American retailer Abercrombie & Fitch focuses on upscale casual clothes for young adults. It was founded in 1892, and the company has come under fire for its practice of burning unsold clothes. Does Abercrombie burn unsold?
Yes. Abercrombie does burn unsold items. We don’t know how long they’ve been doing it, but we do know that it’s happening. Abercrombie & Fitch Co., the parent company of A&F and Hollister brands, does indeed burn its unsold merchandise to keep prices artificially high and prevent low-income consumers from buying “cheap” secondhand clothes at thrift stores or other discount retailers.
Abercrombie denied these claims, saying that they only destroy damaged or defective merchandise. However, many people believe that the company is still burning clothes, as they have been caught doing so in the past. In this blog post, we will explore all the details surrounding this issue and help you to come to your own conclusions.
What Does Abercrombie Sell?
Abercrombie & Fitch sells upscale casual wear for young adults. This includes clothes, shoes, and accessories for both men and women. The company is known for its high prices, partly because they burn unsold clothes.
By keeping the brand exclusive, they can charge more for their merchandise.
Abercrombie Controversy
Abercrombie & Fitch has a long history of controversy. From burning unsold clothes to racism and sexism, the company has faced much criticism over the years. Abercrombie is more concerned with maintaining its image than anything else.
In addition to burning clothes, Abercrombie has also been accused of racism and sexism. The company has been criticized for its lack of diversity, as well as its use of offensive marketing tactics.
People’s Reaction to Burning
The public’s reaction to Abercrombie’s practice of burning unsold clothes has been largely negative. Many people are shocked and appalled that the company would destroy perfectly good clothing to keep its brand exclusive.
Others argue that Abercrombie is doing what any other business does: disposing of damaged or defective merchandise. However, many believe that the company is still burning clothes, as they have been caught doing so in the past.
Whether or not Abercrombie is still burning clothes, the general consensus is that it is an unethical and shameful practice. Not only does it contribute to pollution, but it also creates a waste of resources. Moreover, it sends a message that only those who can afford to buy new clothes are worthy of wearing Abercrombie’s clothing.
Does Abercrombie Still Burn Regularly?
If you’re wondering whether Abercrombie burns unsold clothing regularly, the answer is no—but not for lack of trying. A spokesman for the company told Business Insider that they don’t burn unsold clothing regularly but sometimes burn damaged or overstocked merchandise.
This may surprise some people, who might think clothing retailers would rather get rid of their stock than see it go to waste. But Business Insider explains, “Abercrombie’s policies are rooted in tradition and environmentalism.”
In a company blog post, Abercrombie & Fitch said it destroys unsold clothing to prevent it from being stolen or sold on the black market.
Burning Practice History
The practice of burning unsold clothing dates back to the 1990s when customers discovered charred fragments of brand-new jeans in dumpsters outside Gap stores.
The denim retailer denied responsibility, blamed third-party contractors for the fires, and never explained why they would want to burn perfectly good clothes.
The company has since called for an end to the practice. But other brands still destroy their merchandise after it’s outlived its usefulness—or even before it goes on sale—to prevent theft or counterfeiting.
Want to learn more about Abercrombie? Check out our related articles to learn if Abercrombie has free returns, if Abercrombie accepts Apple Pay, and when Abercrombie restocks.
Final Words
Abercrombie & Fitch has always been a company that is known for its high-end and exclusive clothing.
However, they took it to the next level a few years ago when rumors began circulating that they were burning their unsold clothes to maintain their brand image and exclusivity.
- At first, the company denied these claims, but recent investigations have shown that there may be some truth to them after all.
- Abercrombie doesn’t burn clothes regularly, but it does have a history of doing so in the past. If you’re worried about where your unsold merchandise is going, think twice before buying it.
- So what does this mean for Abercrombie & Fitch? And more importantly, what can other companies learn from their mistakes?