Saturday, November 27, 2010

Free People Still Enjoys Swindling You




Based on the style of the chain and the gold tone of the hardware, we doubt that the Free People specimen on the left is from the 1930s (as indicated in the description). Were there an image of the interior or some indication of the maker, we could better date the piece, but, of course, neither of those things is provided. Just take their word for it! (Or purchase a similar piece with confidence from Verseau Vintage.)

Back in September, we highlighted some of the many problems with Free People's new 'vintage' collection in the hope that the retail chain would stop bamboozling its customers and start practicing some of the social responsibility associated with its cannibalized 1960s bohemian aesthetic. A quick check of its 'Vintage Loves' selection today, however, reveals that nothing has changed. The company is still price gouging. The company is still incorrectly dating its wares by more than ten years. The company is still trying to pass off obviously contemporary items as vintage. And the company is still offering items that appear to be in non-wearable vintage condition. Given this complete lack of professional oversight and corporate responsibility vis-a-vis the tiny vintage endeavor, we can only imagine what the company's manufacturing practices and policies must look like (NIKE, cough, cough).

Luckily, Vintage Loves doesn't carry anything you can't find in much better condition and for much cheaper from small business owners who probably won't turn around and donate your money to anti-gay Republican U.S. senators like Rick Santorum. (We're just sayin'.)



Need a pair of filthy vintage leather driving gloves? Free People has you covered! (Or you could buy a clean pair for $50 less from Retro Wear Vintage.)



Cute vest! Too bad it has probably been marked up $125 from the actual purchase price. Pick up an equally cute six-button vest from Mychu Vintage for a savings of more than $100!!!! What a STEAL!!!!!!

7 comments:

Melissa Righero said...

And vintage ones look better too.

Karen/Small Earth Vintage said...

Yes! LOVE this post. Please keep training the floodlight on these dirty rats. Nothing would make me happier than to see people stop spending their hard-earned money on the Santorum-supporting Anthro/UO/Free People conglomerate and spend it on real vintage sold by sellers who actually do their research and price accordingly!

alexkeller said...

i smell a new career for you

FidgetFinds said...

Amen sister!

mitukatie said...

horrific. i hope people aren't really buying this stuff at these outrageous prices!

Jessica / Lola Vintage said...

love when you do these posts, thanks so much for supporting us vintage gals, Gina! x

13bees said...

I have to say, I was totally annoyed by FP for doing this - such a lame/stupid marketing ploy.