Forever 21

Description

You don't have to be 21 or older to shop at Forever 21's stores -- you just need your wallet. The retailer operates 400-plus mainly mall-based stores in the US and Canada under the Forever 21, Forever XXI, and For Love 21 banners. The retailer, which helped pioneer fast fashion, offers cheap and chic apparel and accessories for women and junior girls. Most of its trendy apparel is private label and made in Southern California. Forever XXI stores are larger than classic Forever 21 shops and offer men's and women's fashions, as well as lingerie, footwear, cosmetic items, and other accessories. CEO Don Chang and his wife founded the company as Fashion 21 in 1984.

Ralph Lauren

Description

Polo Ralph Lauren is galloping at a faster clip than when founder Ralph Lauren first entered the arena 40 years ago. With golden mallet brands such as Polo by Ralph Lauren, RRL, Rugby, and Club Monaco, the firm designs and markets apparel and accessories, home furnishings, and fragrances. Its collections are available at some 10,800 locations worldwide, including many upscale and mid-tier department stores. (Macy's and Dillard's account for more than a third of all wholesale revenue.) The company also operates about 315 Ralph Lauren, Club Monaco, and Rugby retail stores worldwide as well as the e-commerce sites RalphLauren.com and Polo.com. American style icon and CEO Lauren controls the company.