Urban Outfitters pulls USPS-themed products including a $250 hoodie and a $125 T-shirt after

Publish date: 2024-06-15
2020-08-18T15:08:13Z

Urban Outfitters is once again finding itself in hot water, this time for selling US Postal Service-themed apparel in which none of the proceeds supported the struggling government agency

On Tuesday morning, the retailer pulled two items from its site — a $250 sweatshirt and a $125 T-shirt – each emblazoned with the USPS logo and made by streetwear company Anti Social Social Club.

Before they were removed, the product pages made no mention of the ongoing plight of the USPS, which is swiftly running out of funding as a political battle intensifies over the future of the agency and its role in the upcoming presidential election.

The snafu comes after the USPS itself added several items to its online store in its quest to raise money — including a wildly popular long-sleeved croptop that almost instantly sold out. Beach towels, tote bags, T-shirts, wallets, and puzzles were among the other featured items.

The products also came on the heels of growing social media movements urging Americans to save the USPS through efforts like buying stamps and calling local officials. 

The USPS products previously sold online at Urban Outfitters. Urban Outfitters

"These products were designed, sold, and distributed by an independent vendor. They are being removed from the site, " Urban Outfitters said in a statement to Business Insider before pulling the items. "Any additional questions should be directed to the independent vendor."

Anti Social Social Club did not immediately respond to Business Insider's request to comment. 

Urban Outfitters is no stranger to controversy. The brand has come under fire for a number of tone deaf and offensive products over the years, including the infamous 2014 "Vintage Kent State Sweatshirt" which several said evoked the 1970 shooting that killed unarmed students participating in a peaceful protest. In a 2012 incident, the company removed a shirt that drew ire for featuring what appeared to be a Jewish star used in Nazi Germany.

 

 

ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7o8HSoqWeq6Oeu7S1w56pZ5ufony2vsGapWanpamzqsDTnqmsZaKaurDCxKxkrqugqHq1tMSmnJ1lkaW9or7EpWSfqp%2BierixwaygrZ1dZ31zfIxx