Abercrombie & Fitch
3
I have worked for Abercrombie and Fitch for 2 years and as an employee and a shopper, I completely understand people's discontent with the store. First of all, the music is extremely loud which after working for an hour, gives me a headache on top of the pungent, strong cologne Fierce which sprays out every 30 minutes from an automatic dispenser. 2nd, the lighting isn't very good and it becomes a little difficult to see the size stickers. 3rd, it appears as if there's always a line-- whether it's for the fitting room, the cash register, or what. HOWEVER, these are corporate issues-- THEY are in charge of the settings for the perfume and cologne which are pre-set. Therefore, I am always annoyed when people are complaining about these things-- WE do not do it on purpose so you yelling at us isn't going to help, it just makes us hostile to helping you which would offend anyone. We are obviously bothered by the loud music and cologne, we just deal with it because it's our job. Also, the lines cannot be reduced often enough; while there are some lazy, incompetent workers, a single person is mandated to be in a room. One person to be in the first women's room greeting and one person at the cash register-- and then from there if there are more workers to be used for that particular day/time, they will assign them a room to be in. WE are assigned where to be based on what time we come in at and you are not necessarily assigned to a register.
The quality of the clothes are good, just overpriced but there is a sale section that can meet anyone's costs because we often have an additional 50% off redline clearance where you can get shirts for $7. Also, for people who ruined their clothes- the directions are clearly marked on the tags, you just need to read them. The only time I have ruined my clothes are when I didn't read the tag and washed them in the wrong water or not in a garment bag. When in doubt, wash cold and air dry, don't come yelling to us because we honestly cannot do anything. As much as we would like to help, you are responsible for following directions on the tags and if you are doing some physical activity, it's simple-- DON'T wear your Abercrombie shirt if you're worried it's going to rip or tear. Usual wear/tear is common, especially if you've had it for a while and have been continually washing it.
Seriously, when people say that we are stupid and incompetent, a lot of us really aren't. Retail is extremely tough and when people are yelling at us demanding things that we can't provide, it doesn't help. I've stuck this job out for 2 years and while I hate it, it's really because of the customers who expect everyone to kiss their ass. Yes, we are working to serve you and your needs, but it doesn't mean you get to just take out all your anger and problems on us. We are not here for you to shit on and think you can get away with it. For the people who have gotten snapped at, it is extremely difficult to stand there and take it; treat people how you want to be treated. The best we can do is give you corporate's number if we can't make the necessary changes or whatever. Therefore, when you think we have "bad, snobby, rude" attitudes, it's really "we're sick of this place, sick of you bitching" attitudes. Think about it for a second, if someone were yelling at you about everything or a little mistake, you would get offended too.
Someone said that they were upset by someone opening the fitting room on them-- the music is loud, the person probably didn't hear you. Do you think they enjoy opening the fitting room on you? It was a damn accident, stop getting so touchy. I've accidentally opened the door on someone and it happens. On behalf of all of us, WE ARE SORRY. Now, move on with your life and we are sorry you were embarrassed at Abercrombie.