Pennsylvania officials announced Monday that Urban Outfitters, Inc. will expand its operations in Philadelphia and Bucks County, a move expected to create at least 1,050 jobs and invest a minimum of $150 million in the state.
The expansion includes 450 new positions at the company’s headquarters at the Philadelphia Navy Yard and at least 600 jobs at a new Nuuly facility planned for Falls Township in Bucks County. The company also said it will retain existing jobs in Lancaster and Indiana counties.
The announcement was made by Gov. Josh Shapiro and Lt. Gov. Austin Davis, who said the investment reflects ongoing economic development efforts in the state.
“Urban Outfitters was built from the ground up in Philadelphia more than five decades ago, and we are proud that this company is continuing to grow and create jobs all across our Commonwealth,” said Shapiro during the announcement in South Philadelphia.
Founded in 1970 in West Philadelphia, URBN has grown into a global retail company with a portfolio of brands including Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie, Free People, FP Movement and Terrain. The company also operates Nuuly, a clothing rental subscription service, along with a collection of restaurants and event venues through its Menus & Venues division.
URBN relocated its headquarters from Center City Philadelphia to the Navy Yard in 2006. Since then, it has expanded from five buildings to 15, including a recently opened 117,000-square-foot facility. Company employment at the site has grown from roughly 500 to more than 2,500.
“URBN’s roots are firmly in Philadelphia, from our beginnings at 43rd and Locust, 56 years ago, to our 20-year history here at the Navy Yard,” said Richard A. Hayne, URBN CEO. “Our relationship with the state has been vital to our success, and we look forward to creating more jobs and continuing our investment in Pennsylvania.”
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