Ulla Popken
 | |
| Company type | Clothing |
|---|---|
| Industry | Clothing |
| Genre | Women's Plus sizes |
| Founder | Johann Popken |
| Headquarters | , |
Number of locations | 320+ |
Key people | Ulla Popken |
| Products | Women's clothing |
Ulla Popken is a German clothing retailer headquartered in Rastede. It specializes in Women's plus size clothing and sells these in more than 320 stores across Europe[1] as well as in the United States through a biweekly 48-page catalog.[1]
History
In 1880, Johann Popken, the grandfather of Ulla Popken's husband Friedrich, founded a textile company in Hameln. During the 20th century, his son Karl operated the business until he stopped in 1960 due to failing health. Eight years later, Karl's son Friedrich and his wife Ulla took over operations. By 1978, the company had three stores in Bremen, Hanover, and Hamburg. In 1984, the company expanded to a mail order operation, specializing in maternity clothing.[2]
In 1993, the company started marketing in the United States.[2] Their first U.S. store opened in Towson, Maryland in 2000.[1][3] Their American headquarters are located in Glen Arm, Maryland in a former Grumman aircraft manufacturing warehouse.[4] The Ulla Popken-Onlineshop was launched one year before. In 2008 Astrid und Thomas Schneider took over the management of Ulla Popken. GINA LAURA GmbH & Co. KG was bought by Ulla Popken in 2012 and the Popken Fashion Group was created.
References
- ^ a b c Keith T. Reed (October 9, 2000). "Ulla Popken launching clothing line in stores". Baltimore Business Journal.
- ^ a b http://www.ullapopken.com/category/about+ulla/about+us.do
- ^ Lorraine Mirabella (Nov 24, 2000). "Plus-size business still growing Catalog operation Ulla Popken to sell to other retailers". The Sun - Baltimore, Md.
- ^ Larry Carson (Oct 14, 1997). "German clothing retailer to move to Grumman site; Glen Arm residents consulted about decision". The Sun - Baltimore, Md.