APPLE

DESCRIPTION

Apple aims for nothing short of a revolution, whether in personal computing or digital media distribution. The company's desktop and laptop computers -- all of which feature its OS X operating system -- include its Mac mini, iMac, and MacBook for the consumer and education markets, and more powerful Mac Pro and MacBook Pro for high-end consumers and professionals involved in design and publishing. Apple scored a runaway hit with its digital music players (iPod) and online music store (iTunes). Other products include mobile phones (iPhone), servers (Xserve), wireless networking equipment (Airport), and publishing and multimedia software. Its FileMaker subsidiary provides database software.

URBAN OUTFITTERS

DESCRIPTION

If you're a metropolitan hipster, Urban Outfitters has your outfit. The firm's 130-plus namesake stores -- mainly in the US, but also in Canada and Europe -- sell casual clothes, accessories, gifts, housewares, and shoes. The retailer also courts older women (30- to 45-year-old suburbanites) at about 110 Anthropologie shops. Urban Outfitters and Anthropologie also distribute catalogs and operate e-commerce sites. Its wholesale division makes and distributes clothing under the Free People label to its own and about 1,500 specialty stores worldwide. Chairman and president Richard Hayne, who founded Urban Outfitters as The Free People's Store in 1970, owns about 30% of the company.