Title: Abercrombie & Fitch Co.: does ESG matter?

Authors: Thomas H. Root; Jimmy Senteza; Inchul Suh; Jayoung Yoon

Addresses: Drake University, 2507 University Ave, Des Moines, IA 50311, USA ' Drake University, 2507 University Ave, Des Moines, IA 50311, USA ' Drake University, 2507 University Ave, Des Moines, IA 50311, USA ' Drake University, 2507 University Ave, Des Moines, IA 50311, USA

Abstract: This case study requires students to perform a strategic evaluation of the impact of the environmental, social and governance (ESG) framework on corporate valuation surrounding Abercrombie & Fitch's tumultuous CEO changes since 2014. The case offers a unique window of opportunities for students to assess the strategic choices made by Abercrombie & Fitch's outgoing and incoming CEOs as they tried to fix a multitude of problems that were left behind by the former CEO, Mike Jeffries. The case mainly focuses on various aspects of ESG and shareholder value creation.

Keywords: Abercrombie & Fitch; CEO strategy; ethical investing; impact investing; sustainable investing; environmental; social and governance; ESG; ESG funds; diversity equity and inclusion; DEI; financial performance; implicit dual promise; rebranding; retail industry.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTCS.2023.131666

International Journal of Teaching and Case Studies, 2023 Vol.14 No.1, pp.11 - 50

Received: 31 Mar 2023
Accepted: 17 Apr 2023
Published online: 22 Jun 2023 *

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