WHO.A.U. is a South Korean retail clothing chain specializing in teen fashion, particularly California-casual sportswear. Founded 10 years prior to the article's publication date (2010), it originated from the E.Land Group, a South Korean conglomerate with approximately $6 billion in sales and a portfolio of 90 clothing labels sold across South Korea and China. The brand's first U.S. stores opened in 2007, in Connecticut and New Jersey. WHO.A.U.'s approach involves extensive market research and focus groups to understand and cater to the preferences of its target demographic. The brand's design and pricing strategies closely resemble those of Hollister.