Ralph Lauren founded the Ralph Lauren Corporation in 1967. At first, the company only sold men’s ties. Two years later, Ralph Lauren had a boutique store for ties inside Bloomingdale’s department store in Manhattan.
Around the same time, he released a line of women’s suits that were tailored in men’s style with the Polo emblem on the cuff. This was the first time the Polo emblem was seen.
In 1971 the first Ralph Lauren stand-alone store opened in Beverly Hills, California.
In 1981 the company opened its first international location in London.
The Polo Sport Line was introduced in 1993.
The company went public in 1997, trading on the New York Stock Exchange with the ticker RL. By that time Ralph Lauren was an umbrella corporation for the company’s various brands and other ventures.
Today Ralph Lauren includes the brands Polo by Ralph Lauren, Chaps, Rugby, RRL, Club Monaco, and RLX Ralph Lauren. The company designs and markets apparel and home furnishings, and fragrances. The company has 380 stores and its products are available at 11,000 locations worldwide.
Ralph Lauren Corporation is #370 in the Fortune 500, a member of the S&P 500, has 19,000 employees, and had $5 billion in revenue in 2010.
Ralph Lauren CorporationRalph Lauren founded the Ralph Lauren Corporation in 1967. At first, the company only sold men’s ties. Two years later, Ralph Lauren had a boutique store for ties inside Bloomingdale’s department store in Manhattan.
Around the same time, he released a line of women’s suits that were tailored in men’s style with the Polo emblem on the cuff. This was the first time the Polo emblem was seen.
In 1971 the first Ralph Lauren stand-alone store opened in Beverly Hills, California.
History
In 1981 the company opened its first international location in London.
The Polo Sport Line was introduced in 1993.
The company went public in 1997, trading on the New York Stock Exchange with the ticker RL. By that time Ralph Lauren was an umbrella corporation for the company’s various brands and other ventures.
Today Ralph Lauren includes the brands Polo by Ralph Lauren, Chaps, Rugby, RRL, Club Monaco, and RLX Ralph Lauren. The company designs and markets apparel and home furnishings, and fragrances. The company has 380 stores and its products are available at 11,000 locations worldwide.
Ralph Lauren Corporation is #370 in the Fortune 500, a member of the S&P 500, has 19,000 employees, and had $5 billion in revenue in 2010.
On 7/01/2019 my 11 years old son and I went to Leesburgs, VA to summer shop at the outlets. Which we frequent there often maybe four to five times a years, each trip has always been pleasant. However, we went to about two stores and Polo Ralph Lauren was maybe the third store we shopped in and checked out at 2:10pm at reg #3. There were about five employees in the store yet only one made themselves helpful. She was pleasant but followed us throughout the store keeping a close watch which was extremely disrespectful and uncomfortable. After, choosing the items I was to purchase my son went to the fitting room to make sure everything fir to his liking. After, we set off to the checkout: he’s where the real problem occurred. I was on only person not being waited on at the checkout which was understandable, because register #2 was the only one open so i was next in line. But, There are no sign indicating where the line began. So I was about one foot directly in back of the customers in checkout #2. As customers came to checkout another line was formed to the left of where i was standing. after about 10 min two young men came out. The young man that goes to register #1. Says to me if I’m in line thats not where it starts and I should wait in line “rudely” might I say. So I speak up and tell him that Ive been standing here because any other customers, but there are not signs stating where the kine should’ve started. He immediately got irritated raised his voice and demanded i go to checkout #3. Not once did I raise my voice tap rudely nor disrespect this young man, this was embarrassing, disrespectful and degrading on top of me keeping everything together as I did have my child with me. As I am getting checked-out at register #3 I heard another customer tell him that his attitude was totally wrong and disrespectful and that I was letting him know the confusing of not having an indicator as to where the line should be and how I was next. He tries to justifies his rude and disrespectful actions by “loudly” telling that customer “I was trying to be an smart a**”, instead of him apologizing for his misconception, disrespectful remarks and actions. Which was totally uncalled for and inappropriate behavior. Not once did I act irate or use aggressive language toward this young man, but I was not given the same in return.
Dear Sir: Just wanted to say how much I enjoy all the Ralph Lauren products!!
To Me your brand is unique in the style world!
Keep up the good work!!
Best wishes,
Matt
Dear Cutomer Service:
I purchased 1 bottle of Ralph Lauren Romance refreshing body mist and now I can’t find it anywhere!!! I’ve checked Macys, Amazon, Ebay, Ulta, all of the smaller distributing companies as well as your own company.
Please help. Please advise where I can purchase this product. Or send to me and bill me so I know it’s not a superficial lead on your part to dismiss this request. I appreciate your genuine support addressing my request.
Shannon Mueller
Chino Hills, CA 91709
I’ve been working here for three weeks and they never set me up for direct deposit now they’re telling me that I have to wait until Monday at the latest to receive a check in the mail. If I’ve been working for you this long then it shouldn’t take three extra days for me to get paid I don’t work for free so I won’t be working until I receive my money
They dont pay their employees. I quit for not getting paid 3 ‘months ago still didnt receive pay. They wont help! SCAM ! Sent me a bounced check and now im locked out my bank and suspected of fraud
My fiance and I have been customers of Polo for years. We walked into the Polo store at the Leesburg outlets in Leesburg, VA. We both didn’t like what we experience while shopping. There were five associates and two managers on duty and not one of them asked us if we needed help or if we needed a bag for out items. Three of out of the 5 associates walked right passed us and the other two were folding. The two managers acknowledged we were there but didn’t approach us to ask us if we needed help. There were at the register speaking and into their conversation. That is bad customer service that your store provides, your employees and managers need some serious training.
To whom it may concern,
I have been a longtime, faithful Ralph Lauren customer. I have enjoyed and valued purchasing Ralph Lauren clothing for my family and myself. I consider it a treat to buy Ralph Lauren brand of clothing.
Recently, I purchased (pictures attached) a pair of white skinny Ralph Lauren jeans from Elder Beerman/Bonton. The original price of the item was $99 and I paid $89. Unfortunately, I was highly disappointed with this purchase, which has never happened to me before.
The back “Ralph Lauren” adhesive logo color ran in to the white jeans even after I washed it according to the washing instructions. I had a lot of faith in the quality of Ralph Lauren cloths and never thought twice about paying the extra dollars for a stylish, good quality pair of jeans. I am unable to return the item back to Elder Beerman because they are going out of business and returns are not accepted.
Your kind attention to this matter is highly appreciated.
Thank you
Asha Ranatunga
SO TRUE WORSE EXPERIENCE EVER… On 7/01/2019 my 11 years old son and I went to Leesburgs, VA to summer shop at the outlets. Which we frequent there often maybe four to five times a years, each trip has always been pleasant. However, we went to about two stores and Polo Ralph Lauren was maybe the third store we shopped in and checked out at 2:10pm at reg #3. There were about five employees in the store yet only one made themselves helpful. She was pleasant but followed us throughout the store keeping a close watch which was extremely disrespectful and uncomfortable. After, choosing the items I was to purchase my son went to the fitting room to make sure everything fir to his liking. After, we set off to the checkout: he’s where the real problem occurred. I was on only person not being waited on at the checkout which was understandable, because register #2 was the only one open so i was next in line. But, There are no sign indicating where the line began. So I was about one foot directly in back of the customers in checkout #2. As customers came to checkout another line was formed to the left of where i was standing. after about 10 min two young men came out. The young man that goes to register #1. Says to me if I’m in line thats not where it starts and I should wait in line “rudely” might I say. So I speak up and tell him that Ive been standing here because any other customers, but there are not signs stating where the kine should’ve started. He immediately got irritated raised his voice and demanded i go to checkout #3. Not once did I raise my voice tap rudely nor disrespect this young man, this was embarrassing, disrespectful and degrading on top of me keeping everything together as I did have my child with me. As I am getting checked-out at register #3 I heard another customer tell him that his attitude was totally wrong and disrespectful and that I was letting him know the confusing of not having an indicator as to where the line should be and how I was next. He tries to justifies his rude and disrespectful actions by “loudly” telling that customer “I was trying to be an smart ass”, instead of him apologizing for his misconception, disrespectful remarks and actions. Which was totally uncalled for and inappropriate behavior. Not once did I act irate or use aggressive language toward this young man, but I was not given the same in return.
I HOPE THEY SEE MY COMPLAINT BC I WANT MY MONEY! RALPH LAUREN IS A SCAM ARTIST! BAD BUSINESS
I went into the Gaffney outlet RALPH LAUREN AND I PURCHASE SOME CLOTHES FOR MY SON FOR CHRISTMAS TO BE SHIPPED TO MY HOUSE AND I NEVER RECEIVE THEM. I HAVE FILE SEVERALS COMPLAINT AND I WANT MY MONEY BACK! THIS IS BAD BUSINESS AND I WANT BE SHOPPING WITH YALL NOMORE! I HAVE TALK TO A MANAGER AND STILL HAVNT RECEIVE MY MONEY BACK! FILING REPORT WITH THE BETTER BUSINESS ! BAD BUSINESS
On January 3, 2017, I returned a Polo men’s jacket, with receipt, to your Polo Factory Store located in Byron Center, MI. (Tanger Outlet). Information from the credit receipt is listed below.
Returns at any other stores I have dealt with, have always posted a pending credit at my banking institution on that very same day. Not the case here. I have contacted your store 3 times, speaking with Daniel (once) and Tim (twice) regarding the credit to my Visa account of $84.39. Supposedly, there are issues with credits at this store. I have never experienced such utter confusion for a refund. WHAT IS GOING ON? Sounds like a scam to me.
It is already into the 21st day. Nothing has been posted on my account. This is totally unacceptable.and a great inconvenience to me.
Store: 226 – Date: 1/3/2017 – 10:24 AM
Reg # 2 – Trn #: 20540 – Cashier: 198793
Your prompt response and compensation for this great inconvenience is appreciated.
Mary R Gavin
Grand Rapids MI 49534
Email: maryrgavin at gmail.com
Mary Lindberg
3 hrs ·
Read this post. Is what Ryan Lochte may not have even done worse than Michael Phelps with his 2 DUIs that could have killed many people, and who remains everyone’s darling with multiple endorsements? Lochte may be dumb but at he was at least drunk walking. After reading the above article, I can understand his telling a story about people with guns pointing at him making him angry enough to “embellish” his story. This man is a great athlete who I think deserves more respect.
Our family & friends will cease all future purchases of your products as long as your company continues to sponsor US Olympic Swimmer Ryan Lochte. The behavior and actions of this man in the past week do not represent the best interest of the Olympics, the United States, nor your company!
Let he who casts the first stone…..
Dear, Ralph Lauren design department:
This is emvesion garment co., Inc. and my name is Sunny . Our company is supplying cashmere and wool scarves ,cloak,wraps, blanket… Our products are very good quality, and trend craft, you must like that . For the intent to have a meet time ,we are prepare the latest collection . please contact me soon… Best regards~! Thank you ~
I bought what was identified as a Ralph Lauren blouse at Marshslls. Once I got home and looked on the inner seam for cleaning instructions, I found a Calvin Klein tag. So what is it, RL or CK?? In doing some research I find that it’s actually a CK item, not RL. So I took it back and alerted management of the fraudulent branding issue. I just went into the Marshslls I returned it to snd found the same blouse on the rack with the RL tag intact and the inner seam CK tag cut out. Is no one at Marshalls or RL concerned about this??? I did take pics of the item and tags if you are interested!
I would like to know why the store in Jeffersonville,Ohio can let theses bulk buyers come in and the manager Steven lets them buy massive quantities of product and there are no sizes left for the customer. These bulk buyers come in and buy $20,000 in merchandise. You tell me how that is right. And if you do find your size the registers are held up forever until they can fit you in to get rang out. Just wrong. I will never shop there again
I think y’all should invest in making polo work boots steal toe ! It would really increase the sales of boots for y’all. Consider it using the same types of boots already manufactured !
My daughter was injured at your outlet store in Gretna Nebraska on April 1st. My 3yr old and I were opening the heavy door to the entrance and her foot was caught under the door, ripping half her big toenail off and cutting the top of the toe next to it. There was a thick hard piece of plastic that was on the bottom of that door that didn’t belong. That hard plastic caught half of her toenail, ripping it off, and cut the toe next to it. My husband and I took her to the ER where they had to pull part of the nail that had got stuck in the skin out.
A representative for your company did call a few days later to see how she was doing, which I appreciated… but I must say I’m disappointed in your company not taking any responsibility in this. While we have insurance, the ER still isn’t a cheap trip, and I’m really shocked you guys haven’t stepped up to assist in paying for at least part of that bill.
I did go back to your store a few days later and that hard plastic was cut off, because it didn’t belong.
Hello Ralph Lauren Corporation, personally I believe your Company is very stable on the customer service throughout the Co. As well as a huge success for decades, of which the time providing impeccable quality, style and service speaks volumes. I believe most of these customers had a bad day or week and you ended up getting the letter for there bad moods in general because I know for a fact your return policy stands firm with a receipt. People have the most simple choice to return or receive a refund with your receipt within the time period explained on the receipt. You are indeed a fabulous Company providing jobs for so many employees around the world. Your quality in fabrics and individual style is ultimately impeccable as well as Gorgeous. We are so proud and blessed to have your talent here in the U.S. as well as around the world. And to the bright individuals at the Corporate Headquarters in NYC, I am also interested in submitting photos of a 3yr old toddler, and a 5’11 14yr old teen to represent Ralph Lauren Jrs clothing please feel free to brouse facebook photos and or send me the email directly to that department of professional management for the models selected in the Ralph Lauren print or runnway. I’ve been told they have very unique appearance for modeling industry over and over again. Sincere Thank you and God Bless The Ralph Lauren staff, and Ralph and his family.
I am contacting you because I am very upset about my purchase of two Ralph lauren pillows that I have for two months now. The pillow has ripped across the bottom not exactly on the seam, wishing that the quality was better then most was what lead me to my purchase and loving all of my Ralph Lauren Bedding I thought the pillows would stand up to the name. Very disappointed !
Thank you
Laurie Salmieri
* mill rd
Staten Island ny 10306
Leatha Walton
** Mix Ave
Hamden, CT 06514
**@gmail.com
December 2, 2014
Ralph Lauren Corporation
650 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10022
Dear Ralph Lauren Corporate office:
This letter is to complain about service I recently received from The Ralph Lauren Outlet in Clinton, CT . The nature of this letter is to highlight the misrepresentation that the staff of the Ralph Lauren Outlet are representing to the African American public. On November 9th 2014 the manager of Ralph Lauren made a grave mistake in his treatment of us as customers. He discriminated against us and treated us a criminals and placed company policy behind his rationale for treating us as he did. My boyfriend and I arrived in the store at 11:30 am in which to exchange merchandise and have a sensor removed from another item. My significant other and I were both dressed in sweat attire (his outfit being primarily Ralph Lauren). The store manager (cashier #157034) immediately approached us and asked us what we needed. We immediately told him that we needed to exchange one shirt and get the security tag off of another shirt in which we provided him with a receipt. He then shared with us “that he needed to go check the security cameras in order to see which employee left the tag on it because it was company policy to do so”. I thought in my head in which I later challenged him about how receipts tell you about the individual who rung up our transaction that day (#cashier #177830). He then changed his original statement in reference to company policy to saying “individuals that leave security tags on merchandise cannot work for this company”. He then proceeded to walk over to the door grabbing shelved merchandise to show me how the alarm would sound if merchandise came close to the door. The alarm did not sound. Prior to all these interactions he had called security to the store in order to watch and harass us. In conversation with the Security guard that came into the store she stated “ I was called here by the store manager”. When we asked her to elaborate she said “well it’s a busy retail day I was called her to be extra security”. I could have subscribed to her answer if she did not watch and harass us the entire time at the request of the store manager because of his false allegations that we stole something. So it is now 12:00 and the manager is still continuing on this charade of trying to accuse customers with receipts of stealing. We were standing in the middle of the store humiliated, degraded and treated as common trash all due to the fact that we were judged off the color of our skin instead of the content of what we produced for him that day which was a legitimate receipt. Then at 12:02 The store manager then asked us again if there was another transaction that may have caused the shirt to become censored. My boyfriend did explain to them that he was in the store on that previous Monday 11/3 to exchange my shirt which was too small. He also had trouble with staff cashier (#091331) who would not look up a receipt for him she stated “ we cannot look up customer receipts to do exchanges”. This is another company policy that they stated that can/ cannot be done. As you will discover later in our transaction there became a capability to make all past customer receipts appear. Then after all was said and done they had one more way to insult our intelligence and completely diminish our character by instructing the security guard to come stand near us as we waited patiently in the store. I shared with her that the mere fact of her presence implies that we our criminals. I also shared with her that had we been of another color and stature we would have been told to wait five minutes as store staff corrected the discrepancy instead of being told that cameras were needed to complete our transaction with a receipt. So after all this mistreatment and harassment we were given the opportunity to return our merchandise to which we really wanted to keep but after being accused as soon as we walked in the door our only priority was to get our money back to bring to some other patron that would appreciate our business. Then in a last stich effort the store manager #157034) tried to tell us that the shirt we were furnishing was not on original receipt. He had pulled up the exchange receipt but somehow could not figure out how to cross reference the two receipts to compare the original tag number with exchange so to save time because it was now 12:15 I showed him. I have never been mistreated while in the polo store . The attitude of management will be reflected in the customer service of the staff. I am curious if this type of behavior is the voice of what Ralph Lauren stands for because if your reply is that of in favor of their actions I will know where I stand with this brand If not then a hard look needs to be paid to the Ralph Lauren outlet store in Clinton CT due to their treatment of African American customers especially. There is no other rationale to judge us on other than race that is the only thing that was presented to him upon walking in the front doors. If this is the policy that this company represents I will be more than happy to let all my friends family and political ties to have an impact on sales.
I expected a much higher level of service from your company, and I am quite disappointed. Because I do not want for any other person based off the judgment of your staff to treat them unfairly and harass them. I implore you to rectify this situation within your brand. It may seem as if one customer does not make a difference but the people I affect with this story will
Sincerely,
Leatha Walton
A loyal lover of the Brand
I visited your Rehoboth Beach outlet store on Dec 6 ,2017. I received the worse service u can imagine. A staff person Stephanie followed me around the whole time. I finally got irritated and asked her why is it that evertime I look up she is there. She stated she was helping someone and do I have a guilty conscious. I finished shopping around and went to checkout. I asked the cashier for the corporate number. She called out the general manager Christian Addor. He gave me no sense of understanding and was rather nasty if you ask me. So I continued to ask for corporate office and he gave me a number to someone named Doug 201-602-3333. Placed a call to Doug no response. This is SAD. I grew up frequenting your store as a child and never had a bad experience before. Please make every attempt to rectify or respond.
Thank you
Delores Houchens
Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971
I want to bring to your attention a serious error you are making on behalf of your Minnesota customers regarding online purchases. Today I purchased a winter scarf online & was surprised that I was charged sales tax on it, because MN does not tax residents for clothing.
When I called to enquire about this your customer service representative was very nice as always, but explained to me that scarves are considered accessories by Ralph Lauren, & along with shoes, etc. are therefore taxable. She refunded my tax as a courtesy, but that was not my point. I asked her to let higher ups know that Ralph Lauren is wrong in applying this policy, & possibly leaving itself open to a class action lawsuit. All I wanted to do was alert you to this fact, not just be appeased on an individual basis. I did not get the impression that she thought my point was important enough or even valid to warrant alerting anyone.
Here is a link to the Minnesota tax code which specifically exempts scarves, shoes, belts, etc. from being taxed.
revenue.state.mn.us/businesses/sut/factsheets/FS105.pdf
Please assure me at the corporate level that you are remedying your taxation policy so that I do not have to pursue this further.
I love Ralph Lauren, & would not enjoy reading about this in the news, & just want you to do the right thing as I know you are well known for doing.
This past xmas, I used my gift card to purchase a women’s large over the head, cable knit sweater . It was very pricey. The tag in the sweater says Lauren then Ralph Lauren right beneath it. Today, I put it on and the neckline, in the front, was torn and ragged. Please replace it. I am a senior citizen and was so happy to have RLL stitched on the front. It is purple in color but any color except white is terrific. Your help would be appreciated.
I shop at a Polo store in Allen, TX (outlet). There is a young man that stands out among the rest. Always goes the extra mile. His name is Jhellani Olton. Provides excellent customer service.
Sincerely,
Ms. Marquez
Someone within your company is committing Identity Theft Tax Fraud using my social security number for employment and tax fraud. The IRS and Social Security have both confirmed the filing of a fraudulent tax return for 2013 and the reported fraudulent wages for 2013 to my social security account. I’m a disabled vet who needs his disability payments to meet my monthly bills, this is my sole income. This is a very serious matter, one that needs the cooperation of your company to identify the person (s) responsible for this crime! This crime, if publicly exposed, would be bad publicity for your company. Please contact me ASAP.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Mt Pleasant, FL 32352
Dear Mr. Lauren,
“We don’t want to lose you” is what you said to me while I was working under Martha Maggos. I was working as an artist designing and painting original prints for you on West 55th Street. Then I moved to Ireland where I worked with Paul Costelloe men’s wear designer. I still have the ability to create great and original designs. I am now living in Manhattan and eager to contribute to your wonderful corporation. Please contact me if this is of interest to you. I would like to show you my portfolio. Thank you for considering my request.
Sincerely,
Suzanne Bruner
I wish you would bring back your safari purfume. I miss it so much and can’t find a purfume to compare. It’s been about 12 years so please bring it back.
Thank you
Denise LaCouture
Dear Design Department,
Many years ago I purchased the best pair of Ralph Lauren wide leg walking shorts I have ever had! I bought them at Macys, and have been unsuccessfully searching for that style again. I am a size 18, and liked the simple style with deep pockets.
I hope you might consider making this style again, I can ‘t be the only plus size woman that loved this type of short. My pair is literally threadbare, but still well loved and needs a replacement desperately!
Thank-you for listening,
Janet White
(916) 276-XXXXX
Good afternoon. My name is Andrea Williams in Fredericksburg, Va. I purchased a pair of your sun classes a couple years ago and I noticed that the tint is separating itself within the lenses. If I could forward a picture I would. I really love these glasses. I love the style of your glasses and currently they are the only style I wear, I am hoping I can get some assistance with just replacing the lenses, because I would like to keep the frames.
If someone can offer me advice as to how to rectify this, I would appreciate it.
Thank you very much
Andrea Williams
X Cavern Court
Fredericksburg, Va 22406