IMC Hawks Blog

Tag: Clothing

  • Sandy Shopping Spree?

    As we watch the terrifying coverage of Hurricane Sandy hitting the Northeast, here in North Carolina we are thanking our lucky stars that we managed to escape the worst of it. However, there is one aspect about natural disasters that is challenging to escape: the advertisements. Among all of the advertisements directed towards helping those in need, there is one in particular that stands out all on its own. American Apparel, a clothing company notorious for its no-holds-bar approach to promoting their company, sent out an email blast Monday morning in an attempt to draw in online shoppers who apparently would be “bored” in the storm. This callous disregard of the life-threatening conditions that people are facing quickly went viral.

    Many people have taken to social media like Twitter and Facebook to voice their outrage at the lack of compassion American Apparel has shown for the victims of Sandy. Twitter users were quick to bring up the companies past marketing blunders including an attempt at a plus size model search.

    Needless to say, American Apparel knows how to stir things up. This advertisement was poorly worded at best, and completely ignorant at worst. Regardless, everyone is talking about the “Sandy Sale.” Is this a bad thing for American Apparel in the long run? There is a popular saying in our culture that “there is no such thing as bad publicity.” Part of what our professor, Dr. Persuit, teaches us in Integrated Marketing Communication is how to be thoughtful consumers. In order to do this, the marketing strategies American Apparel employ should have an effect on whether or not we decide to purchase their product. A year from now while you are perusing the mall and finding the perfect piece to complete your closet, will it matter if it happens to be an American Apparel item? Will this advertisement even pop into your memory or will you merely remember hearing something about American Apparel once upon a time?

    – Alexandra Huss, Caroline Merrill, Alyssa Morrello, Lauren Van Trigt, Dann Williams

  • Swap, Save, & look Stylish

    Winter is here and as you pack away the bikini and board shorts and bring out the sweaters and sweat pants, many take this chance to go through what they have and get rid of unused clothes from the season.  Beyond decking the halls and setting up for the holidays what can you do about all those unwanted clothes that seem to have acquired permanent residence in your overstuffed closet and drawers? Recycle them!

    It may seem a little strange, but you recycle cans, newspapers, water bottles, and now clothing has become another item. Local Wilmington NC stores such as Plato’s Closet, Clothes Mentor, Home Again, are just a few of the  numerous consignments shops which  are the newest retail trend. People want to sell their clothes, antiques, art, furniture, and other goods as they feel the need to downsize, raise some cash, swap for a new item, and live in this new economy.

    Bravo TV Network even jumped on the new green efforts of the posh Consignment shop trend and market this retail store spin. Second Time Around is  the focus of the season’s hottest new reality television show on Bravo, “Fashion Hunters,” that premiered October 4th. The show follows the fashionistas of Second Time Around’s New York City Mott Street location as they go out searching the attics, closets and garages of the city’s elite. Far from the land of thrift, the hip shop makes dreams come true for shoppers looking for designer fashions on a budget. In the show, the Second Time Around team interacts with demanding customers from savvy socialites to downtown hipsters looking to sell back or buy their next great “get.”

    According to the U.S. Environmental Protection agency, “Reusing items or making them with less material decreases waste dramatically. Ultimately, fewer materials will need to be recycled, combusted for energy, or landfills.” So while sorting through your large collection of clothing, consider the options. You never know what items can use a new home and then you can add a new item in your wardrobe collection.

    Who knew going green could be so cool and you can look cool doing it.

    -Michela Noreski, Jordan Hill, Ashley Nelson