Alert on shopping at Abercrombie & Fitch/Don't take kids in!

[Alicia64]

Hi Everyone,

 

A friend and her 12-year old daughter were walking around a mall, and her daughter said she wanted to stop in Abercrombie and Fitch. As soon as they walked in, they were struck by shocking pornographic images.

 

The picture shows a fully naked young man stands behind a topless young woman, with his genitals pressed agains her buttocks. He appears to be wearing a mask. Her head is not visible. They are both pulling her pants down. Her pants are below her hips in front, and half-way down her buttocks in back.

 

Alley

[Teachin'Mine]

That's outrageous! Apparently it's gotten even worse than what they were doing in 2003:

 

http://www.snopes.com/politics/christmas/abercrombie.asp

 

I not only won't go in - thanks for the warning - but I won't buy anything from them ever again. Sickening.

[Journey]

i'm sorry but i just don't believe that. I'm not saying your friend is a liar but i don't believe that the picture can even be displayed as you describe it. Do you have actual proof that the picture is what you describe? I agree that some of A&F's pictures are racey but the picture you describe doesn't even sound as if it would be legal and if your friend's daughter is 12 she probably when in the A&F kids store which makes even less sense to me that they would have such a picture on display. Sorry.

[NicAnn]

i'm sorry but i just don't believe that. I'm not saying your friend is a liar but i don't believe that the picture can even be displayed as you describe it. Do you have actual proof that the picture is what you describe? I agree that some of A&F's pictures are racey but the picture you describe doesn't even sound as if it would be legal and if your friend's daughter is 12 she probably when in the A&F kids store which makes even less sense to me that they would have such a picture on display. Sorry.

 

The pictures don't show anything other than the butt (and it's the top part), but the people are usually naked in the ads, just covered up in some other way- hands, blanket, etc.

 

I used to work and Abercrombie, and while I don't agree with their advertising (or the store of that matter), they are known for it.

[TN Mama]

http://www.kare11.com/news/article/949222/14/Abercrombie-pushing-the-boundaries-once-again

 

Shows the ad in question.

 

ETA: Although not well.

Edited December 4, 2011 by TN Mama

[Catwoman]

Many of the posters in the A&F stores have been tasteless for quite some time. The worst thing is that several are visible from outside the store, so you don't even have to go inside to see them.

 

Abercrombie and Fitch are probably rolling over in their graves, because A&F didn't used to be this kind of company AT ALL.

 

You know things are bad when you make sure you walk on the Victoria's Secret side of the aisle at the mall with your dc, because you want to avoid the Abercrombie store... :tongue_smilie:

Edited December 4, 2011 by Catwoman

[Janie Grace]

I don't go into A&F so I don't know how it compares with other ads, but that ad is over the line IMO. If one of my kids saw it by accident, I'd be *ticked*.

[Janie Grace]

i'm sorry but i just don't believe that. I'm not saying your friend is a liar but i don't believe that the picture can even be displayed as you describe it. Do you have actual proof that the picture is what you describe? I agree that some of A&F's pictures are racey but the picture you describe doesn't even sound as if it would be legal and if your friend's daughter is 12 she probably when in the A&F kids store which makes even less sense to me that they would have such a picture on display. Sorry.

 

Did you see the ad? Her description is pretty accurate.

[chepyl]

I went in there once in high school and have never been back. They sent my sister the back to school college guide when she was 12 or 13, my mom was furious! It was the most ridiculous thing I have seen! I can believe they had that picture on the wall. I would honestly never by theory clothes for my kids.

[Alte Veste Academy]

http://www.kare11.com/news/article/949222/14/Abercrombie-pushing-the-boundaries-once-again

 

Shows the ad in question.

 

ETA: Although not well.

 

It shows it well enough and the OP's description of it sounds dead on. Seriously inappropriate advertising for any establishment that sells to children and teens.

[melissel]

http://www.kare11.com/news/article/949222/14/Abercrombie-pushing-the-boundaries-once-again

 

Shows the ad in question.

 

ETA: Although not well.

 

:blink: Yeesh. I mean, it's not in the kids' store, at least, but still, it's definitely pushing boundaries. I guess it's true that any publicity is good publicity, eh?

[imagine.more]

Oh yeah, I'm not surprised, they've had ads that were heading that direction for ages. My sister always bought from there but I hated going in the store, it was so trashy and they keep it super dark, I could hardly see the clothes in the store in atlanta. But yeah, looking at the newest picture, wow! That is disturbing for sure. Luckily their clothes are flimsy and poor quality anyway, so it's no loss to not shop there honestly.

[Anne in CA]

This reminds me of the 2003 catalog. I had to warn my then 16yo step dd that if someone gave her those clothes for Christmas we would have to put them in the trash. I explained that if she, a nice girl who everyone knows goes to church and puts God first in her life, wore those clothes it would seem as though good people are fine with that advertising. She was shocked that I had to tell her.

 

"The girls who sleep around wear those clothes, I wouldn't wear them no matter what!" she exclaimed. I was so relieved she wasn't annoyed with my little talk, lol.

[Jennifer3141]

This is how this particular chain makes their living - they push the edge between child pornography and child clothing. I personally think it's gross and my kids won't ever own anything from it but the controversy fuels the stores. I think the best response is to talk with your children about WHY it's so offensive and keep an open dialogue.

 

I do long for the day when we stop selling stuff either made by children's hands or sexualizing them.

 

I have already had a talk with my 7 year old DD about A&F - they had a pink shirt in the window and my DD loves all things pink. They also had a picture of a scantily clothed girl child nearby and we stood in the door while I explained why I wouldn't spend money there - that I believed little girls bodies (actually ANY female) should not be used to sell things and I worried about the little girls' relationships with their bodies, etc. etc.

 

Now when we see that store, DD passes it with me and we always end up chatting about how special her body is and how much I'm trying to keep her safe and happy and ALL other little girls in the world.

 

We even made a donation to an anti-trafficking website to try to help a little. I wish I had $270 million for stuff like that.

[DarlaS]

Apparently you can either buy A&F clothes or put your kid in private school. :001_rolleyes:

[Janie Grace]

Apparently you can either buy A&F clothes or put your kid in private school. :001_rolleyes:

 

Huh? Are you talking about how expensive they are? Confused. :confused:

[JFSinIL]

While I hardly consider it pornographic, it is inappropriate. Very inappropriate. Probably appeals to the desired young customer, though.

 

My mom used to have, as a joke, the nude Burt Reynolds poster in her bathroom. And remember young Drew Barrymore and the snake?

[MBM]

American Apparel is not much better. When I take my niece shopping, the one store in that particular mall that I won't support is American Apparel. No. Way.

 

The character of the founder and CEO, Dov Charney, is worth reading about. Blech.

[DarlaS]

Huh? Are you talking about how expensive they are? Confused. :confused:

 

I was referring to what John Marinovich, (CEO and Partner of AB Group One Brand Marketing Agency) said on the video link TN Mama posted.

 

It's honestly the first time I've seen an actual grown man imply that not wearing a certain brand of clothes will cause your kid to be a loser outcast. And he seemed quite serious.

[angela in ohio]

You don't even have to go in the store. I was at the mall with my girls yesterday, and we were suprised by the shopping bags from A&F.

[Denise in Florida]

My dd18 has a male friend who works at A&F (he is over 18, also). His 'work station' on Black Friday was to walk around the store shirtless. He also was assigned to stand in front of the store shirtless to help draw in crowds. He did not have to hand out flyers or help customers. Just stand there and look buff and shirtless and greet the customers. :001_huh:

 

He and dd18 thought this was funny. I decided to swallow my feminist rant about exploitation and unrealistic body images. :lol:

[gingersmom]

We were in there last week and it is so dark and it is hard to see anything. Plus I am concentrating on not breathing because the stench of the perfume/cologne is so overwhelming.

 

My kids looked at the clothes and nothing else.

 

Everything was 40%. They were too busy shopping to bother to notice any pictures.

[Alicia64]

This sort of thing seems innocuous. It's just an ad. Right? It's just a store. IF you don't want to go into it. Don't. Right?

 

But this sort of thing is insidious. (I know you know, but I think reexamining the definition of insidious addresses this ad issue well -- because I think this stuff is happening in too many places in our culture):

 

adjective

 

1. intended to entrap or beguile: an insidious plan.

2. stealthily treacherous or deceitful: an insidious enemy.

 

3.

operating or proceeding in an inconspicuous or seemingly harmless way but actually with grave effect: an insidious disease.

 

Alley

[bcnlvr]

A&F uses that type of advertising because it has worked for them in the past. The A&F ad, to me, is just as offensive as those kiddie ads on children's channels. (Hence we have no tv. We can watch whatever we need on streaming, dvd, or hulu. We are also surrounded by fabulous Goodwill stores and don't shop in malls.)

 

My point is that one is exposed to that stuff if one goes where that stuff is known to be.

[Alicia64]

A&F uses that type of advertising because it has worked for them in the past. The A&F ad, to me, is just as offensive as those kiddie ads on children's channels. (Hence we have no tv. We can watch whatever we need on streaming, dvd, or hulu. We are also surrounded by fabulous Goodwill stores and don't shop in malls.)

 

My point is that one is exposed to that stuff if one goes where that stuff is known to be.

 

Well said. And we live the same life as your family. I still say the issue is bigger than just an A & F ad. To me, it's indicative of a much larger problem in our culture.

 

But, yes, you're right. Vote with your feet. (My concern is that too many people take the, "oh, well, what are you gonna do?" attitude).

 

Alley

[Catwoman]

It's honestly the first time I've seen an actual grown man imply that not wearing a certain brand of clothes will cause your kid to be a loser outcast. And he seemed quite serious.

 

I'm sure he was serious. That sort of thing has been going on for years -- or at least it has where we live.

[unsinkable]

Gosh, from the OP's description I thought we were going to see frank and beans...

[melissel]

Gosh, from the OP's description I thought we were going to see frank and beans...

 

:svengo::smilielol5: We're not far from it though!

[Word Nerd]

FWIW, this thread is exactly the kind of buzz they're aiming for. Negative publicity is still publicity.

[Princess Peach]

A few years ago, Improv Everywhere had 111 guys walk into the A&F in NYC and take their shirts off. They all got kicked out. You Tube video

.

[Guest]

We were in there last week and it is so dark and it is hard to see anything. Plus I am concentrating on not breathing because the stench of the perfume/cologne is so overwhelming.

 

My kids looked at the clothes and nothing else.

 

Everything was 40%. They were too busy shopping to bother to notice any pictures.

 

That's why I don't like Hollister. Too dark in the store.

[Jennifer3141]

Gosh, from the OP's description I thought we were going to see frank and beans...

 

Just some serious hints of buns... :D

[Jennifer3141]

That's why I don't like Hollister. Too dark in the store.

 

That's so you don't notice how poorly made the stuff actually is!!

[Catwoman]

That's why I don't like Hollister. Too dark in the store.

 

:iagree:

 

We were at a mall last week, and I thought Hollister had gone out of business because it was so dark in there.

 

I know they're trying for a cool and distinctive appearance to set themselves apart from all of the other storefronts, but the closed shutters on the sides and dark interiors (that make it hard to see inside the store) often just makes it look like they are closed, particularly if you're walking past pretty quickly.

[DarlaS]

I'm sure he was serious. That sort of thing has been going on for years -- or at least it has where we live.

 

I'm familiar with the attitude. I just didn't expect to hear it from an adult. Like it's just an accepted fact your child's peers will judge their worthiness as a human being based on their wardrobe.

 

Grown-ups are supposed to be the voice of reason to help kids get through all that crap. Of course, this is an ad exec. They paid (way too well) to pander to the most vapid and shallow side of human nature. Tell people anything long enough and you actually do start to believe it yourself.

[MrsJewelsRae]

I will not give a cent of my $ to A&F due to their despicable advertising. I wouldn't wear something with their brand on it even if it were free.

[elegantlion]

Remember the Brooke Shields Calvin Klein ad? What was that, 3 decades ago? skin has been selling for a long time.

 

Now if there was just a kilt store in the mall....:tongue_smilie:

[cougarmom4]

I will not give a cent of my $ to A&F due to their despicable advertising. I wouldn't wear something with their brand on it even if it were free.

 

:iagree: I'm with you. I will add it to my boycotted list with Carls, Jr (due to their inappropriate commercials...) and take my money elsewhere!

[FloridaLisa]

I will not give a cent of my $ to A&F due to their despicable advertising. I wouldn't wear something with their brand on it even if it were free.

 

 

:iagree: wholeheartedly.

 

I would never buy new and we have refused to wear as hand-me-downs. It's so sad to throw away perfectly good clothes, but I would never, ever want my kids to advertise for or represent that kind of stuff.

 

Lisa

[Myeightkiddies]

I've never been inside those stores let alone buy something, so I can't make a firsthand account of their advertising. But, I'm just curious as to what half-naked models have to do with selling clothing. Just seems counter-productive.

[justamouse]

Many of the posters in the A&F stores have been tasteless for quite some time. The worst thing is that several are visible from outside the store, so you don't even have to go inside to see them.

 

Abercrombie and Fitch are probably rolling over in their graves, because A&F didn't used to be this kind of company AT ALL.

 

You know things are bad when you make sure you walk on the Victoria's Secret side of the aisle at the mall with your dc, because you want to avoid the Abercrombie store... :tongue_smilie:

:iagree:

 

We are friends with a founding family of AF, and yeah, this is NOT what the family is about, at all.

 

I haven't shopped there since it was rebranded and won't.

[Ali in OR]

FWIW, this thread is exactly the kind of buzz they're aiming for. Negative publicity is still publicity.

 

I actually appreciate threads like this. I live in a town with no mall and thankfully have no exposure to this stuff. But we do go to malls when we are out of town, and as my kids are outgrowing Gymboree and Children's Place, I have to figure out where to shop next. At least now I know where NOT to shop. The kids in our town are probably a lot healthier mentally and emotionally for not having to wear this stuff to fit in.

[kalanamak]

I just tell kiddo anyplace spending this much on advertising is overpriced. Now he points such things out to me.

 

If we did see a photo like that, I'd remark that people who aren't clever enough to make something interesting or brilliant stoop to fear-mongering or sex, and it is a sign of low intelligence. He's believes me, for now.

[Catwoman]

I'm familiar with the attitude. I just didn't expect to hear it from an adult. Like it's just an accepted fact your child's peers will judge their worthiness as a human being based on their wardrobe.

 

As unfortunate as it is, my feeling is that the kids have to learn that kind of attitude somewhere, and I can't help but assume that many of them are learning it from their parents.

 

I know several women who are incredibly judgmental about other adults' clothing, cars, homes, jewelry, etc., so I'm not at all surprised that their kids have followed in their footsteps.

[ThatCyndiGirl]

Hi Everyone,

 

A friend and her 12-year old daughter were walking around a mall, and her daughter said she wanted to stop in Abercrombie and Fitch. As soon as they walked in, they were struck by shocking pornographic images.

 

The picture shows a fully naked young man stands behind a topless young woman, with his genitals pressed agains her buttocks. He appears to be wearing a mask. Her head is not visible. They are both pulling her pants down. Her pants are below her hips in front, and half-way down her buttocks in back.

 

Alley

 

 

Based on their past advertising and the fact that she found it shocking (I would, too!) I'm shocked that she would take her kid in there in the first place. Their ads have shown sexualized images, some of kids, for years. :confused:

[NanceXToo]

It's risqué but it's not pornographic. And I guess I'm in the minority but it doesn't even really bother me.

[6packofun]

A plumber's crack or the Coppertone kid or the rear of a silly football game streaker is "just some buns". This is buns in a highly sexual pose. Some people see the difference and care.

[elise1mds]

Remember the Brooke Shields Calvin Klein ad? What was that, 3 decades ago? skin has been selling for a long time.

 

Now if there was just a kilt store in the mall....:tongue_smilie:

 

:lol:

 

I've never been a fan of A&F... really, I'm not a fan of most stores at the mall. Give me a good ol' department store any day.

 

I also remember way back in high school, an artsy friend of mine made his own knock-off A&F T-shirt. It read "Abercrumby & Filth." I thought (and still think!) that was incredibly appropriate.

[keptwoman]

I was referring to what John Marinovich, (CEO and Partner of AB Group One Brand Marketing Agency) said on the video link TN Mama posted.

 

It's honestly the first time I've seen an actual grown man imply that not wearing a certain brand of clothes will cause your kid to be a loser outcast. And he seemed quite serious.

I didn't read what he said that way at all. I read it as having your kids in school uniform would mean less nagging to buy A&F.

 

It's risqué but it's not pornographic. And I guess I'm in the minority but it doesn't even really bother me.

:iagree:

[Teachin'Mine]

I went in there once in high school and have never been back. They sent my sister the back to school college guide when she was 12 or 13, my mom was furious! It was the most ridiculous thing I have seen! I can believe they had that picture on the wall. I would honestly never by theory clothes for my kids.

 

I never had, but wanted their marketing, in case they're searching for "opinions", to see that I wouldn't buy anything there ever again. That's true. But it's also true that I've never bought anything there in the past. :D