Description of Business

6 Months Ended

Oct. 01, 2011


1.	Description of Business

Ralph Lauren Corporation (“RLC”) is a global leader in the design, marketing and distribution of premium lifestyle products, including men’s, women’s and children’s apparel, accessories, fragrances and home furnishings. RLC’s long-standing reputation and distinctive image have been consistently developed across an expanding number of products, brands and international markets. RLC’s brand names include Polo Ralph Lauren, Purple Label, Ralph Lauren Collection, Black Label, Blue Label, Lauren by Ralph Lauren, RRL, RLX, Ralph Lauren Denim & Supply, Rugby Ralph Lauren, Ralph Lauren Childrenswear, American Living, Chaps and Club Monaco, among others. RLC and its subsidiaries are collectively referred to herein as the “Company,” “we,” “us,” “our” and “ourselves,” unless the context indicates otherwise.

The Company classifies its businesses into three segments: Wholesale, Retail and Licensing. The Company’s wholesale sales are made principally to major department and specialty stores located throughout the U.S., Canada, Europe, Asia and South America. The Company also sells directly to consumers through full-price and factory retail stores located throughout the U.S., Canada, Europe, Asia and South America; through concessions-based shop-within-shops located primarily in Asia; and through its retail e-commerce channel, which includes domestic sites located at www.RalphLauren.com and www.Rugby.com and its United Kingdom site located at www.RalphLauren.co.uk. In September 2011, the Company expanded its e-commerce presence by launching a new retail e-commerce site in France located at www.RalphLauren.fr, which also ships products to Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. The Company also licenses the right to unrelated third parties to use its various trademarks in connection with the manufacture and sale of designated products, such as apparel, eyewear and fragrances, in specified geographical areas for specified periods.

On August 11, 2011, at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders, the Company’s stockholders approved an amendment to the Company’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation to change the Company’s name from Polo Ralph Lauren Corporation to Ralph Lauren Corporation. The Company’s name change became effective on August 15, 2011.