Ralph Lauren designs, markets and distributes lifestyle products under the Ralph Lauren name. They fall into five categories: apparel, handbags, footwear and accessories, fragrances, and home. It also has a hospitality business. The company was founded in 1967 by Ralph Lauren.
It sells in three ways. Directly to consumers, through 594 retail stores, 644 concession-based shop-within-shops (small sections inside other retailers' stores), and its own and partners' websites. Wholesale, mainly to department stores, specialty stores and online partners, at about 9,500 doors worldwide. And by licensing: it lets other companies use its trademarks to make and sell items such as eyewear, fragrances and home furnishings, and licensing partners run 135 stores. Its three reportable segments are North America, Europe and Asia, and it also has other segments that are not reported separately.
The Lauren family has controlled the company since its founding. As of March 28, 2026, Mr. Lauren or entities controlled by the family held about 85% of the voting power of its common stock. In September 2025 it presented a three-year growth plan for fiscal 2026 to fiscal 2028.