Citi Trends is a rapidly growing, value-priced retailer of urban fashion apparel and accessories for men, women, and children, including products from nationally recognized brands, as well as private-label products and a limited assortment of home d cor items. Through strong relationships with its suppliers, Citi Trends seeks to provide nationally recognized branded merchandise at 20% to 60% discounts to department and specialty store prices. The company was founded in 1946 and grew to become a chain of family apparel stores, operating in the Southeast under the Allied Department Stores name. In 1999, the chain of 85 stores was acquired by Hampshire Equity Partners, a private equity firm. The company's management team implemented several strategies including an aggressive new store expansion, remodeling efforts, and a focus on urban fashions for the entire family.

The company currently operates 311 stores in both urban and rural markets in 19 states. Originally, Citi Trends' stores were located in the Southeast, and the company has recently expanded into the Mid-Atlantic, Midwest region and Texas. Their stores average approximately 8,700 square feet of selling space, and stores opened since the beginning of fiscal year 2003 average approximately 10,350 square feet of selling space. Citi Trends' stores are typically located in neighborhood strip malls that are convenient to low and moderate income consumers. CTRN shares began trading on May 18, 2005, after the company completed its initial public offering.

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