest competitors in the teen and young adult apparel space. As mall-based staples, the two brands heavily overlap in target demographic, pricing, and product offering.

American Eagle focuses on providing stylish, casual fashions for 15-25 year olds, the same age range coveted by A&F. Their clothes epitomize a relaxed All-American vibe, with bestselling items like jeans, graphic tees, sweatshirts, flannels, and swimwear. The styling channels a cool preppy look – you’ll see lots of solids, stripes, polos, button-downs, and light athleisure. aeJeans are especially popular for their perfect fits and wide range of washes.

Pricing at American Eagle is affordable but positioned slightly higher than fast fashion. Regular prices are similar to A&F, ranging from $25-$60 for most items. Sales are frequent, making the style even more budget-friendly. American Eagle also competes directly with the Abercrombie kids line through its children’s brand stores.

With the brand’s laidback preppy fashion and competitive pricing, American Eagle attracts a remarkably similar demographic to A&F. Teens shop there for casual wardrobe essentials to mix and match for school, weekends, dates, and going out. The vibe is youthful, fun, and effortlessly American.

8. Tommy Hilfiger

For over 30 years, Tommy Hilfiger has exemplified classic American style with a modern twist. Blending preppy East Coast inspired looks with contemporary silhouettes and details, Tommy offers a similar aesthetic to Abercrombie & Fitch but with its own unique take.

The brand has a heritage of reimagining timeless pieces like polos, button-downs, t-shirts, and denim with updated fits, graphics, and washes. There is an emphasis on high quality materials and construction to ensure longevity. Tommy’s signature red, white and blue palette in knits and wovens provides the same cool preppy vibe A&F is known for.

In addition to the main Hilfiger label, Tommy has diffusion lines like Hilfiger Denim and Hilfiger Athletics that provide a more youthful, casual assortment comparable to Abercrombie’s offerings. Pricing is generally on par with or slightly above A&F.

Customers who are looking for that quintessential East Coast collegiate style but want something more sophisticated and modern tend to appreciate Tommy’s take on American classics. The brand has mass appeal across ages but resonates strongly with teens, college students, and young professionals wanting high-quality, trend-aware preppy style.

With its blend of heritage American design and contemporary details, Tommy Hilfiger is a great alternative for those who like Abercrombie’s aesthetic but want something more elevated and distinct.

9. Uniqlo

With over 2,000 stores worldwide, Uniqlo has gained immense popularity for its high-quality basics, minimalist aesthetic, and in-store customer experience. The Japanese clothing retailer shares some key similarities with Abercrombie & Fitch while still maintaining its own unique brand identity.

Uniqlo is best known for contemporary renditions of classic wardrobe essentials, especially items like t-shirts, jeans, loungewear and outerwear. The clothing features simple and minimalist designs, muted color palettes, and high-tech fabrics like HeatTech and Airism. The styling has a modern, sleek sensibility comparable to Abercrombie’s casual preppy look.

In terms of quality, Uniqlo sets itself apart with an emphasis on both everyday comfort and durability. Prices are also affordable, ranging from $15-$60 for most items. This combination of great quality with low prices appeals to the same young adult demographic as A&F.

Additionally, Uniqlo stores provide a clean, contemporary shopping environment similar to Abercrombie’s in-store experience. Staff are known for outstanding customer service, echoing A&F’s high service model.

For shoppers interested in essentials over loud branded styles, Uniqlo offers a more pared-back but still stylish alternative to Abercrombie & Fitch. The modern minimalist aesthetic and focus on quality basics resonates with young customers looking for both value and style.

10. Express

Express is a United States-based young adult, men’s, and women’s magazine. Retro-inspired clothing, faux leather jackets, flowy skirts, oversize blazers, and cami/sweater combos are just a few of the current trends.

Here are a few ways Express could be considered an alternative to Abercrombie & Fitch:

• They are both primarily clothing retailers selling casual, trendy apparel for younger consumers. However, Express tends to be more affordable and mass market compared to Abercrombie’s image as a higher-end, premium brand.
• Express offers clothes for both men and women, while Abercrombie has separate brands/stores for guys (Abercrombie & Fitch) and girls (Abercrombie Kids, Hollister). So Express provides a similar selection for both genders in one place.
• The styles at Express are inspired by current fashion trends and what’s popular, while Abercrombie has more of a classic, youthful East Coast preppy aesthetic.
• Express frequently runs sales and promotions to make their clothing more budget-friendly for shoppers. Abercrombie is known for their high prices and exclusive branding.
• The in-store experience tends to be more inviting and less intimidating at Express compared to the dim lighting, loud music, and cologne spraying at Abercrombie.
• Both offer casual clothes for work, going out, and everyday wear. But Express may skew slightly dressier with more business casual options versus Abercrombie’s very laidback surfer vibe.

Express provides a more accessible, trendy, varied, and welcoming alternative for shoppers looking for stylish clothing compared to Abercrombie’s narrower preppy focus and exclusive branding. The prices and mix of fashion at Express allows it to compete in the same space.

Conclusion

Abercrombie & Fitch has long held a reputation as a go-to retailer for casual, youthful, American style clothing with a preppy East Coast vibe. While the brand maintains its signature polished-yet-laidback aesthetic, there are a number of other stores that now also cater to the young fashion market.

Brands like Hollister Co., Aeropostale, American Eagle Outfitters, and Tommy Hilfiger offer similar all-American styles while Gap, J.Crew, and Uniqlo provide more versatile selections with mainstream appeal. Additionally, fast fashion chains like H&M and Forever 21 allow younger shoppers to get trendy looks for less.

Ultimately, while Abercrombie & Fitch retains a strong brand identity, consumers today have more options than ever for accessible, youthful clothing in a variety of styles and price points. The availability of so many stores occupying a similar niche also provides ample alternatives for shoppers looking for comparable looks and vibes to Abercrombie, whether they desire activewear, denim, basics, or dressier selections.

While none may completely replace Abercrombie’s signature preppy Americana, the wide range of choices allows consumers to mix and match from various brands to create their own unique look. The growth of e-commerce also makes comparison shopping and accessing all these Abercrombie alternatives easier than ever.

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