Outraged!

Yes but it's getting media attention. Most of their clothes won't fit people with real bodies anyway so they will most likely still maintain their customer base. NOW, if they made a homophobic or racist comment, I guarantee that base would dwindle

Every body has a real body. Saying that people who fit their clothes don't have a "real" body isn't any better than saying those who don't fit their clothes aren't cool or attractive.

Well it's my opinion and it's mine to have. Their clothes are made for mannequins, those aren't real bodies now are they?

The CEO can have his opinion--that doesn't affect me, and I couldn't be bothered. I fit into their clothes, but I'm not a regular, loyal customer. I have a few of their tops, though.

What I have a problem with is the notion that plus-sized girls are "uncool" or "not good-looking". I remember kids getting teased mercilessly in middle school for not fitting into a certain size or wearing a certain brand. That a man who caters specifically to that age group can justify and even encourage that kind of bullying is frankly disgusting to me.

And for all of the people defending him by arguing that "all stores have cut-offs", and to those of you who (hopefully jokingly) argued that Lane Bryant is the exact same way:

THE INTENT IS COMPLETELY DIFFERENT. When the Children's Place doesn't offer adult-sized clothing, it isn't because they think adults are "icky" and "ugly." When Lane Bryant only offers plus-sized clothing, it isn't because they think SKINNY people are hideous.

With A&F, the CEO has made it explicitly clear that the reason they cater to smaller women is because they find larger women unattractive, uncool, and ugly. It is a negative message, instead of an empowering one.

I won't shop there, and that is my right as a consumer when I am displeased with the ethical stand of the company's owners.
It's like the Chick Fil' A situation a few months back. The CEO is entitled to his opinion, but I am entitled to mine, too, and if I am disgusted enough to boycott the store, then so be it.

thats right, power to the feminists! How dare you try to force woman into the "hot" box that society desires....lets march on DC ladies....!

Sarcasm, how attractive. Look, I get it. We don't want people to be unhealthy. That's the purpose of this site.
But tearing down overweight people is never the answer--especially when those overweight people are at a vulnerable age.

That being said, I am a feminist, though I think targeting this CEO wouldn't solve a freaking thing. It is society's perception of women that is messed up, and he is just a member of the star-struck, deluded masses.

Ok - I will take my wise as# hat off and put on my serious one. It is a Free Market and the CEO can sell and/or market to whatever group he says fit. You at the same time have the right to buy, or not buy his produce. However, his catering to skinny "hot" people is no different then walmart catering to low income people. In business you find your niche and exploit it for profit gain/maximization ...

Ok - wise *kitten* hat back now...i

How is that any different than what I said in my original comment? I know that stores must find their niche in order to survive--but most stores don't shame and insult all those who DON'T fit into their little niche, and that's where A&F's CEO went wrong.

Yes but it's getting media attention. Most of their clothes won't fit people with real bodies anyway so they will most likely still maintain their customer base. NOW, if they made a homophobic or racist comment, I guarantee that base would dwindle

I don't know about that. Will it increase brand loyalty among some? Of course! Some people love scandal.

But think about it this way: approximately 6 percent of the American population is estimated to be gay.
The average woman is a size 12. The likelihood of someone knowing and loving a plus-sized lady (whether it be their mom, this sister, or their friend) is much more likely than someone being close to a gay person. Fat-shaming and bullying are also becoming increasingly pervasive in the public consciousness.
I guess what I'm saying is that these insensitive statements are likely to attract much more anger now than ever, and that may translate into losses.

If the CEO of a sports car dealer made a statement that he hates people that drive SUVs, considers them all degenerates, and unworthy of his presence.....would I buy a sports car from him? If it was the sports car I liked the most, yes!

I'd be more interested to see if actual people who shop at A&F are at all swayed by such statements. Because that's the only people that matter in this argument.

Yes but it's getting media attention. Most of their clothes won't fit people with real bodies anyway so they will most likely still maintain their customer base. NOW, if they made a homophobic or racist comment, I guarantee that base would dwindle

Every body has a real body. Saying that people who fit their clothes don't have a "real" body isn't any better than saying those who don't fit their clothes aren't cool or attractive.

Well it's my opinion and it's mine to have. Their clothes are made for mannequins, those aren't real bodies now are they?

Except that there are real people who wear their clothes, and even more who can fit their clothing, not just mannequins.

That's nice, I don't really care though. I just like making my post count go up.

Yes, I've seen you say that or similar before.

The CEO can have his opinion--that doesn't affect me, and I couldn't be bothered. I fit into their clothes, but I'm not a regular, loyal customer. I have a few of their tops, though.

What I have a problem with is the notion that plus-sized girls are "uncool" or "not good-looking". I remember kids getting teased mercilessly in middle school for not fitting into a certain size or wearing a certain brand. That a man who caters specifically to that age group can justify and even encourage that kind of bullying is frankly disgusting to me.

And for all of the people defending him by arguing that "all stores have cut-offs", and to those of you who (hopefully jokingly) argued that Lane Bryant is the exact same way:

THE INTENT IS COMPLETELY DIFFERENT. When the Children's Place doesn't offer adult-sized clothing, it isn't because they think adults are "icky" and "ugly." When Lane Bryant only offers plus-sized clothing, it isn't because they think SKINNY people are hideous.

With A&F, the CEO has made it explicitly clear that the reason they cater to smaller women is because they find larger women unattractive, uncool, and ugly. It is a negative message, instead of an empowering one.

I won't shop there, and that is my right as a consumer when I am displeased with the ethical stand of the company's owners.
It's like the Chick Fil' A situation a few months back. The CEO is entitled to his opinion, but I am entitled to mine, too, and if I am disgusted enough to boycott the store, then so be it.

thats right, power to the feminists! How dare you try to force woman into the "hot" box that society desires....lets march on DC ladies....!

Sarcasm, how attractive. Look, I get it. We don't want people to be unhealthy. That's the purpose of this site.
But tearing down overweight people is never the answer--especially when those overweight people are at a vulnerable age.

That being said, I am a feminist, though I think targeting this CEO wouldn't solve a freaking thing. It is society's perception of women that is messed up, and he is just a member of the star-struck, deluded masses.

Ok - I will take my wise as# hat off and put on my serious one. It is a Free Market and the CEO can sell and/or market to whatever group he says fit. You at the same time have the right to buy, or not buy his produce. However, his catering to skinny "hot" people is no different then walmart catering to low income people. In business you find your niche and exploit it for profit gain/maximization ...

Ok - wise *kitten* hat back now...i

How is that any different than what I said in my original comment? I know that stores must find their niche in order to survive--but most stores don't shame and insult all those who DON'T fit into their little niche, and that's where A&F's CEO went wrong.

I was referring to the fact that people somehow find this offensive. Its a free market/free country deal with it. If you want the State to determine what is approved and/or not approved for sale then move to communist China or Stalinist Russia.

Dude, NO ONE IS SAYING THAT.
I thought it was the right of the consumer in a free market to CHOOSE what to buy? And if something offends them, they have to option to not shop there?

My offense to his statements, and the offense of many others here, is a PERFECT example of the free market economy at work.

right, and he has the right to say and push whatever clothing line he wants...

Isn't that what I've been saying this ENTIRE FREAKING TIME?
Seriously, what was the point of this drawn out debate if you agree with me?

AF attracts middle - upper class predominantly white teens. That's their target market. Teens in general have a high metabolism and are more likely to be in shape (see freshman year of college).

Teens who shop at AF really usually don't give a crap about feelings for "fat people", lets be honest here.

Again this CEO is a PR genius in my opinion, doing this on purpose and now everyone is talking about it and the kids who might buy into the image are gonna pile on. The amount of business they gain vs lose is gonna be substantially in the positive.

That remains to be seen. I'm an eternal optimist. I'm in that age group, and I've always fit in their clothes, but I wouldn't shop there anymore. Personally, I hope that business goes down, but if it doesn't, that's fine, too. People can make their own choices--I just choose not to give my money to that store anymore. This is 'Murica after all.

wow you like to yell hugh...

I win, your pissed...

bahahahahahahahahaha

Yes but it's getting media attention. Most of their clothes won't fit people with real bodies anyway so they will most likely still maintain their customer base. NOW, if they made a homophobic or racist comment, I guarantee that base would dwindle

Every body has a real body. Saying that people who fit their clothes don't have a "real" body isn't any better than saying those who don't fit their clothes aren't cool or attractive.

Well it's my opinion and it's mine to have. Their clothes are made for mannequins, those aren't real bodies now are they?

Except that there are real people who wear their clothes, and even more who can fit their clothing, not just mannequins.

That's nice, I don't really care though. I just like making my post count go up.

Yes, I've seen you say that or similar before.

Quotes or it didn't happen.

So, do you wear A&F clothes or do you just like to play troll?

I think the post was deleted, if not I am too lazy to search it, its the one about the brother who didn't like the guy hitting on his sister.

I am pretty sure earlier in the thread I said I don't shop there because it makes me feel old because I hate the loud music and how dark it is (even when I wasn't as old). I had never even noticed the sizing because I only walked through the store.

I don't understand how I am trolling at all. First time I have ever even been accused of it. Although its odd that someone who is arguing for the sake of a post count is accusing me of trolling....