Dear Abercrombie and Fitch

My 14 year old son likes your clothes.  And I have to admit that I agree.  They are nice and hip. He looks really good in them. But I can barely stand to shop in your store.  It gives me a migraine!  The music is SO loud that I cannot even hear myself think.  Yesterday, I needed to ask your salesperson a question about sizes and I had to SHOUT at her.  Even then, she could not really hear my question. I feel sorry for your employees because I have no doubt they will suffer permanent hearing loss as a result of all that ridiculously loud music.

Let's talk about the lighting.  It was so dark that I could not see the price tags.  Maybe that is why you have it so dark in there but I, for one like to actually SEE what I am buying.   One thing that made me grateful for the poor lighting was the very provocative images on the wall.  I would have loathed my teenage son to see them but luckily he was not with me and it was so dark you can barely see anything anyway. And finally, the smell...do you pump cologne into the store?  The smell was so overwhelming that I wanted to gag. And unfortunately, I smelled like your store all day after shopping there. YUCK!

So, after I finally picked out a few Christmas gifts for my son, I had to wait in line for about 25 minutes (on a weekday morning?) because only one person was working the register while 27 young employees roamed around (looking cute and smelling like cologne).  The smells and sounds were making me sicker and sicker by the minute and when I finally got to the register, I had a true headache.  I was in such a foul mood that I almost walked out without buying anything. If I did not want a few Christmas gifts for my son, I would have left.  In fact, the people behind me did just that.

So, keep in mind that although the people that wear your clothes might like the dark, loud, smelly atmosphere...We parents DO NOT!  And guess what...we are the ones who actually BUY the stuff.  We are your market too since we actually PAY for the merchandise!  I would buy much more in your store if  I could stand being in there for more than a few minutes.  I literally hold my breath, cover my ears and run right to the section I need hoping to escape as quickly as possible.  I am not sure that is what y'all were going for?   

I have a GREAT idea.....why don't you host an "oldies" day or morning where we parents could shop with the lights on, no scent and no music.  I would LOVE that.  And I am not even old.  I am kinda hip for a Mom of a teenage son.  But seriously, I will NOT come in your store again for a very long time (if ever) based on my experience yesterday. Let me know what you think of my idea.  I think it is brilliant!

P.S.  I am so afraid my son might need to exchange things and I will have to go back in the store after Christmas.  I already told my husband that I cannot do it and he will have to.  Maybe you could offer an oldies exchange day too.

Another P.S. To my blog readers---thank you so much for all the kind anniversary wishes.  They were lovely.