The ins and outs of Abercrombie

After my first retail interview, where its is aparently incredibly common to do interviews in a big group and let the applicants answer the questions in "conversation form." I was terrified to continue to apply. This process is a way of finding out who is the most outgoing in the group and in retail those are the people stores want. The ones who will approach customers and be helpful and friendly. Not that I am not that person, but I am not good at that kind of interview either.

When I got to my Abercrombie interview I was terrified, only to find out that it wasnt that way at all. It was in a group but the manager went around the circle asking each person to answer the question. The "models" had one set of questions and the "impacters" had another set. And because the day before I applied I looked up the descriptions of the two and didnt understand the difference between the two I applied to be on Impact which is basically stock room duties. The models are what is sounds, they are the sales associates who stand on the floor and model the Abercrombie clothes while assisting customers as well. They are not the people in the Abercrombie advertisment posters and on shopping bags-- although it seems that is a very common mis conception.

I got home from my interview that night only to receive a call from the manager I interviewed with. I was hired. Orientation was the next week.

The Rules

"abercrombie associates must look natural"

• Makeup should only be worn to accentuate natural features.
• No black. Anything. ( shoes, eye makeup, shirts, underwear etc.)
• No purple.
• Because Abercrombie does not do external marketing, associates should represent Abercrombie at all times
• Abercrombie dress code: No black or purple. Abercrombie does not sell these colors. They should not be worn in any form. Jeans, jean skirts jean shorts are acceptable. Anything Abercrombie.

When this was said, one of the new employees at my orientation asked if we were required to buy Abercrombie clothes. Following this question it was stressed several times that we are not required to wear Abercrombie clothes according to Abercrombie corporate policy. However, it is the only way to really be sure that we are dressed appropriately. But its not required.

As far as shoes, according to Abercrombie dress code flip flops or Converse shoes are acceptable. no tennis shoes should be worn, no dress shoes, boots, etc.

It should be noted that Abercrombie does not sell Converse shoes in their stores. Why this brand of shoes was chosen as the alternate shoe choice to flip flops is still a mystery to me.

In association with employees needing to look natural. our nails and toes could not be painted unless it was clear, for fingers or very light pink for toes.

(midway through the summer Abercrombie Corporate adjusted this rule to allow pinks and reds on toes. Finger nail polish is still unacceptable though).

Next time in Clothing store crisis: Learning to fold and working in the Dungeon.

I'll end the post with a link to the Abercrombie casting video that was sent to all of the Abercrombie stores over the summer. http://www.abercrombie.com/anf/lifestyles/html/casting.html