COO departs over fashion retailer's expansion plans
Abercrombie & Fitch president and chief operating office Robert Singer is to leave the US fashion retailer tomorrow, after management differences over its expansion plans.

Confirming the departure, Abercrombie & Fitch chairman and chief executive Mike Jeffries said: 'Bob helped the company focus on many important areas of our business. However, there was a difference in approach to the timing and extent of our expansion into certain international markets. While we are solidifying our plans to expand into Canada and the UK, our entry into other foreign markets will be at a more deliberate pace.'

While a replacement is found, Singer's duties will be assumed by two of the company's senior managers.

Abercrombie & Fitch recorded a net sales increase of 37 per cent for the year to August 27, US$1.01 billion (£562.3 million) to US$1.41 billion (£784.9 million), with comparable store sales up 24 per cent for the year.

The retailer operates about 800 stores in the US, across four fascias: Abercrombie & Fitch, Abercrombie kidswear, Hollister Co casualwear and the newly introduced Ruehl, aimed at more mature shoppers.

Earlier this year, it announced plans for up to 20 stores in Europe by 2007, plus five stores in Canada by the end of this financial year.

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