PHILADELPHIA, PA — Urban Outfitters Inc. (NASDAQ: URBN) plans to invest at least $150 million in Pennsylvania, expanding operations in Philadelphia and Bucks County while creating a minimum of 1,050 new jobs, a move that reinforces the retailer’s long-term commitment to its home state and adds to the Commonwealth’s recent economic development wins.
Gov. Josh Shapiro and Lt. Gov. Austin Davis announced the investment Monday, stating that the company will add at least 450 positions at its Philadelphia Navy Yard headquarters and create at least 600 jobs at a new facility for its Nuuly clothing rental business in Falls Township, Bucks County. Existing employment in Lancaster and Indiana counties will be retained.
The company has committed at least $150 million in capital expenditures, with the potential for more than $50 million in additional investment that could further increase job creation, according to the announcement.
Founded in Philadelphia in 1970, Urban Outfitters has grown into a global retail company whose portfolio includes Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie, Free People, FP Movement, Terrain, Nuuly, and its Menus & Venues hospitality business.
“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,” Shapiro said. “Pennsylvania is leading in economic development because we are focused on strengthening our skilled workforce, cutting red tape, and making smart, strategic investments that help businesses grow and succeed.”
The expansion includes continued growth at the Navy Yard, where Urban Outfitters relocated its headquarters in 2006. Since then, the company has expanded from five buildings to 15 and increased employment there from roughly 500 workers to more than 2,500. The company recently opened the 117,000-square-foot Building 16 at the site.
“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,” Chief Executive Officer Richard A. Hayne said. “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.”
As part of the expansion, Pennsylvania extended Keystone Opportunity Zone benefits to the company, providing incentives tied to its continued investment and job creation plans.
State officials said the project supports broader efforts to attract private-sector investment and expand employment opportunities across Pennsylvania. According to the administration, the Commonwealth has secured more than $41 billion in private-sector investment and commitments for more than 24,000 jobs since Shapiro took office.
Support the local news that supports Chester County. MyChesCo delivers reliable, fact-based reporting and essential community resources—free for everyone. If you value that, click here to become a patron today.