The retail prices are kinda ridiculous for plain t-shirts, but it's the image they sell
Dont be fooled. Ive known many people who've worked there, and they are not cool to their employees. They fire people randomly, won't allow the factory workers to form a union and are just not the company they claim to be. (Also, there shit is very inconsistent, almost every other garment has a stitching problem or something.) There are a group of high level ex employees who are meeting to expose Dov Charney.
They are probably no worse than any other company but when your whole image is based on how good they are to their employees and it tunrs out that they're not, I say thats fucked and they should be exposed.
he openly admits to sleeping w/ the models........again, the american apparel fit is slim cut, so if you're getting your hiphop xxl on I do not recommend them. But for my body size, they're a good fit considering the prices I can get them at. I also do rock the hanes 3 pack white t's, those are pretty awesome.
JCPenny was the last place I shopped at but it still wasn't cheap. I got some nice shirts for like $15. Pants are always expensive so I usually buy them at Thrift stores. Got some killer Dickies for like $10 each. I sold them my old Dickies for like $7 each right beforehand so all-in-all I spent $3 for a pair of pants.
I went to Nordstroms with my female roommate a month ago and they had shirts (albeit they were really nice) but for $75!!! $75 for a fucking shirt.
he openly admits to sleeping w/ the models........again, the american apparel fit is slim cut, so if you're getting your hiphop xxl on I do not recommend them. But for my body size, they're a good fit considering the prices I can get them at. I also do rock the hanes 3 pack white t's, those are pretty awesome.
My homegirl who used to work at AA linked me to this:
From: Laurelle Miciak Sent: Sat 3/26/2005 11:47 PM To: Dov Charney; Iris Alonzo; Dan Abenhaim; Tasha Dunn; Joana de Castro; Mariekim Pelchat; Osama Afify; CDN Store; [email]aastore.cmr@americanapparel.net;[/email] AA Store Ottawa; AA Store Church; AA Store Bloor; AA Store Church; AA Store College; Store Managers; AA Montreal; AA Store Ottawa; AAEurope; KI1 Store; Emily Green; [email]feeoconnor@yahoo.com;[/email] [email]joannadragif@hotmail.com;[/email] [email]kimber_belly@hotmail.com;[/email] [email]lucychung@hotmail.com;[/email] [email]rosemary_scanlon@yahoo.com;[/email] [email]saveriomirarchi@hotmail.com;[/email] Lee Poulin; Shannon Nadj; Emmy Ha; [email]kyletravisyoung@yahoo.ca;[/email] Ellie Vitello; Geoff Stevens; Sarah Macdonald; Danielle Raquiza; Abigail Lawson; Sara Cadeau; [email]jeff@itsgroup.ca;[/email] [email]luis@itsgroup.ca;[/email] [email]lloyd@rankedone.ca;[/email] Nick McIsaac; VA1 Store; [email]lisanordin@gmail.com;[/email] [email]vip_2000@hotmail.com;[/email] [email]francois@sat.qc.ca;[/email] [email]domz@iloveneon.ca;[/email] Marty Bailey; Christina Klisanin; Stacey Haberkorn; Patricia Pawlukiewicz; [email]francois_picasso@hotmail.com;[/email] [email]eric@presstube.com;[/email] [email]megane_odh@yahoo.ca;[/email] [email]contact@jonerikjohansen.com;[/email] [email]dave@whitecolours.com;[/email] [email]miette@mnco.org;[/email] [email]rycarignan@spafax.net;[/email] [email]trebjohn@cgocable.net;[/email] [email]sammyvaughan@hotmail.com;[/email] [email]wolf@iro.umontreal.ca[/email] Cc: [email]editor@adbusters.org;[/email] [email]letters@hour.ca;[/email] [email]letters@maisonneuve.org;[/email] [email]debbie@bust.com;[/email] [email]gg@guerrillagirls.com;[/email] [email]chainworkers@ecn.org;[/email] [email]workers@ciw-online.org;[/email] [email]admin@nologo.org[/email] Subject: Re: American Apparel Mandate
Letter of Resignation. March 2005
I will start by saying that I am personally moved to write this; that nobody has encouraged me to condense my feelings into this letter. No, it was only me and many of the things that have been eating away at me for a while now, things that have gained tremendous momentum. This is why I am leaving your company today. This is it.
I began working at the first American Apparel store in Canada in November 2003, one of the original locations in North America. A flagship store. I have seen the company grow and shift from phase to phase: from the time it was awkwardly moving from the wholesale market into the world of retail with its ethics strongly in check, to a time when I began to learn of its major flaws. A time when its discrepancies regarding its treatment of employees has paralleled the disorganization of its stock and product situation-which is as random as the company???s absent (but much needed) human resources department. Without knowing or caring much about how operations run on the other side of the border (Borders? Plural?), things are beginning to crumble here in Canada, where it all began. Where your seeds were planted.
I am extremely saddened and affected by the recent departures of certain key members of the Montreal team over the past months. Drastic changes in all facets of management are not ???progressive??? or ???youth driven??? or cutting edge: they are a cause for concern and stress for all employees who have to deal with it. Working under a non-system which is missing structure is not only unproductive and inefficient- its fucking anarchy. Not to say that there isn???t a pecking order, though: there are plenty of girls in this company who are being compensated for whatever it is that they do well, whenever it is that they do it, I guess. Yes indeed! Not all of us are created equally at American Apparel, but God forbid we stray from the universal dream- the ???new paradigm??? that we are all a part of. The amount of people who have been promoted then demoted/fired/forced to quit because they were prematurely moved up or wrongfully chosen is simply astonishing. Perhaps this is part of AA???s ???Socialist-Capitalist??? fusion. Because Socialism suits the company just fine, until a personnel issue arises, which is when it reverts to the ???you win some you lose some, you know???? mentality. Whatever. AA is all about the grey areas.
I was recently told that perhaps in 2-3 years, when the company has ???stabilized???, that I could probably be compensated for my time properly. That maybe, by that time, working between 60-80 hours a week would mean making more money than just enough to cover my rent and the bills that I have to pay. In short, I was told that I was lucky to have what I do with American Apparel right now. That running a store (small warehouses, really), managing and disciplining an entire staff, and everything in between is essentially a priviledge granted, not a position that has been earned. How???s that for motivation? Trial periods vary between 2 weeks to 6 months, based loosely upon how much time they want you to spend ???proving yourself??? before they have to pay you at a higher rate.
The amount of dedication that this company expects from anybody in a management position is hugely disproportionate to the amount of money that they are forced to accept.
And then there are store openings! How exciting! The sheer fact that I have not been properly compensated (after asking and trying to fairly negotiate several times) financially, for my involvement during these openings is absurd. Not being appreciated after leaving my life behind for weeks at a time, as well as my other job (at which I made more money) to find, hire, assemble, teach (indoctrinate), purge, fire, promote, negotiate and guide an entire staff, an entirely new team and new page in the company book, is not only despicable- its completely stupid. Don???t you think that it would be wise to keep senior employees happy? Don???t you think that it would be fruitful to keep a good rapport with those people? After all, one of us is worth a lot more than our hourly wage. There are hundreds of little things that make us valuable, believe it or not. Countless experiences that help stores run more efficiently and successfully- ways to help you make more money. Because that???s what its all about right? The profits!
And then there are the complaints about senior management. The things that I know to have taken place that are lacking basic and proper professionalism are enough to embarrass and stun me into silence. They come from far and wide, tales of being granted ???monetary encouragement??? to leave peacefully, ie: paid off to shut up and quit. So often, whenever a retail employee has tried to take a stand for what they were promised, granted, or approved for, their pleas fall upon deaf ears. But this is the place to do it, right? This is a different kind of company!! Finally! A company that listens- a company that???s REAL! It makes me wonder about how many people have been let go in this fashion, something that surely is a taboo subject around the office. Perhaps if more of the current management were living independantly and were required to be financially responsible for their own well being, they would appreciate the value of a hard earned dollar. They might understand that sometimes your job and/or your pay is a bit more personal. That being paid what you're worth signifies recognition, which equals a more motivated employee, which equals a more productive, positive workplace. It represents a job well done. I'm not a buisness major, nor a human ressources director, but I have that one figured out.
I???d rather have the money than the Blackberry. But I???m sure that may employees enjoy the phones-right? I mean, because were all pretty young and na??ve, and toys like that make superficial, replaceable people feel important. Oh, but I forgot: the company is in debt! They have no money to compensate us! Okay then. I???ll just forgo my rent this month and maybe yo
u can talk to my landlord for me. Here- use my Blackberry.
You can peg me right now as dramatic or disgruntled, but since working for American Apparel for the past year and a half, my ???salary??? parallels that of a novice telemarketer. Getting a raise from this company is like trying to draw blood from a stone. (Except for the favorite(s)/flavour of the month, who are special. Seniority doesn???t take you very far with AA.)
American Apparel prides itself on being a pioneering company. No doubt that I supported many of its initial ideas that built the foundation of its business model. But the company that looked so good on paper no longer corresponds with itself . The stores have lost concept and look like flea markets, your products have lost quality, and your business ethics are being erased and replaced with the usual corporate shtick- in short, you are well on your way to becoming another institution, and your outrageous company has become horribly predictable. In addition to this, the exploitations of the cultures, sexual orientations, and individuality of the people featured in your advertisements only serves to show that you really don't understand what is relevant and edgy today within youth culture; your target market. You've effectively moved the exploitation of workers in your "non-sweatshops" to your own retail workers and models featured on the pages of newspapers and magazines, cashing in on what you assume a generic public will perceive as subversive and political.
And it will only continue from here.
Good luck to those who are keeping this company alive- perhaps AA is about to embark on a new mission- an exciting time that will hold great opportunities for each and every one of you. Sound familiar?
So as the longest standing retail employee in Canada and perhaps the longest in North America, count me out. I am confidant that I have done an exemplary and complete job up until now and that I have fulfilled if not surpassed any responsibilities that my position entailed. So maybe there is still some part of me that believes in this company and that wishes it well. But for now, all I can think about is this one advertisement you guys used to run; in fact, it was the poster that prompted me to apply for the job at St. Laurent. I haven???t seen it in years, because, I don???t think that the model is exactly American Apparel material anymore. Perhaps the man in the ad was even one of the garment workers who were ???laid off??? last week. Most of you might not be familiar with it, but please- you should check it out online:
???FUCK THE BRANDS THAT ARE FUCKING THE PEOPLE.???
the american apparel fit is slim cut, so if you're getting your hiphop xxl on I do not recommend them. But for my body size, they're a good fit considering the prices I can get them at. I also do rock the hanes 3 pack white t's, those are pretty awesome.
yeah I should of made a point of saying this in the first post. But I ain't trying to wear no nightgown out on the streets or in the workplace.
billbradleyYou want BBQ sauce? Get the fuck out of my house. 2,914 Posts
You have to keep an eye out for clearance racks. Most clothing stores will have stuff marked down to get racks ready for the next season. I usually go straight to the back of the store and see what is marked down before paying full price for anything.
Being from a different turf, there's not much I can tell you! But I can offer this, seeing as I am rarely in the position to pay retail for the things I wear. I don't know if you have the time, but whenever you can, trawl op shops to see if they have the one-off, like new item - whether you need it or not; the kind of staple item you will always need at some time or another. Check to see if they have a load of actual new stock - sometimes the major charities will receive a bunch of goods that was seized cargo, unpaid-for goods, or something like that. Most of all ask them when they get new stock and check in on those days.
Also, another thing that works for me is going into whichever store - especially the better ones - and check to see if they have a sale rack or bin. You wouldnt believe the things you can sometimes find if you always try. Every so often you might come across a sale with up to 70 or 50% off, so on a designer garment it brings it down to reasonable prices. Also look for sample sales, or seconds if you know someone handy with repairs.
The key with 2nd hand stuff is to keep an open mind: sometimes I get stuff that's way out of season but I can make it cool if I put it in the right context. You just gotta think adaptability.
Maybe I've stated the obvious, but I tell ya most of my outfits never cost more than $50 all up, including shoes, and people can never tell I've been a cheapskate
Ooh something else I forgot. Dept stores are good for getting staple items - which if you feel are too boring can be used to mix up with other items. Hunt down some factory outlets too. And take advantage of any half-yearly clearances or end of financial year sales you can, even if it's premature for your purchase (ie you dont NEED it just yet) it pays off soon enough.
My homegirl who used to work at AA linked me to this:
From: Laurelle Miciak Sent: Sat 3/26/2005 11:47 PM...
It took me a while to get to this. I'm not sure what to make of this letter?
I'm certainly inclined to spend my money with companies that practice fair trade and good relations with all employees. At the same time, it is an exhausting and expensive endeavor to the point where I'm feeling ridiculously self righteous and out of touch with reality.
My homegirl who used to work at AA linked me to this:
From: Laurelle Miciak Sent: Sat 3/26/2005 11:47 PM...
It took me a while to get to this. I'm not sure what to make of this letter?
I'm certainly inclined to spend my money with companies that practice fair trade and good relations with all employees. At the same time, it is an exhausting and expensive endeavor to the point where I'm feeling ridiculously self righteous and out of touch with reality.
For a flailing attempt at a poison-pen letter, this is pretty tepid.
"I???d rather have the money than the Blackberry." ??
I feel terrible that the world of garment reteil has let this woman down rather than elevating her to a status enjoyed by all other retail employees.
I've been hitting up footlocker for tees and polos lately. They usually have a 5 for $20 sale on T's and 3 for twenty on polo. Can't beat that price. And they have long tee's incase you change your mind about that gown.
So I traversed most of the Los Angeles Area this week on my quest for grown and sexy clothes for the workplace and, in conclusion, nothing beats a good ol' thrift shop.
Marshalls, Ross, Burlington Coat Factory = not friendly to the extra medium folks
Department Stores = after going through Marshals, etc I couldn't see myself dropping $80 for a single button up shirt
American Apparel = reported this shit before but $20 for a plain white tee is against my religion
Urban Outfitters = surprisingly cheap = found 2 pairs of nice pants and it only cost me a Jackson
Goodwills still got this shit locked down with nice sizes, wide variety and rackords rackords rackords.
Grown & Sexy Adam is taking the $80 that woulda went towards a button up and spending it on some modern soul instead
Don't EVER buy cheap cothes, learn how to buy good clothes on the cheap.
It's just like record shopping. You don't buy crap records just cause they are in the $1 bins. But you still check the $1 bin for those "mistakes" and come off with the goods sometimes. And when you do spend some real $$$ on a record, it's because you are an educated consumer and know exactly where your money is going. So why treat clothes differently?
Do your research by scouting as many stores as possible. You probably should consider spending a little more loot too. You are complaining about $40 work pants? WTF? That's a low price for work pants. You should try to spend at least that or even a bit more than that (as long as its on quality garments) so those pants will last you for a long time due to quality craftsmanship, constructioon, good fabrics, etc.
And no Rocawear/Fubu/Ecko/Soulstrut gear for work please. You'll never get a promotion looking like that. It's time you started acting like a real adult at work. All the spring sales have started. Now go to Barneys and start dressing yourself like a real gentleman. Women will love you, your friends will respect you, your coworkers will fear you, and your manager will be replaced by you.
BTW, I work at Barneys. PM me if you need to make an appointment. I work on commission, so serious inquiries only please.
Don't EVER buy cheap cothes, learn how to buy good clothes on the cheap.
It's just like record shopping. You don't buy crap records just cause they are in the $1 bins. But you still check the $1 bin for those "mistakes" and come off with the goods sometimes. And when you do spend some real $$$ on a record, it's because you are an educated consumer and know exactly where your money is going. So why treat clothes differently?
Do your research by scouting as many stores as possible. You probably should consider spending a little more loot too. You are complaining about $40 work pants? WTF? That's a low price for work pants. You should try to spend at least that or even a bit more than that (as long as its on quality garments) so those pants will last you for a long time due to quality craftsmanship, constructioon, good fabrics, etc.
And no Rocawear/Fubu/Ecko/Soulstrut gear for work please. You'll never get a promotion looking like that. It's time you started acting like a real adult at work. All the spring sales have started. Now go to Barneys and start dressing yourself like a real gentleman. Women will love you, your friends will respect you, your coworkers will fear you, and your manager will be replaced by you.
BTW, I work at Barneys. PM me if you need to make an appointment. I work on commission, so serious inquiries only please.
YEAH MOTHERFUCKER!!!!
Honestly it's the truth though. Adam, skip the next useless modern soul record and buy yourself some serious fucking clothes that will last and look good for years. Fuck AA, Urban, Gap/Banana, H&M, etc etc etc. Fuck with outlets, clearance like Century 21 and off season sales, you can cop great shit on the cheap. But not that cheap.
If you spend like a bum you will look bummy and bummy don't fucking win.
Man, guzzo, you gotta dig to get good clothes for cheap. Its just like records.....except theres usually more girls. I dunno, Im not exactly extra medium, but the ross on sunset and labrea has lots of pretty good deals mixed in with all the crap. And theres mad girls in there. Most of them are really hot, and probably pretty crazy, but its sunset and labrea, you know?
You should get a makavelli button up. That would be a good look for you.
Comments
co-:scion:
there was quite the stink here in toronto when the store opened.
uber PC types freakin about the racey ads.
followed by the claims that dude had slept with alot of the models / employees...
www.jewlicious.com/index.php?p=77
www.nowtoronto.com/issues/2005-03-17/news_feature.php
I went to Nordstroms with my female roommate a month ago and they had shirts (albeit they were really nice) but for $75!!! $75 for a fucking shirt.
He sounds like a real douchbag.
yeah I should of made a point of saying this in the first post. But I ain't trying to wear no nightgown out on the streets or in the workplace.
I'm talking grown & sexy...and financially reasonable
Also, another thing that works for me is going into whichever store - especially the better ones - and check to see if they have a sale rack or bin. You wouldnt believe the things you can sometimes find if you always try. Every so often you might come across a sale with up to 70 or 50% off, so on a designer garment it brings it down to reasonable prices. Also look for sample sales, or seconds if you know someone handy with repairs.
The key with 2nd hand stuff is to keep an open mind: sometimes I get stuff that's way out of season but I can make it cool if I put it in the right context. You just gotta think adaptability.
Maybe I've stated the obvious, but I tell ya most of my outfits never cost more than $50 all up, including shoes, and people can never tell I've been a cheapskate
Hunt down some factory outlets too. And take advantage of any half-yearly clearances or end of financial year sales you can, even if it's premature for your purchase (ie you dont NEED it just yet) it pays off soon enough.
Good luck!
TJ Maxx
Marshall's
Rugged Wearhouse
do the have Value City in LA? That's the best place for cheap work clothes in DC.
Or you could start wearing scrubs, I think they are relatively cheap and chicks will think you are a doctor.
well, ebay
so cool
best. shirt. ever.
It took me a while to get to this. I'm not sure what to make of this letter?
I'm certainly inclined to spend my money with companies that practice fair trade and good relations with all employees. At the same time, it is an exhausting and expensive endeavor to the point where I'm feeling ridiculously self righteous and out of touch with reality.
For a flailing attempt at a poison-pen letter, this is pretty tepid.
"I???d rather have the money than the Blackberry." ??
I feel terrible that the world of garment reteil has let this woman down rather than elevating her to a status enjoyed by all other retail employees.
So I traversed most of the Los Angeles Area this week on my quest for grown and sexy clothes for the workplace and, in conclusion, nothing beats a good ol' thrift shop.
Marshalls, Ross, Burlington Coat Factory = not friendly to the extra medium folks
Department Stores = after going through Marshals, etc I couldn't see myself dropping $80 for a single button up shirt
American Apparel = reported this shit before but $20 for a plain white tee is against my religion
Urban Outfitters = surprisingly cheap = found 2 pairs of nice pants and it only cost me a Jackson
Goodwills still got this shit locked down with nice sizes, wide variety and rackords rackords rackords.
Grown & Sexy Adam is taking the $80 that woulda went towards a button up and spending it on some modern soul instead
That means exactly what you think it means.
who's B*n?.. oh and AYO[/b]
It's just like record shopping. You don't buy crap records just cause they are in the $1 bins. But you still check the $1 bin for those "mistakes" and come off with the goods sometimes. And when you do spend some real $$$ on a record, it's because you are an educated consumer and know exactly where your money is going. So why treat clothes differently?
Do your research by scouting as many stores as possible. You probably should consider spending a little more loot too. You are complaining about $40 work pants? WTF? That's a low price for work pants. You should try to spend at least that or even a bit more than that (as long as its on quality garments) so those pants will last you for a long time due to quality craftsmanship, constructioon, good fabrics, etc.
And no Rocawear/Fubu/Ecko/Soulstrut gear for work please. You'll never get a promotion looking like that. It's time you started acting like a real adult at work. All the spring sales have started. Now go to Barneys and start dressing yourself like a real gentleman. Women will love you, your friends will respect you, your coworkers will fear you, and your manager will be replaced by you.
BTW, I work at Barneys. PM me if you need to make an appointment. I work on commission, so serious inquiries only please.
YEAH MOTHERFUCKER!!!!
Honestly it's the truth though. Adam, skip the next useless modern soul record and buy yourself some serious fucking clothes that will last and look good for years. Fuck AA, Urban, Gap/Banana, H&M, etc etc etc. Fuck with outlets, clearance like Century 21 and off season sales, you can cop great shit on the cheap. But not that cheap.
If you spend like a bum you will look bummy and bummy don't fucking win.
You should get a makavelli button up. That would be a good look for you.