An Alternate Universe of Shopping, in Ohio
Over the years, Mr. Wexner acquired some brands and introduced others,
and at one time or another owned Lane Bryant, Abercrombie & Fitch and Express under the umbrella of his company, L Brands.
“We’re just over-retailed in the U. S.”
Yaromir Steiner, a real estate developer, concurred “We’ve been building malls like
there’s no tomorrow,” said Mr. Steiner, chief executive of Steiner & Associates.
“Before I even started the business, Columbus was a great test market,” Mr. Wexner said in an interview.
“Les was never satisfied,” said Denny Gerdeman, who once designed stores for Mr. Wexner
and is now a co-founder of the Columbus design firm Chute Gerdeman.
Over the years, Mr. Wexner spun off most of the brands he had acquired, seeding Columbus with a new crop of independent companies
that in turn tossed off their own spinoffs and imitators.
Perhaps most important, a robust network of retailers and service providers — from big brands like Abercrombie & Fitch to small design firms
that focus on store layouts — has taken root in Columbus.
