American Apparel Gives ‘Hurricane Sandy’ Discounts: A Case of Bad Taste?
Is this an attempt by American Apparel to stay relevant? The clothing brand has had its fair share of controversies. Read: racy and “edgy” promo ads. Now they’ve provoked new backlash, and it isn’t for their crotch-centric photos. They’re offering a Hurricane Sandy discount, which gives hurricane-afflicted residents 20% off their merchandise.
Photo credit: @americanapparel/Twitter, Via: Business Insider
Via: deathandtaxesmag
There’s some Twitter backlash a-brewin’ after AA’s transparent PR stunt. Are they coming from a well-meaning place, or are they trying to make a profit from this natural disaster? We know they’re not one to shy away from controversy, but we also know that most people look down on profiting from other people’s hardships.
The Twitterverse shakes their collective heads:
However, American Apparel isn’t the only retail company trying to profit off Hurricane Sandy. The Gap voiced this attention-grabbing tweet, which was followed by a similar reaction.
Gap did semi-apologize for their tacky tweet, but American Apparel continues to stay mum.
Obviously, people are upset about AA’s PR stunts, but didn’t they get exactly what they wanted? We’re all talking about them, and I don’t think their new ad tactic will stop people from buying their over-priced clothing.
What are your thoughts? Was this a case of bad taste? Or simple (albeit, insensitive) marketing?
