Ralph Lauren Corporation: Difference between revisions
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{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2012}} |
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{{Infobox company| |
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| company_name = Ralph Lauren Corporation |
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| company_logo = [[Image:Ralph Lauren Corporation.png|250px]] |
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| company_type = Public company |
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| traded_as = {{NYSE|RL}}<br />[[S&P 500|S&P 500 Component]] |
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| foundation = 1967 |
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| location = 650 Madison Avenue<br/>New York City 10022<br>United States |
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| locations = 631 <small>(April 2010)</small><ref name="yahoo finance profile"/> |
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| area_served = Various locations throughout [[Americas|the Americas]], Europe, Asia, and Oceania<ref name="ralph lauren stores">{{cite web|url=http://stores.ralphlauren.com/default.aspx|title=Ralph Lauren stores|publisher=Ralph Lauren Media, LLC|accessdate=May 10, 2012}}</ref> |
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| key_people = [[Ralph Lauren]] <small>(Chairman & CEO)</small><ref name="yahoo finance profile"/><br/>Roger N. Farah <small>(President, COO, and Director)</small><ref name="yahoo finance profile"/><br/>Tracey Thomas Travis <small>(CFO, Principle Accounting Officer, Senior VP of Finance)</small><ref name="yahoo finance profile"/><br/>Jackwyn L. Nemerov <small>(Executive VP of Wholesale Brands, Licensed Products, Sourcing, Merchandising, Home and [[Asia Pacific]] and Director)</small><ref name="yahoo finance profile"/><br/>Mr. Mitchell A. Kosh <small>(Senior VP of [[Human resources|Human Resources]] & Legal)</small><ref name="yahoo finance profile"/> |
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| industry = [[Apparel]]s, [[Fashion accessory|accessories]] |
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| products = Footwear<br>[[Fragrances]]<br>[[Housewares]] |
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| services = Customized formalwear<br/>[[Foodservice]] |
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| revenue = {{nowrap|{{decrease}} US$ 4.979 billion <small>(FY 2010)</small><ref name=10K>{{cite web|url=http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1037038/000095012310055188/y81773e10vk.htm|title=2010 Form 10-K, Polo Ralph Lauren Corporation|publisher=United States Securities and Exchange Commission}}</ref>}} |
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| operating_income = {{increase}} US$ 707 million <small>(FY 2010)</small><ref name=10K/> |
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| net_income = {{increase}} US$ 480 million <small>(FY 2010)</small><ref name=10K/> |
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| assets = {{increase}} US$ 4.649 billion <small>(FY 2010)</small><ref name=10K/> |
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| equity = {{increase}} US$ 3.117 billion <small>(FY 2010)</small><ref name=10K/> |
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| subsid = [[Club Monaco]] |
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| divisions = Ralph Lauren Media, LLC. |
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| num_employees = 19,000 <small>(April 2010)</small><ref name=10K/> |
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| homepage = [http://www.ralphlauren.com ralphlauren.com] |
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}} |
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'''Ralph Lauren Corporation''' ({{NYSE|RL}}) is an upscale American lifestyle company and fashion retailer founded by American [[fashion designer|designer]] [[Ralph Lauren]]. The company focuses on [[high-end]] clothes for men and women, as well as [[Fashion accessory|accessories]], footwear, [[fragrances]], home (bedding, towels) and [[housewares]]; presents media content of its lifestyle; and it also runs a line of restaurants. Widely recognized for its '''Polo Ralph Lauren''' flagship label, RL Corporation also manages several other brands, based on the Ralph Lauren concept, under which it retails its merchandise. It also carries its subsidiary, [[Club Monaco]]. The company's media content is presented by its division, Ralph Lauren Media, LLC. RL Corporation is headquartered on the [[Upper East Side]] of [[New York City]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=65933&p=irol-inforeq|title=Contact US|publisher=Ralph Lauren Media, LLC|accessdate= January 27, 2010}}</ref> |
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==History== |
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[[Image:Polo Ralph Lauren logo.png|thumb|left|Polo Ralph Lauren – the flagship brand of the company.]] |
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The origins of the RL Corporation lay with launch of Ralph Lauren's collection of men's ties – Polo Ralph Lauren – in 1967. Born in 1939 as Ralph Lifshitz (he later became known as Ralph Lauren) in [[The Bronx]], New York, to [[Ashkenazi]] Jewish parents from Eastern Europe (Belarus), Ralph Lauren pursued a career in menswear and had gained background working for Datrian Riser. He received a US$50,000 loan to realize his vision for men' ties. By 1969, he had a boutique store within the [[Manhattan]] department store [[Bloomingdale's]]. Around that same time, he released a line of suits for women that were tailored in a classic men's style; and this was when the first Polo emblem was seen. The logo was on the cuff of the women's suit. In 1971, Polo Ralph Lauren launched its first women's collection of apparel and the first stand-alone store was opened in [[Beverly Hills, California]]. The company entered the European market, and went international, in 1981 with the opening of a store on [[Bond Street|New Bond Street]] in the [[West End of London|West End]] of London, England. The Polo Sport line was introduced in 1993. In 1997, the company went public on the [[New York Stock Exchange]]. By now, the company was structured to operate as an umbrella for its brands and other ventures and would be named the Ralph Lauren Corporation by the early-21st century. It was originally named ''Polo'' Ralph Lauren Corporation, but in subsequent years the ''Polo'' in the name was dropped to reflect the company's presence in other concepts beyond the Polo line. The original Polo line remained as the flagship brand of the company. The company's official [[web site]], and [[online shop]], was launched in 2000 as ''polo.com'' by RL Media (a cooperation between Ralph Lauren and [[NBC]]). A more youthful line – [[Rugby Ralph Lauren]] – was introduced in 2004. By 2007, Ralph Lauren had over 35 boutiques in the United States and other international locations in London, Milan, Tokyo, and Moscow. Also in that year, Ralph Lauren Corporation acquired the NBC share of RL Media and the web site was relaunched as ''ralphlauren.com''. By then, company revenue reached US$4.2 billion.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/fortune500/2008/snapshots/10652.html | work=CNN | title=Please create a screen name to access this feature}}</ref> In 2010, Ralph Lauren opened in Paris. |
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==Branding, merchandise, and licensing== |
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Today, Ralph Lauren Corporation produces clothing, accessories, footwear, fragrances, and furniture all marketed under its portfolio of various brands. |
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Under the Ralph Lauren umbrella: |
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* Mens brands: Polo Ralph Lauren, Black Label, Purple Label, RLX (launched in 2008), RRL, Denim & Supply; and there is also Big & Tall, Golf sportswear (launched in 1998),<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.golfbusinesswire.com/releases/124632/|title=RL To Present Fall 2008 Golf Collections at PGA Merchandise Show|publisher=golfbusinesswire.com}}</ref> and Tennis sportswear. |
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* Women's brands: Collection (a high-end line presented on the runway during New York Fashion Week), Black Label, Blue Label (launched in 2002), RLX (launched in 2008), Lauren Ralph Lauren, Denim & Supply; and there is also Golf and Tennis sportswear. |
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* [[Rugby Ralph Lauren]] (for younger consumers) |
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* Ralph Lauren Childrenswear |
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* Baby Ralph Lauren |
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* Ralph Lauren Home (an extensive collection of bedding and bath textiles and other home accessories) |
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Subsidiary fashion brands of Ralph Lauren Corporation: |
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* [[Club Monaco]] |
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* Chaps |
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* American Living |
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Retired lines: |
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* Polo Sport |
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* Polo Denim |
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* Ralph Lauren Jeans Co. |
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* Blue Label (mens) |
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The company also operates the restaurants under the RL branding and under the Rugby Ralph Lauren branding. |
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===Fragrances=== |
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Ralph Lauren corporation has launched various fragrances and related body care products for men and women since 1978. The products are manufactured under license by [[L'Oreal]]. |
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===Licenses=== |
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To gain better control of the various brands Ralph Lauren has bought back in recent years many licenses granted in previous years. The company claims that all Ralph Lauren products, whether in-house produced or licensed, have been designed by Mr. Lauren and/or his design staff. As of 2009 product licensing partners for the U.S. market include [[L'Oreal]] (perfume and cosmetics), Peerless, Inc. (Lauren by Ralph Lauren, Ralph, Chaps and American Living tailored menswear), [[Warnaco Group]] (Chaps sportswear), [[HanesBrands]] (mens Ralph Lauren underwear) and [[Luxottica]] Group (eyewear). All of the 'home' products in the various Ralph Lauren lines are produced by licensing partners. Internationally, entire regions have been provided with the right to sell Ralph Lauren merchandise and operate branded stores: Australia/New Zealand (Oroton Group), Central America (PRL Enterprises), Korea (Doosan Corporation) and Hong Kong / Southeast Asia (Dickson Concepts). All domestic Ralph Lauren stores are operated by Ralph Lauren. Internationally some RL stores are operated by Ralph Lauren, about 90 are operated by licensing partners. |
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==Stores== |
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[[File:Gertrude Rhinelander Waldo Mansion 002.JPG|right|thumb|The Ralph Lauren flagship store occupying the [[Rhinelander Mansion]] on [[Madison Avenue]] in New York City.]] |
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As of April 2010, the Ralph Lauren Corporation operated a total of 179 full-price stores, 171 factory stores, and 281 "concessions-based shop-within-shops" – a total of 631 locations worldwide.<ref name="yahoo finance profile">{{cite web|url=http://finance.yahoo.com/q/pr?s=RL+Profile|title=Ralph Lauren Corporation – Yahoo Finance profile|publisher=[[Yahoo]] Finance|accessdate=May 10, 2012}}</ref> The figure reflects retail operations for all of the company's brands across various locations throughout [[Americas|the Americas]], Europe, Asia, and Oceania.<ref name="ralph lauren stores"/> |
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[[File:Ralph Lauren Store, NYC.jpg|right|thumb|The Ralph Lauren store on [[Madison Avenue]] in New York City.]] |
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Ralph Lauren operates its representative flagship stores in New York City on [[Madison Avenue]] – for menswear in the former [[Rhinelander Mansion]], and for womenswear and home in another structure, across the street, which opened in 2011. The company also manages flagships, for retailing Ralph Lauren collections, in Chicago, [[Greenwich, Connecticut|Greenwich]] (USA), London, Milan, Tokyo, Moscow, and Paris.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://stores.ralphlauren.com/Flagships/?ab=global_world_FlagshipStores|title=Our Flagships|publisher=Ralph Lauren Media, LLC|accessdate=May 10, 2012}}</ref> |
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==Sports sponsorships== |
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;Wimbledon |
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In 2006, Polo Ralph Lauren became the first Official Outfitter of [[The Championships, Wimbledon|Wimbledon]], redesigning the outfits for [[ball boy|ball boys and girls]], line and court judges. The Wimbledon logo was adapted for this purpose. Ralph Lauren's Polo brand and style was used and a range of clothing for men and women was launched on June 26.<ref>''Los Angeles Times'' p.D4</ref> |
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;USTA |
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In 2005, Polo Ralph Lauren and the [[USTA]] signed a four year partnership making Polo the official apparel sponsor of the [[US Open (tennis)|US Open]] throughout 2008. All ball boys and girls, and on-court officials, were dressed in specially designed Ralph Lauren apparel.<ref>Appelbaum p.40</ref> |
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;Golf |
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The company also sponsors US professional golfers [[Webb Simpson]], [[Tom Watson (golfer)|Tom Watson]], [[Jonathan Byrd (golfer)|Jonathan Byrd]], [[Davis Love III]] and [[Luke Donald]]; as well as [[LPGA]] golfer [[Morgan Pressel]].<ref>''Business Wire''</ref> |
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;U.S. Olympic Team |
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In April 2008, Polo Ralph Lauren won the U.S. Olympic contract to outfit the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team.<ref>[http://www.reportonbusiness.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080407.wroots0407/BNStory/robMarketing/home reportonbusiness.com: Marketing<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> [[Roots Canada Ltd.]] announced its end as the official clothing supplier to the US Olympic team on April 7, 2008. |
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In July 2009, it was announced Ralph Lauren would continue its partnership with the U.S. Olympic team for the [[2010 Winter Olympics]] and the [[2012 Summer Olympics]].<ref>{{cite news|title=US team to wear Ralph Lauren again at Olympic. SWAGg ceremonies|url=http://sports.yahoo.com/olympics/news;_ylt=AvqSPEjuTcz6wObH2oqvWc7NycIF?slug=ap-usuniforms&prov=ap&type=lgns|agency=Associated Press|author=Eddie Pells|date=July 2, 2009|accessdate=July 2, 2009}}</ref> |
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The 2012 US Olympic team uniforms for the [[opening ceremony of the London Olympics]] were designed by Ralph Lauren. The uniforms were [[Made in China|manufactured in China]], setting off a bipartisan backlash from the [[United States Congress]] protesting American manufacturing not being showcased in America's greatest athletes.<ref>[http://www.usatoday.com/sports/olympics/london/story/2012-07-12/team-usa-uniforms-under-fire-lawmakers/56175616/1 Lawmakers furious over China-made U.S. Olympic uniform], Retrieved July 12, 2012</ref> On July 13, 2012, six Democratic U.S. Senators announced they have co-sponsored legislation to require the 2012 U.S. Olympic team to wear American-made uniforms. The co-sponsors of the '''"Team USA Made In America Act of 2012"''' are: Senators [[Robert Menendez]] and [[Frank R. Lautenberg]] both of [[New Jersey]], [[Bob Casey, Jr.|Bob Casey]] of [[Pennsylvania]], [[Sherrod Brown]] of [[Ohio]] and [[Charles E. Schumer]] and [[Kirsten Gillibrand]] of New York.<ref>{{cite web|last=Langell|first=Sean|title=Bill calls for Olympians to wear U.S.-made gear|url=http://www.washingtontimes.com/blog/inside-politics/2012/jul/13/bill-calls-olympians-wear-us-made-gear/|work=The Washington Times|accessdate=July 13, 2012}}</ref> |
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==Controversies== |
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;Levi Strauss lawsuit |
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[[Levi Strauss & Co.]] filed a lawsuit against [[Abercrombie & Fitch]] and the RL Corporation in July 2007 for [[trademark infringement]]. It alleged that the separate retailers used Levi's trademarked pocket design of connected arches in the design of some of their respective products.<ref name="levi">{{cite news|url=http://money.cnn.com/2007/07/26/news/companies/levis_lawsuit/index.htm|title=Levi's says Abercrombie pick pocketed design (Denim maker files another lawsuit, this time against teen clothier Abercrombie & Fitch, over theft of its trademarked back-pocket design)|accessdate=June 22, 2009 | work=CNN | date=July 26, 2007}}</ref> |
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;South African Polo trademark issues |
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The Polo brand sold in [[South Africa]] is not affiliated with the Ralph Lauren [[brand]]. An independent South African company [[trademark]]ed the Polo name and logo in South Africa.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.buildingipvalue.com/06MENA/300_302.htm |title=South Africa |publisher=Buildingipvalue.com |accessdate=2012-07-09}}</ref> |
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;Filippa Hamilton photo controversy |
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In 2009, Ralph Lauren apologized for digitally retouching a photograph of model [[Filippa Hamilton]] to make her look thinner.<ref>[http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1219046/Ralph-Lauren-digitally-retouches-slender-model-make-look-THINNER.html Ralph Lauren apologizes for digitally retouching slender model to make her head look bigger than her waist], Retrieved 2011-10-25</ref> Hamilton also claims that she was fired by Ralph Lauren a few days later.<ref>[http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/10/14/filippa-hamilton-ralph-la_n_320396.html Filippa Hamilton, Ralph Lauren's Retouched Model: I Was Fired For Being Too Fat], [[huffingtonpost]] Retrieved 2011-10-25</ref> Another model's photo was also digitally retouched<ref>[[dailymail.co.uk]], [http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1221675/Ralph-Lauren-new-photoshop-row-SECOND-image-model-airbrushed-make-head-larger-waist-emerges.html Second Ralph Lauren model in Photoshop row as she's airbrushed to become impossibly skinny], Retrieved 2011-10-25</ref> adding to the row. |
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==References== |
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{{reflist|colwidth=30em}} |
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*{{Cite news |
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| last = Appelbaum |
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| first = Michael |
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| author-link = |
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| last2 = |
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| first2 = |
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| author2-link = |
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| title = Tennis Apparel, Anyone? |
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| newspaper = [[Brandweek]] |
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| page = 40 |
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| date = 2005-03-14 |
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| url = |
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| postscript = <!-- Bot inserted parameter. Either remove it; or change its |
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*{{Cite news |
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| author-link = |
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| last2 = |
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| first2 = |
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| author2-link = |
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| title = Polo Ralph Lauren to Sponsor Morgan Pressel |
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| newspaper = [[Business Wire]] |
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| page = 1 |
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| date = 2006-03-15 |
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| url = |
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| postscript =<!-- Bot inserted parameter. Either remove it; or change its value to "." for the cite to end in a ".", as necessary. -->{{inconsistent citations}} }} |
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==External links== |
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{{Commons category|Ralph Lauren Corporation}} |
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{{Portal|New York City|Companies}} |
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*[http://www.ralphlauren.com/frontdoor/index.jsp Ralph Lauren Official Site] |
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* [http://www.polosport.org Polo Sport History] |
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{{L'Oreal Brands}} |
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{{coord missing|New York}} |
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[[Category:Companies listed on the New York Stock Exchange]] |
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[[Category:Companies established in 1967]] |
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[[Category:Clothing brands of the United States]] |
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[[Category:Clothing retailers of the United States]] |
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[[Category:Clothing companies of the United States]] |
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[[Category:Shops in New York City]] |
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[[Category:L'Oréal]] |
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[[Category:Suit makers]] |
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[[fr:Ralph Lauren Corporation]] |
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[[he:פולו ראלף לורן]] |
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[[nl:Ralph Lauren Corporation]] |
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[[ru:Ralph Lauren]] |
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Revision as of 20:48, 30 January 2013
Stupid Company is stupid ralph lauren