| 1963... |
Gary Comer decided to start his own company. He wanted to do something that combined
his two loves, sailing and writing. So in April of 1963, Lands' End was officially
incorporated. At this time our business purpose was to sell racing sailboat hardware.
Did you know... |
| 1965... |
This year we finally ventured into direct marketing. We produced our first catalog
called, The Lands' End Yachtsman's Equipment Guide. This catalog did not contain
a stitch of clothing. Instead, it became the most important single reference catalog
available in its time to naval architects, boat builders, and sailboat owners. |
| 1974... |
The Lands' End catalog that we know today began to take shape this year. With sailboats
now being sold with the hardware included, Gary realized that it was time to take
the company in a new direction, so clothing and luggage soon began to make appearances
in the catalogs. All sailboat equipment was eventually phased out in the early '70's.
Did you know... |
| 1977... |
Sales hit a high of $3.6 million this year and it soon became clear that Lands' End
was outgrowing its original facilities in Chicago. |
| 1978... |
Due to the growth of the company, fulfillment operations moved to our present day
location, Dodgeville, Wisconsin. Why Dodgeville? Gary Comer had some land in the
area and spent quite a bit of time there. Based on his observation and love for the
area, he decided to move his business to this area. In '78 Dodgeville was selling
land in their industrial park. This "industrial park" is now all Lands'
End.
Did you know... |
| 1980... |
Lands' End is one of the first to offer an 800 telephone number which first debuted
in 1980. During this year we had a total of 23 employees operating 9 phone banks.
Did you know... |
| 1981... |
Our national advertising campaign began this year. Instead of focusing in on a particular
product or pricing, our campaign described our business philosophy and expanded our
reputation for quality, value, and service. This campaign introduced the phrase "direct
merchant" to illustrate our approach to business.
Did you know... |
| 1986... |
Lands' End goes public! We became a public company through an initial public offering
on October3, 1986. Shares are listed on the NYSE, ticker symbol--LE and most common
newspaper listing--landsE. |
| 1990... |
Our creative, merchandising, and marketing groups move from Chicago to Dodgeville,
Wisconsin, making Dodgeville the home of our corporate headquarters. |
| 1995... |
www.landsend.com debute. Have you visited our website? If so, you'll find that most
everything you see in our catalogs, you will also see on our website, as well as
some extra special features. Just as we were one of the first in offering an 800
number for our customers' convenience, we are also making great strides in making
on-line shopping convenient and exciting for our customers. Lands' End has been recognized
as a leader in e-commerce in terms of being innovative and service-oriented.
Did you know... |
| 1998... |
Fiscal year '99 produced net sales of $1.4 billion. |
