EXCEPT.... the owner of urban outfitters is a big bush supporter.

boycott urban outfitters.

Posted by spk at 05/19/05 2:40 PM

This duvet insert is a great piece; it's filled with cotton for those of us who like to sleep under something that's heavy but not stifling like the down or synthetic fills.

Great in the summertime, and it's attractive on its own.

www.doiop.com/0k0db0

Posted by Anne at 05/19/05 2:46 PM

spk, say it isn't so!! I love apartment stuff from Urban Outfitters. I guess that means I shouldn't shop at Anthropologie anymore, either.

Another boycott dilemma -

Sadly, I also love the thin-crust pizza from Domino's. (I order it anyway. I think the guilt may actually add to the flavor.)

But - bright side - I don't buy gas at Exxon/Mobil anymore.

Oy.

Posted by Anne at 05/19/05 2:52 PM

Please keep politics out of this..... can't I just buy some stuff for my apt. without having to hear this??? I don't care which side of the fence you're on, but there's a time and place.

Posted by cs at 05/19/05 2:56 PM

cs, OUCH. Sorry to have caused you offense, and point taken. I didn't realize that would ruffle anyone's plumage.

I do like to know corporate backgrounds and sometimes it does make a difference to me, like not buying a car from a dealership that was dumping used motor oil on an undeveloped part of its property to avoid environmental disposal fees.

I'm just sayin'. (But will shut up now.)

Posted by Anne at 05/19/05 3:21 PM

It doesn't bother me that he's for Bush (though I am not) but the financial support of that homophobic senator (whose name begins with S; I'm drawing a blank at the moment) did bother me tremendously--especially considering that the main design team for Anthropologie is gay (or even a gay couple, can't remember)

Posted by Fiona at 05/19/05 3:28 PM

it was more directed at spk, who brought it up in the first place, no offense taken (I'm not a bush supporter)I'm just getting tired of having to read political opinions everywhere I go ;)

Posted by cs at 05/19/05 3:32 PM

Okay, I'm reneging on my Shut-Up-Mode promise to not post because I've done a little research for myself and found what seems to be a well-sourced article about the situation.

Here's a link for anyone else (okay, besides cs) who's interested in knowing more -

www.philadelphiaweekly.com/view.php?id=5725

(I do take a little comfort in the fact that probably 90% of UO employees probably disagree with the owner's views. Their merchandise mix - particularly in t-shirts and books - apparently doesn't reflect his views, either.)

Posted by Anne at 05/19/05 4:16 PM

Arlen Specter, Fiona, right?

Posted by Carla at 05/19/05 4:21 PM

Oh, it was Rick Santorum, actually. It finally came to me. He's made some really horrific anti-gay comments.

Posted by Fiona at 05/19/05 4:26 PM

As I said to another AT fan, "aaah, another homophobe." *grin*

Posted by Carla at 05/19/05 4:35 PM

I am a recovering Anthropolige and Urban Outfitters shopper. After reading that Phila Weekly article and a few other similar stories, I try very hard not to shop there.

Too bad, because like AT says, from time to time they have great stuff and good sales.

Posted by Chris at 05/19/05 5:00 PM

I think it's irresponsible to act as though where and how we spend our money is somehow magically disconnected from politics! We can aspire to live well, but living well totally includes being mindful of the continuum between what you do as an individual or family and what happens in the world at large.

I mean, take it as far as you want (I'm not vegan and I still take long hot showers every day), but don't act like it's not connected.

Posted by Helena at 05/19/05 5:12 PM

Helena--
I don't think anyone is acting like it's not connected. I just think some of us wish there was SOME escape from the heavier issues of daily living.

Posted by patrick (the other one) at 05/19/05 5:35 PM

I think spk just meant to point out that UO is against shaving. Apparently spk is strongly pro-shave...

Posted by Jon B at 05/19/05 5:46 PM

JonB, I don't think you need to be so droll.

Urban Outfitters supports a senator who compares gay people loving each other to incest and bestiality. People can then decide if that's the kind of company they want to give their money to or not.

Posted by Chris at 05/19/05 6:05 PM

Anne, thanks for posting that link. I didn't know about this before and I like to have the facts. If I ever even think about spending a dollar there, the thought of Santorum will make me put it back in my pocket.

Posted by Pixie at 05/19/05 6:18 PM

Whew! I come here for some light entertainment and actually learn something. Damn you people!

Posted by dorio at 05/19/05 7:58 PM

more effective than just avoiding these companies, is to write them a letter telling them why you're no longer shopping there. this action was an impetus for the gap to change their sweatshop practices. it's hard to avoid corporations run by [place political leanings that you don't agree with here]... so shop and support companies that you agree with, and tell the companies that you want to change how they can secure your business.

i used to have a book that went through different major companies and how they "rate" in terms of environment, women's rights, etc... but i can't seem to find anything like that online right now.

Posted by ali at 05/19/05 8:29 PM

Not to be on topic, but does anyone know if UO's sofa/futons are at all comfortable. If it's rotten furniture, that's the final nail in the coffin.

Posted by fishpatrol at 05/20/05 9:49 AM

Nothing wrong with being informed - but there are appropriate places to discuss this kind of thing
httpcolon//forums.newyork.craigslist.org/?forumID=48&all=Y

Posted by jamie pup at 05/20/05 10:23 AM

Here you go
httpcolon//forums.newyork.craigslist.org/?SQ=%22urban+outfitters%22&act=RSR&searchAID=&forumID=48

Nothing on Anthropologie yet - perhaps someone could start the ball rolling over on CL

Posted by jamie pup at 05/20/05 10:27 AM

A good resource for those of us trying to walk the walk is buyblue.org-- a listing of corporations that DON'T contribute to conservative causes. That said, I kind of wish I hadn't heard about Anthropologie until I'd bought (and worn, so I couldn't return) some summer stuff. Sigh. Ali's point about writing letters instead of merely boycotting is a good one.

Posted by ann at 05/21/05 10:59 PM

Back to the sheets... Urban Outfitters has a coupon code that gives an additional 25% off of the sale prices. That's Hot! lol The code is "maysale" no quotation marks.

Posted by AoS at 05/24/05 11:47 PM