american apparel financial problems
Soulhawk
3,197 Posts
is this the first domino in a chain that will topple modern hipsterdom as we know it?
Soulhawk
3,197 Posts
Comments
That said, I'll STFU and read up on my read-ups now.
That said, the owner (Dov) has absolutely managed that businesses brand image like a top CEO. The story goes if he would just not pay any attention to the daily operations/financials of the business, they might be successful.
From what I have read over the years, the only reason that company is still afloat is that lenders see the value in the brand name, and have been willing to work with Dov to try and get a good management team in there. But apparently his eccentricity may very well be the downfall as I don't think the lenders are getting much in this manner.
today's article
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703824304575435282703897308.html?mod=wsjcrmain
I was like, this is news?
ZING!
nah for real i laughed.
We use to buy a lot of shit from them wholesale back in the late 90's when their prices use to be really cheap compared to others. How are their prices now a days?
STOCKHOLDERS REVEALED
Their tees don't fit well at all. They are slim fitted light weight and have no shape not to mention almost always fluro in colour.
AA are just reaping what happened to Kusbi and Ed Hardy/ Christian Dior (here in aus anyway). If you have an overpriced badly designed, poor quality product eventually all the hipsters that buy it will move on to the next fad clothing.
My screenprinting buddy buys their shirts for stock just because people like them. He says he usually gets a couple in every order that he just can't use because of bad construction.
As someone else mentioned, they are hardly well-constructed. In any batch of shirts from them, you'll get some that are basically a size up or size down from what they're supposed to be - assuming that the proportions are still correct.
I mean, I buy their stuff because they have a store that's really conveniently located and because I can get it for cheap, but there are better options if you have the choice.
If you have problem with them falling out of shape, just get the ones that are part poly, those tend to fall back better after stretching. The main problem (with the 100% cotton ones) is that they can sometimes get pretty blousy and drapey over time.
I assume you mean Christian Audigier, and not Dior, because a lot of the Dior stuff is incredible in terms of construction, fit, etc. The problems with Ed Hardy are sort of different, because a lot of their stuff is put out by people who license the brand name, and then put stuff out under the name. That's why there's such a massive glut of it, with absolutely no quality control. Not that I would ever ride for a single piece of clothing under that name.
Toilet paper thin Hanes and Fruit of The Loom?
I am fine with supporting small businesses and paying more, even more so if the company can show the dollars are trickling all the way down. Having said all that, I think there is no way to manufacture or sell anything without someone being exploited to some degree.
I own a t-shirt and a sweatshirt from these folks and I love them. They are super soft and fine quality.
http://www.alternativeapparel.com/Consumer.aspx
Stafford heavy duty from JCPenney's.
That or Pro Club from your local swap meet or Mr. Lee's combination liquor, t-shirt and "authentic Mexican food" store. Real OG's/veteranos know the deal.
http://www.salon.com/life/feature/2010/06/24/american_apparel_quitting
the last 3pak I got was a step down from the glory days, but still: Stafford white crew neck JCPenney's. 4 LIFE!
So Stafford is cut the same as AA?
b/w
Where is JCPenny's
Took me forever to find something cheap and well constructed, and IMO, I've found nothing that's a better bargain than Uni Qlo. I wear solid colored t-shirts basically every day, and have looked many places.
By far and away the best fit and price (4.99 a pop) for me. They're sturdy, they last, and they always have plenty of stock, both in crew and v-neck.
Couldn't recommend anything more.
Hmmm...I guess they're just out west. I just assumed they were everywhere.
Im just messin with ya. I know JCPenny's........
But seriously is the Stafford cut the same as AA?
Of course, if you're willing to ante up, there's better stuff to be had out there.
Nooooooo!!!! Dumm thumms. Sorry about that.
Batmon: Can't really speak to the cut. All I know is the Staffords fit me well and I've never been a big fan of American Apparel tees. Not sure on how they'll fit over your Spanx though!
Spanx makes upper body shapewear now? I would have just suggested snug Under Armour type stuff to smooth out bulges on a guy. It seems more Batmon-esque than leopard print tummy control panels.
Sorry im not some bearded fat caucasoid.
bully for you batmon!