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Company History

Putting Her First

The Christopher & Banks story starts in 1956, when founder Gil Braun opened his first store—then called Braun's Fashions—in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He opened it with "Her" in mind: local women who were full of life and wisdom, confident in their beliefs, and in search of wardrobes that reflected their lifestyle and made them feel fabulous at a price they loved.

In the decades that followed, the trends and company name have ebbed with the times while the mission has endured—outfitting women in confidence and style. In 2000, CJ Banks launched to meet the underserved needs of women's sizes 14-24 and continues to be a pillar of our brand.

Today, Christopher & Banks still focuses on putting Her first by providing our customers with the design, value and service which helps her look and feel amazing, in everyday life and in her most special moments. Carefully created with real women in mind we offer missy, women's, and petite sizes for an effortless experience to finding the perfect fit.

A photo of Christopher & Banks' founder, Gil Braun, along with photos and classic news clippings of our first location at Miracle Mile Shopping Center.