a review by
LingEatsCake
Dec 13, 2008
Urban Outfitters
A retailer ... see full wiki
Urban Outfitters, founded in 1970 in Pennsylvania, also includes the retail brand Anthropologie, Free People, and Terrain and Leifsdottir (wholesale Anthropologie). In addition to stores across the United States, Urban Outfitters also operates … more
12 reviews about Urban Outfitters
LingEatsCake's Review
The Wal-mart for Hipsters
Rating:
+2
Urban Outfitters is the equivalent of eating at Burger King for me. It feels great while I'm there, cheerfully snacking on my Chicken Fries and Icee, but afterwards I just feel ethically and physically wrong. Here's why:
The Good
OU definitely does certain things right. It does a smart job of interpreting what the kids are into these days and offering these items up faster for consumption, with more variety, than any other retailer.
The Bad
Unfortunately, their in-house brands (which I believe are Kimchi & Blue, Lux, Fairy Tales Come True, etc) exhibit some of the worst workmanship I've ever seen. They're pretty much H&M quality, but at jacked-up prices. $49.99 for that blouse that will only last one season? No, thank you! Almost everything from their in-house brands have fallen apart on me quickly. Either that or there's something wrong — the dye rubs off, or the buttons are too heavy for that thin faux-silk material. There's always something.
Secondly, many of the designs of their in-house brands do steal from just-starting independent designers who haven't learned the business chops of trademarking their creations. Maybe it's a lesson in "All's fair in commerce and trends," but considering that the company is stealing from the creative-type consumers who actually shop there, it's a complete lack of respect. Remember those "I [heart] Sushi" or "I [heart] Pad Thai" T-shirts UO sold way back in early 2000s? Those designs originated with a one-woman 20-something designer who sold her totes and shirts on a website. I have no idea what's going on with her own.
Redeemed?
HOWEVER the exception to all my bitching here is that UO's capsule collaborations with up-and-coing fashion designers like Steven Alan, Charlotte Ronson, Cheap Monday, are actually fantastic. The quality of these collaboration pieces are great: better-than-average materials, thick cotton, sturdy construction. The one thing that's off is their sizing, but hey, my ego can take wearing a Medium.
Lately, I've seen UO really diversify in carrying designs that aren't their in-house brands. BDG makes great cardigans, Cheap Monday makes great jeans, Frye makes fantastic boots. If they keep this up, I'd shop there more.
Oh god, I can't bring myself to shop at Urban anymore. I worked there for OVER a year; it was AWFUL.
On April 08, 2009
Reply
I gotta say that although I don't shop there, they carry some neat stuff. And you're right, I've heard friends complaining about their in-house brands, too. But they're always packed, so they must be doing something right, lol.
On January 05, 2009
Reply
Yeah, my thoughts exactly. Though I'm much busier these days, and can't afford the time to shift thru thrift stores. I think that's why a lot of my peers still go here.
On December 19, 2008
Reply
Everytime I go here and think something is cute I just have to remind myself that if I were really cool I would take pride in thrift store hunting and indie boutique shopping. Then I remember that I'm broke, so it doesn't matter anyway. I also usually don't like the people that work here.
On December 19, 2008
Reply
I know, if Anthro was just a tad cheaper they'd be the only store I would buy from. I love their unique vintage style.
On December 14, 2008
Reply
All 12 reviews
College Fashionistas Love Urban Outfitters
Rating:
+5
Urban Outfitters is one of the few companies that has truly been able to perfect the balance of high design and low price. College students tend to gravitate towards their clothing because they offer accessible fashion and unique pieces while still within the budget of a college student. Whether you have $300 to spend or $50 to spend on winter boots, your need can be met without compromise. Their online store is also vast and there is something to be said for a site where you can find a dress for a sorority formal and a plaid shirt for class in the same place.
Here are just a few of my favorite standout pieces:
Item 1
Item 2
Check out www.CollegeFashionista.com for more college fashion advice.
Here are just a few of my favorite standout pieces:
Item 1
Item 2
Check out www.CollegeFashionista.com for more college fashion advice.
urban outfitters- disappointing
Rating:
-5
I'm so disappointed. I ordered a wall print from Urban Outfitters, and it got here last night. I was looking forward to opening the package, but I was so let down and annoyed when it got here. It's ripped in three places, and it's absolutely filthy. I mean it has huge big piles and streaks of dust and brown dirt all over it. It also smells mildewy.
It is the print "Migration" and I'm very disappointed in how it could have gotten shipped out to me with three tears in the canvas and very noticeable dirt and dust all over the piece.
It is the print "Migration" and I'm very disappointed in how it could have gotten shipped out to me with three tears in the canvas and very noticeable dirt and dust all over the piece.
What a drag. I won't be ordering from them in the future, and I will be furious if I am not refunded the seven bucks I was charged for "oversize" shipping. Moreover, if I'm charged to return the piece, that will be a total rip.
Ugly Corporate Store Plays Hipster Dress Up - An -Ex-Employee's Tale
Rating:
-5
I'm sorry to say that I worked at Urban Outfitters for over a year, working my way up to Cash Wrap Team Lead (that means I rang people up, and was in charge-ish of other people who rang people up). It was a TERRIBLE job.
Urban may retail to funky young things who nonchalantly tie their flannels around their waists, but the company is anything but cool. As an employee, you see the great corporate beast in action constantly. It ain't fun at 3:00am after a "perfect close" (i.e. fold every item in the store perfectly all night long) to have the manager inform you that it's time for a "bag drop." A bag drop entails you dumping out the contents of your purse or bag onto the floor, while a superior rifles through its contents.
My mother was horrified when she came to visit me and I took her to "my store" for a look around. When we left, I was searched by a security guard. This includes emptying your pockets, lifting the bottom cuffs of your pants to prove you have nothing shoved up in them, and having all bags looked through.
I was eventually fired from the first of two stores I worked in by the men's manager for calling out sick (it was my second sick day in 8 months). I doubt he would've fired me had I taken "an interest" in him as he had in me. The store wrote me a letter of recommendation and issued a formal apology.
Anyway, I could go on forever. It's a terrible place to work and to shop (I couldn't tell you how many people brought in items to return that they wore one time, which were already ruined). The quality is obviously bad, and so is the way they treat their staff. I haven't shopped here since I quit my awful job.
Urban may retail to funky young things who nonchalantly tie their flannels around their waists, but the company is anything but cool. As an employee, you see the great corporate beast in action constantly. It ain't fun at 3:00am after a "perfect close" (i.e. fold every item in the store perfectly all night long) to have the manager inform you that it's time for a "bag drop." A bag drop entails you dumping out the contents of your purse or bag onto the floor, while a superior rifles through its contents.
My mother was horrified when she came to visit me and I took her to "my store" for a look around. When we left, I was searched by a security guard. This includes emptying your pockets, lifting the bottom cuffs of your pants to prove you have nothing shoved up in them, and having all bags looked through.
I was eventually fired from the first of two stores I worked in by the men's manager for calling out sick (it was my second sick day in 8 months). I doubt he would've fired me had I taken "an interest" in him as he had in me. The store wrote me a letter of recommendation and issued a formal apology.
Anyway, I could go on forever. It's a terrible place to work and to shop (I couldn't tell you how many people brought in items to return that they wore one time, which were already ruined). The quality is obviously bad, and so is the way they treat their staff. I haven't shopped here since I quit my awful job.
Admittedly hip but doesn't last
Rating:
+2
Urban Outfitters looks like a hip, happening store right in the inner circle of the hipster empire. If you're looking for something a little edgier and less bubblegum, this place probably has something to fit the bill. That is, if the item you're looking for is meant for one-time use and you don't mind ransoming your left arm as payment. If you've ever visited their site, there is a ridiculously large number of products that have received negative reviews based on poor craftsmanship and laughably exorbitant prices. Sorry, but $300 for a satchel whose handles fray after a week and whose zippers won't last a month? Let's be serious.
People might remember once in a while to tell you you're doing a good job...but they will ALWAYS (if not gleefully) let you know the moment something goes awry. Thank goodness for the internet and the lovely part of human nature that makes sharing more fun when something breaks or goes wrong. If you're planning on shopping here anytime soon, I'd recommend checking out the reviews on their site or even better, test drive the items in person before buying. There may be exceptions to the rule but judging from their track record, Urban needs to up their game so that maybe one day the quality of their merchandise will match the level of their style.
People might remember once in a while to tell you you're doing a good job...but they will ALWAYS (if not gleefully) let you know the moment something goes awry. Thank goodness for the internet and the lovely part of human nature that makes sharing more fun when something breaks or goes wrong. If you're planning on shopping here anytime soon, I'd recommend checking out the reviews on their site or even better, test drive the items in person before buying. There may be exceptions to the rule but judging from their track record, Urban needs to up their game so that maybe one day the quality of their merchandise will match the level of their style.
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About this topic
Urban Outfitters, founded in 1970 in Pennsylvania, also includes the retail brand Anthropologie, Free People, and Terrain and Leifsdottir (wholesale Anthropologie).
In addition to stores across the United States, Urban Outfitters also operates in Canada, the United Kingdom, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Belgium and Ireland.
Urban Outfitters is know for their hip and ironic clothing, furniture and home decor. However, they have been criticized a number of times for merchandise they sell and also logos and signs printed on T-shirts they carry. Products have been know to allege anti-Christianity (Jesus Dress up ornament), anti-Jewish/Israel ("Everyone loves a Jewish girl" shirt surrounded by $$ signs to reconfirm stereotypes, a shirt with a Palestinian child holding an AK47 over the word "Victimized), and pro violence (hand gun shaped ornaments).
view wiki
In addition to stores across the United States, Urban Outfitters also operates in Canada, the United Kingdom, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Belgium and Ireland.
Urban Outfitters is know for their hip and ironic clothing, furniture and home decor. However, they have been criticized a number of times for merchandise they sell and also logos and signs printed on T-shirts they carry. Products have been know to allege anti-Christianity (Jesus Dress up ornament), anti-Jewish/Israel ("Everyone loves a Jewish girl" shirt surrounded by $$ signs to reconfirm stereotypes, a shirt with a Palestinian child holding an AK47 over the word "Victimized), and pro violence (hand gun shaped ornaments).
Fashion, Apparel, Clothing, Shopping, Retail Stores, Stores, Womens Fashion, Mens Fashion, Mens Clothing, College Fashionista, Womens Clothing, College Fashion, Home Decor Stores, Apparel Stores
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