A&F has always prided themselves in being "Casual Luxury" and have become nearly a staple in any teenager's wardrobe and popular for foreigners. I have to admit, it's impressive that they do not spend a dime on marketing; they don't do commercials or magazine ads and yet they've become a household name. They are so successful, that they have bragged about not having to lower their retail prices. Their stubbornness to change in any manner to the changing economy and consumer climate shows an obnoxiousness that turns me off as a consumer, but hey, maybe that's because I'm broke. However, Wall Street was definitely NOT pleased with their declining business and their CEO finally admitted to their decision to decrease initial prices slightly (and in time for the holiday season) in hopes of boosting sales again.
I know that Abercrombie is expensive ($30 for a graphic T? No spanks). I'd rather shop at their sister store, Hollister, which is more budget friendly (and who cares about the kids' store? Ok, maybe I've tried their jeans...), but perhaps an unsurprising event is that their failing line, Ruehl, is shutting down. For those who have not heard of Ruehl, it's an even more expensive Abercrombie that also sells leather bags on the side. Sadly (?), the line closed its doors on December 24, 2009. And, as far as the grapevine goes, NOTHING will go on sale. Dang.
As a young economist, retail therapist and fickle consumer, Ruehl was just too obnoxious to handle. It's prices were ridiculous for the same quality as A&F, and I felt a bit insulted that they would assume I wouldn't see through their plan. Yes, Abercrombie and Fitch has some some of the softest clothes I've ever touched, but I'd rather save my money, fly myself to Thailand, go on an adventure and buy a soft pile of legit A&F for $2 a piece. No joke, this is from personal experience. I think the workers stole it from the factory itself and sold it at the market because it had the paper price tags and everything on it.
Until then, goodbye Ruehl, you were too high maintenance for me. Also, I couldn't wear cute heels with you. =(
No comments:
Post a Comment