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News Apr 2, 2009 @ 9:04am

AE and A+F: Under Pressure

by Natalie Hormilla

kate moss covered eyes in topshop window.jpgIt’s hard to believe that the term “fast fashion” wasn’t even in our vocabulary just a few years ago. Stores like H&M, Zara and now Topshop - which operate on a business model based on getting new shipments in stores and in front of our grabbing hands more often than Little J changes her lipstick - have totally changed the way most people (young people) shop, making retailers like Gap and J.Crew seem boring because they only get the regular number of shipments in per year.

According to the AP, at least two brands - American Eagle and Abercrombie + Fitch, are planning on getting more clothes in at a much faster rate starting this month: AE plans on getting new shipments every two weeks, and A+F plans on shorter lead times, too.

So is more clothes at a faster rate the key to the return-shopper’s heart? We think it has more to do with what you’re buying and where - After all, how many versions of the ribbed gray tank top does A+F think a girl really needs?

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(1) recommend this (6) Comments

Posted in News and Abercrombie and Fitch, American Eagle, Associated Press, Forever 21, GAP, H&M, Topshop, Zara

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1

posted by guest

Apr 02, 2009 9:49AM

and while it may increase profits marginally, it begins a confusing shipment of fabrics from god-knows-where to sweatshops in third-world countries to quickly whip something up to then be shipped to europe and america, creating environmental and human rights problems that these companies couldn't even take care of if they wanted to.

2

posted by kelleyd

Apr 02, 2009 10:24AM

It seems like Topshop and H&M's cred among the hipster crowd is really what enables them to renew their racks so often. Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't 99.99% of the fashion world like hopelessly devoted to Kate Moss? While the general population is mostly just confused by her?

Plus, a lot of their buzz comes from designer collaborations, and while we care about labels/designers outside of Louis Vuitton and--vomit of all vomits--Juicy Couture, I doubt the same is true of most A&E/A+F customers.

AND, andandand they sell BASICS. I mean, it's like you said: do you really need a new pink Henley every two weeks?
No. The answer's no.

On the bright side, their clearance section will probably expand, which means that when we DO need basics, we can get 'em for cheap.

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3

posted by Justina

Apr 02, 2009 11:09AM

I worked at AE for a few years in high school, and all I have to say is hopefully each new shipment doesn't require a new floorset. Because that would be painful.

Also, I must add that you can never have too many basics. And underwear.

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4

posted by guest

Apr 02, 2009 12:12PM

American Eagle has actually been really great lately. They changed up their style a bit and are more on trend. I got some geat tanks, a white blazer, and boyfriend jeans from there. Plus with their point system you get a percent off every month and they send additional coupons as well, plus the quality is better than h&m. That's good they're getting more stuff in because it means more variety and more sales.

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5

posted by guest

Apr 02, 2009 12:52PM

I agree with guest #2. Although I love getting my basics from A&F, my shirts last so long that I only make a trip there once a year to restock.

But at least they'll have more sells.

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posted by bananahana

Apr 02, 2009 3:53PM

All I thought of when reading this article was.. more clearance items!

American Eagle is getting a bit better with their image which makes me happy.

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