American Apparel

they had a bunch of clothes.
sadly. no vegetarian options. minus one star. T_​T

I’ve passed by this store several times never really thought of coming inside to check out the items. I’m sure someone out there enjoys wearing the clothes here. It was really over priced for plain cotton t-​shirts, dresses and really random items. Personally not a fan of the clothes. And no one talks to you when you walk in. Felt a little invisible. Not coming back.

I’ve shopped a couple other locations and have never had the experience I have had at this one. I’ve only come to this specific location three times in the seven years I have lived here. The first time, I thought the customer service was odd or non existent. Not even a hello, just a look up and back to what they were doing, wasn’t asked if I needed help or to find anything. So, I decided then, not to go back. Unfortunately, I did have to go back. The other two times, I’ve run in for one item that was needed last minute and only because I can walk there in less than 10 minutes. Same thing each time. No «hello», no questions asked, nothing except the cease of the two employees own conversation. At check out, very dull, non friendly, no «thank you,» not even eye contact. Might as well be doing self check out. This location is basically wasting their payroll on a machine. I also see reviews from years past have been the same experience and still, nothing has changed. I’m now set on not going there again. I’d rather fight the mall and go to that AA, even for just one item, for quality customer service and people whom actually seem to enjoy or at the very least fake their enjoyment of their job. This location sucks and is definitely not the AA it could potentially be.

Ugly like hell clothes, unattractive store, too basic, too simple, very bad quality and you have to pay $ 40 for a top? No thanks, I get the cutest tops for less than that at Banana. The racy ads suggest sexy clothes, but you won’t get even that! Nothing sexy in tacky 80s cheapo looking clothes. Some items like accessories were ok. The new tendency of skater dress looks nice on paper… then you touch the fabric and see it in person and totally not wearable.

Let’s all wear crazy ugly clothes.

This is an a-​okay AA location. Pretty decent sized, and they have a fairly large inventory. I just wish AA would update their swimsuits more often, specifically with the prints that they use! Seriously, some of those designs are a few years old.
The biggest issue I have with this AA is the two mannequins they place outside the store. They’ve been wearing the same outfits for several weeks now. I think it’s time to switch it up.

This review is for the parking situation. why doesn’t American Apparel have their own mini lot for their customers; I can imagine future customers wanting to come to this store in particular (aka me) and driving away after countless minutes driving around the block trying to find a parking spot so they can purchase a jacket for their baby pup. It’s okay American Apparel I suppose it’s not your fault, well actually it is because only one store in SD sells these dog jackets; super lame. I’ll be back and hopefully I come at a time where there are numerous parking spots (ha ha ha yeah right) and I’ll update this review and who knows it might be a better one at that.

$ 25 for a plain, no frills, kind of thin cotton t-​shirt? I don’t know — maybe I’m cheap. My wife liked a few things though. And, then she found out about the ‘no returns’ policy. Welcome to the 1980s — no returns, only exchanges for store credit. Huh? She was less than thrilled — I’ll leave it at that.

So the cry babies at this store went weeping to Unilocal and my review was taken down. I am re-​posting the SAME review, but have taken out ANY words directed to individuals. So attention Unilocal: leave my review alone. It is a ligit review, and void of personal attacks.
Extremely RUDE people work here! Jesus Christ, I mean RUDE!
So I was shopping in Hillcrest and went in here to shop for some clothing for myself, and some clothes for my mother. I was in this shop for about 20 minutes and nobody greeted me or asked if I needed help. I didn’t need help, nor did I feel like talking to a sales person anyway so it was fine, but it did strike me as being odd that someone didn’t at least see if I was looking for something in particular, or to even offer a simple «hello». Oh well.
So a bit later I overheard a customer asking another where the sales girls were. The customer was standing at an empty point of sales counter. Finally, a woman came from the back and rang her up, but I noticed the sales person seemed annoyed that she had to DO HER JOB. Oh, and she didn’t offer the woman an apology either.
So then another customer approached the moody sales girl and wanted professional opinions on what clothing items looked better on her, or something to that effect. The sales girl seemed taken back that such a question was asked, and she gave the woman a half-​ass answer. I say «half ass» because her tone revealed, at least to me, that she had no confidence in her answer and she was simply feeding the person a line so they would leave her alone. For me, this set the semblance of a store where people don’t give a damn, and it made me really not want to spend any money.
That customer moved to the other side of the store and I overheard the sales girl whispering to another employee something to the effects that if people were too stupid to dress themselves, then they should buy their clothes off the internet. Wow. I was shocked.
Who the hell manages this branch? Do they just hire any idiot for a job?
I had over $ 400 worth of garments in my arms and was about to pay for the items, but upon hearing that, I dropped the things on the floor and walked out.
Oh, and I did go online and buy the «legalize gay» t-​shirt that I wanted in the store. So I took the rude woman’s advice and turned to the internet, but not because I don’t know how to dress myself, but rather so I wouldn’t be contributing to a store that hires ill mannered people.

Metallic leotards, mustard hued leggings, grey basic T’s for $ 40, OH MY!
And all at crappy quality. Just tap your heels together and say, there’s no place like home, there’s no place like home… and there’s better word that NO when it comes to their clothes, their stores, their ads, and their CEO.
Clothes made by Americans in downtown Los Angeles, instead of in foreign sweatshops? A good concept. Unfortunately, Americans seem to have lost their touch at using a sewing machine over the past 60 years… methinks they don’t exactly have our grammies working in there, otherwise we’d have some seriously awesome, well crafted threads to don. Not that I want Grandma working in there! Don’t get any ideas, Dov Charney — you’ve done enough — and wait for your part in this review, thanks.
Back to the matter at hand: to pay $ 40 for a T just ain’t my swing. As in, I haven’t done it and won’t. Friends have, and have complained of «unraveling» after a few washes. AND I hear the stores have a no return/​refund policy, which is ridiculous (even for unopened/​unused/​unworn items.) They’ll sometimes give you a gift card, but that’s it.
The store itself I’ve only been brave/​determined enough to step foot in 2 times, I believe, for adventures sake. The minute I saw the gold low cut leotard spandex thing on the mannequin, I deduced that this was not my type of shop. And as for buying «basics» here, as some people say they do, what the hell? If you’re into buying basics, go to an effin thrift store, which is –hello– recycled clothing, if you care so very deeply about sweat shop workers.
Unhelpful, scrawny, snarky little staff members sealed the deal for me. Customer service can certainly be improved, but as I said, I only came twice, so perhaps I came on ‘off’ days.
Now on to their ads. My major gripe. Perhaps the reason I hate this place so vehemently. Overly sexualized images of women that are cleary, clearly not focused on the clothes. One of their images is just a young woman’s ass, and the string of her/​American Aparrel’s thong. No face, no nothing. Just her ass. Claiming to be an add for their underwear. I’m just so driven to go buy that thong, while 100,000 other people out there are busy doing somethin else with that image! (Um. No.)
I’m sorry if people consider the ads to be sexy. I consider them to be sexually exploitave.
And maybe it wouldn’t be so bad if Dov Charney weren’t in the middle of all this. The CEO of the company has been slammed with multiple lawsuits for sexual harrassment.
Sorry, AA. You won’t be getting my business now, anytime soon, or ever.

CONFESSIONS OF A CHEAPASS UnilocalER
by Chun P
CONFESSION #1: I probably spend more time on Unilocal during my workday than my boss (es), including my wife, probably want to know. Which leads to confesssion #2…
CONFESSION #2: I’m on Unilocal a lot, and American Apparel is a big advertiser on Unilocal.This means as I attempt to write a review or scan the Events section, my eyes keep getting drawn to the sexy, racy, trashy, slutty, semi-​porno, and risqué print AA advertisements. I feel so dirty! But memerizing enough to entice me into visiting AA’s stores… which leads to confesssion #3…
CONFESSION #3: I have never actually purchased anything from this store or any other American Apparel store, but I’ve window shopped at least a half dozen times. I’ll find something I’d like to buy, but I’ll balk once I see the price. Which leads to confession #4…
CONFESSION #4: Its cheapass consumers like me that are the reason for America’s decline in manufacturing, its not the Democrats or Republicans. I know… some of you have a hard time believing this, but if you need to blame someone, its cool if you want to blame Chun P. He’s that cheapass who is always perusing the sale sections at sweatshop stores like Banana Republic, J. Crew, and any name brand at Macys or Nordstroms. But his aunties in Asia say they’re cool with the $ 1/​hourly wages… wait, why am I writing about myself in the 3^rd person? Which leads to confession #5…
CONFESSION #5: Yes… um…er…I lost my chain of thought again… sorry! Duh… umm…I forget. I was just staring at another pornographic AA print ad again! Doh! Gosh! That Chun P is such cheap douchebag! Get away you pervert!

My hillcrest AA is clean, neat and organized. The staff can be a lil friedlier but over all i have had positive experiences.
Prices are high, everything made in the USA.
The quality is also good, i have things i have purchased here over two years ago. One of my favorite dresses (slutty dresses as mother would say) came from this store.
Quality is much better vs forever21, i just wish i could afford to shop here more often, i wish there was better parking and happier/​friendlier staff.

My go-​to place for simple tshirts and layering pieces. More expensive than Gap because of fair (er) labor practices, but I know that going in.
Everytime I’ve been here over the last couple of years I’ve had friendly and professional service, found what I needed and been gone in 10 minutes. Perfect.

For some reason every time I go to an AA there’s a douchey dude folder clothes while a pin-​up model stares and asks the obligatory, «Welcome to American Apparelllllllll.» Aside from looking like coke addicts, the typical salesperson here never wants to do their freakin’ job and it bugs the hell out of me.
Thankfully, that’s not the case here. Everyone is super nice, helpful and will bend over backwards to make sure you find everything you need. Granted, it’s still pricey AA stuff, but their sale section is easy to get to and I acquired some cheap leggings as a result.

I am not a fan of American Apparel. I will not comment on the look of the clothing (really don’t get it), or the quality (reminds me of Kmart) but the American Apparel customer service is HORRIBLE!
I would compare the customer service at American Apparel to talking to a local communications company.
I purchased a hoodie from American Apparel ($ 45) after considering the amount I paid for it, the style, and thinness I attempted to return it to the Hillcrest American Apparel store.
News to me is they have a NO RETURN policy. Yes, let me repeat myself American Apparel in this state of the economy will not allow you to get your money back. I have shopped at stores (large and small) all over the plant and NEVER heard of a NO RETURN policy. They will offer you a gift card, which is something I will NEVER use.
Calling American Apparel is useless because you get routed around and are told basically to F-​off. Nice huh?
American Apparel I have no use for your lack of customer service and bad attitude! As for American Apparel clothing, well that is just based on individual taste. Good customer service is the same everywhere.

American Apparel, the clothing empire of the saucy Dov Charney, is always an amusing place to shop. The hipster clones, their acid-​washed skinny jeans, and see-​thru mesh shirts are always good for a laugh.
But when it comes to basic and (most importantly) well-​tailored clothing, I have to give AA a lot of credit. Their t-​shirts fit perfectly. They’re worth the extra buck or two compared to the junk from Hanes and Fruit of the Loom. AA shirts aren’t baggy or unflattering; they lie on the body just right. And they’re sweatshop-​free to boot. Good times.
The AA in Hillcrest is especially nice because it’s so tidy and organized. Every shirt comes in a slew of colors, and each color always has representatives of each size (from XXS to XL) available on the rack (unlike regular department stores, which only seem to carry XL, much to the chagrin of us regular-​sized people).
Lately, the AA in Hillcrest has been doing a «sidewalk sale» on weekends, where racks of clothing are placed out on the street and deeply discounted. I’ve been picking up shirts and polos for $ 5 a pop. I highly recommend getting there first thing in the morning, before it gets picked over. Also, the sidewalk sale has a cash-​only and no-​returns policy, so make sure that you’re certain that you will like what you’re buying. I haven’t seen these sales at the AA locations in La Jolla, PB, Fashion Valley, or the Gaslamp.
So check out the AA in Hillcrest. If you need simple t-​shirts and undies, you won’t go wrong. But stay away from anything see-​thru.

I’ve received lots of positive feedback for my ‘Hipster Guide to Local Coffee Shops’
including these choice comments from hipsters all over the country:
Atticus from SOCO in Austin, TX says: «Thanks for the coffee shop hipster quiz, I scored 30 points! You really helped me realize the essence of hipster-​ness!»
Sadie from Brooklyn’s Williamsburg says, «Anthony, my life was hollow until you gave it meaning with the hipster guide to coffee shops. I now have a new boyfriend and a serious caffeine addiction because of your post. When will you do a sequel?»
I’ve been thinking about how I could continue to help the young hipsters of America for a while; and I think it’s time to expand the series…
The Hipster Guide to Retail Shopping:
The Dilemma:
As you’re probably aware, the most evil and vile thing a young hipster can possibly do is pay full retail for their clothes. It considerably lowers the hipster street cred when you’re seen getting your clothes anywhere but a discount store, clothing consigner, thrift shop, yard sale or for the really committed, pulling them directly out of a dumpster in the back alley.
But what happens when you’re getting a phat check from the parents every month and can actually afford to go buy some new threads here and there? When does ‘getting the cush’ or ‘waxing Oedipal’ interfere with your complicated style? How can you look other hipsters in the eye with your freshly-​purchased rags? What if your posh, gated-​community upbringing doesn’t allow you to wear someone else’s used clothing?
The Solution:
The answer is simple my friend… grab mom or dad’s credit card and go to American Apparel. You see, American Apparel is the hipster’s Mecca. At AA, the discerning hipster can wear clothing with that ‘freshly slept-​in look’ without the fuss of touching another person’s used skinny jeans, Converse high-​tops or crocheted leggings. AA saves you from scouring those dirty racks at thrift shops, rummaging through dusty garage sale items or even worse, dumpster-​diving.
For Men:
You’ll find an extensive selection of deep-​plunge v-​neck tees that show off your bony chest, thermal long-​sleeve shirts for layering, plain hoodies to wear under your vintage leather bomber, Member’s-Only jacket knockoffs and an impressive array of knit caps and trucker’s hats.
For Women:
If the advertisements for AA are any indication, the order for the day for the female hipster is humiliating or embarrassing combinations of clothing; unitards and leg-​warmers, boy’s briefs and a halter top or thigh-​high leggings and a shiny one piece bathing suit. The pièce de résistance, however would have to be the 70s-​style ironic tank top and lycra tights combo.
The Lesson:
So my fledgling hipster friend, what have we learned here today? If you’re borderline OCD, American Apparel is the perfect place for you to scratch your fashion itch without the need to go to those unclean vintage clothing shops. You can now breathe a sigh of relief and crack a PBR!

I don’t care what anyone says, I love American Apparel.
Besides, I have a friend who works here, and from time to time I can get 50%!

This place has it’s purpose which is three fold:
1) Employ underweight, disaffected college students or dropouts. Most of who have multiple tats and piercings.
2) If you are looking for good old fashioned comfortable two tone t-​shirts in size extra large, you are good here.
3) Making anyone who is bigger than a size 2 feel like they farted a wet fart on a church pew when they walk through the door.
I slink in this place trying to look like I don’t exist just so that I can stock up on t-​shirts and stretchy big sweat pants. Sometimes I am successful, some times not. I just try to make my transactions happen as quickly as possible…

I came by to return a black skirt ($ 36) I never wore or took out of the clear plastic bag, on a tired irritating day after work sitting through traffic… obviously I am not in a good mood to begin with. I drove around to find parking for about 10 minutes. Somehow I manage to keep my cool.
I headed for the counter and I told the asian girl (working/​folding clothes) that I wanted to return it, and she goes on if I knew about their policy that they only accept exchanges or put it on credit. I said no, but that’s fine I’ll look around for something I might like since I don’t come down here that often. Home girl didn’t say nothing else after that.
So, then I grabbed my bag on the counter and walked around… not long before some blonde ran over to me, snatch the bag out of my hand and told me I can’t walk around with their bag/​item in the store and that I was suppose to leave it at the counter with them. Yeah, you guys don’t even want to know what was going on in my head when she approached me like that, it might be too graphic, and unappropriate to talk about. Her customer service was rude, unprofessional, and it offended me.
I took a deep breathe counted 1, 2, 3, forward and backwards in my head… to calm myself down. I just looked at her with the stink eye, didn’t say anything, and turned my back on her.
I continued on my merry way =P to shop for something equal to or worth $ 36 nothing was about that price, nothing I liked, I mean I can get better material, cuter things at Target, and possibly walk out more than one item… I ended up going to the tiny kids section and picked out a baby karate shirt and pants for my friends 1 year old son. Gee I’d rather spend money on good quality designer clothes than here. Def, not worth my $ at this store.
That girl checked me out with a nasty attitude… hello you’re suppose to try to make me happy and come back to shop. Looks like I am not going back there. I walked out with $ 1 dollar credit… give me a break.