Abercrombie & Fitch has landed

by Michele Obi on March 22, 2007

fitch.jpg

Abercrombie & Fitch seeks to outfit a new generation of spirited clientele in the United Kingdom.”

I’m always sceptical when there’s alot of hype surrounding a brand, but when it comes to the opening of the Abercrombie and Fitch store which opens its doors today I fully appreciate it. It’s their first European outlet and it’s location on Saville row is historic. But when it comes to knowing that prior to opening, their recruitment process involved hiring models for the sales assistant positions my scepticism just cant be rationalised away in the same manner. Earlier on in the year a friend of mine (who is a model) told me she’d be applying and it would be perfect because they were specifically looking for models and as employers they would be flexible and allow model employees time off for castings etc. At the time I thought nothing of it, its a superficial business we all know that, but in reality what does it say about their products.

abercrombie.jpg

I suppose it’s comparable to the models that grace advertising campaigns, it’s all sales, and I’m not innocent, I’m partial to an ad campaign or two. But then I’ve never been one to purchase an item because of a campaign and I doubt very much I’ll buy something from a store because I was greeted upon entrance by a model. When a brand seeks out the beautiful people to aid their sales I do question the quality of their product. If it is of a high quality then it should sell itself and if it doesn’t then I’m out. That’s just my preference as a consumer.

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{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }

1 Laura 03.22.07 at 6:11 pm
I used to work at an A&F store here (California) and I know they do make a point of hiring a “type” for the sales positions (which are undemanding and mostly require you to fold things and smile at people). They were sued a few years ago for racist and sexist hiring and promoting practices, so I’ll be interested to see how they handle their first UK store.

And the clothes are nothing special. . .they’ll work for uncreative college kids, but no one else.

2 Jessorz 03.23.07 at 1:09 am
That’s exactly why they have to hire models as employees - they need some kind of gimmick in order to get anyone with half a brain to shop there. as the previous comment said, A&F’s clothes are for generic, uncreative teenagers. so for all of you from the UK, don’t waste your time shopping there.
3 Jon 03.26.07 at 12:45 am
A&F is an alternate version of American Eagle and Hollister, and much like the previous comments indicated, for the boring, run-of-the-mill, Ugg and flip-flop clad 14-20 year old set. How horribly unfortunate they’re now infecting the UK.
4 Megan 03.29.07 at 11:25 pm
Abercrombie in the U.S. does not just hire models. If you’re well qualified, interview well, and are friendly you will most likely get the job. Abercrombie is so fun, and I have met so many great people by working at this store.
5 Bud 04.04.07 at 7:04 pm
As a point of interest, A&F is the parent company of Hollister Co., so it is not an alternate version.

And like it or not, Abercrombie & Fitch is a cultural phenomenon. Kudos to a company who can drive big volume in a fragrance called “FIERCE” packaged in a magenta carton to straight frat boys. And prior to A&F how many straight guys shaved their chest and gelled their hair…

6 K 05.23.07 at 7:14 pm
A & F are great, I work there as a ‘model’ I am also a model in life, I also attend uni where I’m studying a science degree, I have more than half a brain. The clothes are great, lovely fabrics and textures, most people even those over 20, will wear a shirt, jeans or a jumper and the a&f ones are fantastic quality. Why do people always have to moan about things?
7 Michele Obi 05.23.07 at 9:56 pm
K, I wouldn’t say that pointing out that A&F generally only hire models as sales personnel is moaning…..I do wonder what would happen if every high street store, for example Benetton, Gap, H&M, Topshop, etc did the same.
8 Noah 11.22.07 at 9:29 pm
You don’t have to be a real “model” to work in an Abercrombie and Fitch or a Hollister. You don’t even have to be that skinny, you just cant be ugly. You don’t need to by gorgeous. Just OK looking and able to fit into the cloths
9 Adriana 01.15.08 at 5:29 am
I work at A&F and I have to say that is one of the best jobs that a teenage can have. I have been working there for a while and I had meet really nice people, working there you also learn many things that will help you in the future. I’m not American, I’m spanic and they treat me really well so I don’t think that they are racist. To shop there is not a waste of time at all their clothe is very nice and appropiate so pleaseee… if you don’t like it just don’t go there but don’t talk bad either.

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