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February 02, 2006
Hollister, eh?
12:02 AM
Toronto, say hello to Hollister, the nation’s first two retail locations of the ever-present collegiate and queer-boi parent clothing empire, Abercrombie and Fitch. I had the opportunity to head to the Eaton Centre to kill some time and check things out.
The Hollister experience can be summed up into one word: dark.
The collegiate pop-punk music was atrociously blaring to the point that it was impossible to grasp what the sales associate was saying.
The exterior facade resembles a beach paradise tavern, with the token traditional window shutters. Because of these unique shutters placed on the storefront, there are no prominent storefront merchandise displays that shoppers have become accustomed to.
Once inside, I started to question what kind of theme this store is trying to represent— it definitely didn’t look like a beach paradise. Inside, it was dark, really really dark. The only lighting in the store are the overhaning spotlight fixtures casted only at its table clothing displays, leaving the other areas near pitch dark. Maybe I found it a little weird because we have become so used to stores that are brightly lit with floor space that casts absolutely no shadows.
Many elements of store reminded me of the now defunct, Loose Change Louies (but with Good Charlotte playing or something), but perhaps even darker— since at least Louies had ghetto black light. Hollister managed to turn the once spacious Bluenotes location into probably most crammed and stuffy shop in the mall.
For the record, the mall wasn’t busy.
As I browse their selection of Humour Tees, I was soon amazed at the people that were brushing against me. Sure I’m irresistible, but the brushing was feeling quite uncomfortable. I would only expect that at a dirty bar.
Another reason why I thought I was at Louies. Perhaps that’s was their intention.
When all’s said and done, I hope this is “dark beach” theme is just temporary because I don’t think I can get used to this.
Hollister is now located at the Eaton Centre and at Sherway Gardens, and Abercrombie will soon be open on the street level at the Eaton Centre close to Sephora. Abercrombie is already open at Sherway.
Anyone know if they have the topless “All-American” AF associates announcing promotions at Sherway like their American counterpart?
Just curious. Yep.
Filed under Odds and Ends, published In Toronto
9 Comments
February 2, 2006 12:51 AM
Nope, didn't see any buff shirtless guys at A&F in Sherway. Just a lot of really overpriced thin cotton tanks. The store was PACKED nonetheless (a lot of the Aritzia crowd). Meh, A&F is too hyped up. I own some A&F stuff that I got on sale or at Winners (the kids store in the US has some cute things!), but I generally tend to avoid anything with a huge ABERCROMBIE logo. it's too over the top!
February 2, 2006 12:39 PM
'When all’s said and done, I hope this is “dark beach” theme is just temporary because I don’t think I can get used to this.'
Oh no, it's permanent. It's like this in all the Hollister (and A&F, to not such a degree) in the U.S. too. I think it's suppose to be like a hut, like a beach hut. I ranted about this on my eljay, but it's funny how you'll try on something there...then buy it and take it into real light and you're like "I bought this??".
And since I'm a whore for all things A&F/Hollister (so it's bittersweet that it's now here, as there will be the AE effect), I went the 2nd day it opened .. Hollister that is. Would've gone on the 1st day but I had school, so Lesley was my eyes and eard that day ha. On my visit, I literally had to beat down the kiddies for my size!! I was like growling and frothing at the mouth to fend them off... well, I kid. Sort of.
But dude, HOT GUYS THERE... though probably quite a few "bat for the other team".
BTW, JOIN FACEBOOK.
February 2, 2006 03:20 PM
I went to the Abercrombie & Finch on 5th avenue in New York and it's very similar: super dark with some intense beats! I thought I was at a all ages night club.
Also, I think everyone that gets hired for that location must have been a supermodel in the making. I felt short and *overdressed*.
February 16, 2006 05:37 PM
ummm.... sh!ma or w.e the f**k ur name is..... first of all, its Abercrombie and Fitch not "finch". Second, don't be jealous of us bc you can't afford A&F or because you're not as good looking as us. Anyways..... go be a hater somewhere else, biach. And by the way.... you're never gonna get one of the A&F supermodel boys..... not only because they're most likely homosexual with each other.... but because they're way too good looking for you.
February 18, 2006 09:08 PM
Justin:
One word for you: RELAX.
February 19, 2006 03:37 PM
justin, you sound like a raging homo!
March 5, 2006 08:43 AM
:)
March 14, 2006 11:13 PM
wow, justin, never saw anyone use homosexual as a verb... good going, now send in your resume to A & F and we will show you how to bend over...
March 15, 2006 02:10 AM
tim:
I never caught that until now.
I can't wait to 'homo' with someone, perhaps with an nice AF boi.
Or not.