By VIOLET MERRITT – Digital Opinions Editor
On August 17, 2015, global clothing corporation Urban Outfitters opened in Athens, GA.
155 E. Clayton Street has a new occupant–Urban Outfitters. The clothing retailer, founded in 1970, is known globally for selling apparel that remains on the pulse of mainstream fashion. Now, the corporation has opened a store in downtown Athens.
In recent years, UO has often been a subject of controversy. The brand has offended groups of all sorts, from selling a shirt with the words “Eat Less” printed on it, to a tapestry that resembled the pink triangle used by Nazis to identify prisoners as gay. The store’s opening in downtown Athens has been no exception, as it has already created differing opinions between Athenians.
When it was announced two years ago that UO would open a location in Downtown Athens in 2015, there was some community opposition. Community members feared that the globally successful corporation could contribute to the commercialization of Athens or drive out local shops with its prices. These claims, however, were refuted by UO supporters, who claimed that some local shops in the downtown area were already priced in the same range.
Urban Outfitters’ prices usually range from $40-80, however, the quality of items is reflected in their prices. At UO, one can expect a pair of jeans to cost about $60 and a shirt to cost around $35, though the higher quality means a longer life span of items. That being said, it might be a bit pricey for high schoolers.
Customer service at UO is superb as well. Upon entering, customers are met with an employee by the door who greets them. The employees in the store are amiable and willing to help.
UO is the perfect place for customers looking for a positive shopping experience and statement pieces that on trend. However, they need to be prepared to pay UO prices.
