This figure is completely unmatched by competitors, with Aeropostale 2,000 basis points behind at 40% and Urban Outfitters (NASDAQ: URBN ) lagging the pack at just 37%. Even America's bellwether apparel retailer, The Gap Inc. (NYSE: GPS ) clicks in at just 39%. On a year-over-year basis, Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (NYSE: ANF ) greatly improved its gross profit rate by more than 9% by decreasing average unit costs, marking down carryover inventory in the prior year and buckling down with "continued tight expense control," according to Abercrombie CEO Mike Jeffries in the company's Feb. 22 press release. Nearly a month after a strong fourth quarter and full year earnings release, Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (NYSE: ANF ) is still trading in the mid-40s.