Counter Culture

Abercrombie & Fitch is making headlines again. This time because, of all things, it made a $10-million donation to a Ohio hospital, and now the facility’s new emergency room and trauma center will be named after the retailer.

A coalition made up of the Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood, pediatricians and Parents for Ethical Marketing is asking Nationwide Children’s Hospital (named after a Nationwide Insurance donation) in Columbus to not use Abercrombie’s name. The group is worried because of Abercrombie’s controversial advertisements depicting scantily-clothed young people, which have had no lack of attention.
Continue reading ‘Surprise! Abercrombie at Center of Controversy’

While other retailers announced their plans to close stores in the last week, Abercrombie & Fitch has gone the other route, making public its plans to launch an underwear line called Gilly Hicks. Management of the New Albany, OH-based company had previously called the brand “Concept 5,” as it is the retailer’s fifth chain.

Gilly Hicks already has a steamy website (WARNING: It does contain some nudity), which doesn’t surprise us, as Abercrombie is known for its controversial marketing campaigns. The new chain’s name is supposed to have something to do with Sydney, Australia.
Continue reading ‘Abercrombie Goes Down Under(wear)’