Friday, November 08, 2013

Abercrombie & Fitch Goes From Cool to Creepy

Oh what a change just a few years makes.

In the age of social networking, aloof isn't cool. It's just boring. Selfies and social networking are all about sharing and being inclusive and being part of a bigger community. There's nothing welcoming about a store that's roped off and seemingly guarded by a buff wall of "ab-tastic" teenagers. Abercrombie's sepia-toned ad campaigns with scantily clad teens romping around on beaches or in locker rooms aren't hip and inviting. They're just... creepy. "It's uncomfortable to shop (there)" as Sozzi puts it, "You don't want to go in there and talk to a (clerk) with your mom or your dad." Rest assured dads don't want their daughters talking to those guys either.

Yeah I never liked the dim lights and dudes with their shirts off cruising around. It had such a shady vibe that I only went to A&F a few times and bought like one pair of shorts there. There was always blaring rock music and everyone there kind of stood around preening but not doing anything to help you. I mostly went as research when I owned the stock years ago.

When American Eagle and Aeropostale came over here I went there exclusively instead of A&F. Those stores just seem cheerful and inviting with bright colors, happy pop music, and helpful staff. I ended up buying quite a few pairs of pants and shirts from those stores and haven't bought anything from A&F since. 

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