American Apparel

I went to AA yesterday around 2:30 and there were no customers, even employees.
I looked around the shop and finally I could ask a employee, «Do you have a tie back dress?»
She didn’t even know what it is. She asked me whether it is on online or not. I said it’s on online shop. They don’t have it – I saw it 3 days ago at fashion valley american apparel shop, though.
I’m not complaining they don’t have it but why she doesn’t know about AA items? I showed the picture of it and she still doesn’t know. Does she even interest her job?

I’ve been to multiple american apparels around San Diego, at first I was really hesitant when it came to buying their clothes, and then they introduce their dot sale (items are 50%-70% off). I have been looking for a new place to shop, especially since I needed a place to accommodate my small stature; I’m 18, Im only about 5’0 ft, and I weigh less than 100 pounds. As you can tell its a huge problem to find inexpensive clothes that fit me, so I’m more than happy to drop $ 80 on a pair of jeans here, especially since jeans that are tailored to my height can run for about $ 115+. The customer service is super friendly. I personally don’t like being hovered so I appreciate the limited customer/​employee interaction, but when I had about 6 items in my hand an employee asked if they could start a fitting room for me. The only thing that I really disliked is the location. There is little to no parking, on the weekends it’s really loud in the area, and some areas charge $ 3 for parking. All in all I will be returning to American Apparel

Called around a few American Apparel stores after finding something I wanted online and not finding it at the 2 stores I went to. Called this store and they had ONE.
I ask the girl to put it on hold so I can come buy it after work.
She says no.
I go there after work and its gone.
So much for customer service!
Thanks a lot.
Now I see why you have terrible reviews.
P.S its over priced.

I almost didn’t go to this location because of the bad reviews. I was in the area so I went anyway. It turned out that I was pleasantly suprised.
The store is significantly bigger than it looks from the front. There is a decent-​sized men’s section that is at least as big as any other AA I have been to. The staff was helpful, although I was the only patron at the time. And, of course, it is expensive, but I expected that. I find it funny when people want to purchase (more) responsible products, but don’t want to pay the premium that is need to cover the costs of making it more responsible. Oh, and, at least one review commented on the quality, but offered no support for the claim. I guess time will tell for me.

The men’s section is nearly nonexistent. I get that mostly females shop here, but there has to be more than two small racks of tank tops…
The clothing is really awful quality, actually. I expected it to be better considering how their selling point is that the clothing isn’t made in *foreign* sweatshops. Well, the clothing is actually made in L.A. in a huge warehouse full of underpaid Mexican immigrants. Went there once, never shopped at the store again.
The clothing is ABSURDLY EXPENSIVE. You’re paying $ 50 for a plain zip-​up hoodie that will surely fall apart in a few months? No way. I like some of the skirts that they have, but really it isn’t worth the money you’ll be spending.
The scarfs I bought here fell apart within months. They were strips of thin cloth cut into long strips without and seams to tie off the lose strings. I don’t think that’s even technically considered a scarf.
The employees were not helpful at all the times I’ve been. They were there to make sure people wouldn’t shoplift, but not to help anyone out with questions.

Every time I’ve been in here the staff is super helpful and friendly. Great clothes that last and made right here in the U.S. of A.

The store is empty for a reason.
The male selection here is really poor and lackluster. They carry a lot of the popular color styles — not so much of certain colors you see & want from their website catalog.
I came here a few times to pick up clothes for events and holiday parties. Like a bad relationship, I vouched to all my friends that they would change. They never did end up changing their horrible clothing selection.
The customer service is laughable. The employees are too busy talking to each other about a hipster event they had just attended, fixing their hair, or complaining about their boss. This branch definitely need to have a retraining session with all of their employees.
Parking: Don’t come here during Taco Tuesday or anything big in PB. You will not find parking.
Overall, try the smaller clothing stores in the area for something (if you do find) cheaper and chic. If you still want something expensive, go to Urban Outfitters a few blocks down and towards the ocean for a bigger and more hipster collection.

This place has all the basics you could need but is very pricey compared to pink zone. But what they stand for — no sweatshop labor! I guess that makes the price worth it! I love their leggings & men’s deep deep v neck

Cute clothes. Super expensive. It’s kind of ridiculous because everything is basic and plain. The staff doesn’t help whatsoever unless you ask. I have to go up and ask to use the dressing room…

Uhh. is it me or do they just hire snobby people? or is one of the requirements working here is to be snobby and pretentious? I used to come here a lot because it was just a bike ride away and every time I’ve gone here. the people who work here aren’t so nice. I like the american apparel quality– therefore I shop here. I would shop online but I don’t want to pay shipping for something so close to me as well as knowing the true sizes.
At this location. apparently there’s no such thing as customer service. Now, I’m sure many people are saying. ‘well you don’t know retail’. WRONG. I’ve worked in retail for four years. so I know. Anywho. I’m polite and a nice person when it comes to being a customer just because I would like to be treated nicely– therefore I treat the people who are suppose to help you nicely. All the times I’ve been here. no one greets me and no one asks if I need help. I’m sure some people would like to be left alone when shopping, I understand, but If I look like I’m having trouble looking for something and have given you direct eye contact– you should be approaching me. It’s your job. Customer service. Serve the customer. C’mon! It’s common sense. There is no reason to be pretentious. it’s a job, if you hate it– leave. No one has the right to treat others this way especially when they’re nice to you to begin with.
Friggin annoying!

How the hell does this chain stay open? I mean, they have the most basic, bland clothing and stupidly high prices. I mean, who shops here?
I had only been to the location in Hillcrest before going into this one. The only reason I went in to this store was because my friend from out of town wanted to check it out.
Nobody spoke to us and asked if we needed help. This was also the case at the store in Hillcrest (though my experience at the Hillcrest store was deplorable, and if you want a laugh go ahead and give it a read).
So here is an example of how stupid their price-​to-​quality ratio is: they have hoodies that zip up the front made from the heavier material found in sweatpants, for $ 60. I mean, holy shit. You can get the SAME DAMN THING at a sporting goods store for $ 30 or less. Then they have v-​neck tees for $ 50. These are basic tees with no design to them or anything.
This store sells the kind of crap you might buy in bulk at a screen printing store. I mean, the quality is not great, yet you pay up the ass for it.
I guess their angle is they have some loud colors that you may not find too easily. But who the hell would pay more than triple on a shirt JUST for color?
This company can kiss the fattest part of my ass.

I’ve been to about four or five AA locations in NYC, so it’s weird to come to California and shop in one that is bigger than my Brooklyn apartment. This store was ginormous! I really liked the layout too.
They offered a larger selection of sizes and colors for each style than what I am used to.

Meh, It’s not my kinda store I guess. I don’t understand why you would pay so much for basics. The clothes are plain in design. I guess they have every color. But seriously, I would not pay that much for a tank top that doesn’t even look its price! And some of their clothes looks. interesting? hahah gold leggings? weird patterns. yeah… The store is pretty empty last time I went.
Dislike. Eh, not an American Apparel kinda girl. Rather go to pinkzone down the street or mileage.

My favorite American apparel store in San Diego. Its definitely the biggest one. and since they changed the store around for fall the best merchandised one as well (alright fine ill admit it, after fashion valley).
Anyone out there who felt as though they were not greeted. my apologies! I work at this store and even though we are the biggest, we are not a very fast paced store (especially this time of year) so sometimes there is only ONE person working on the sales floor so please don’t take it personal, sometimes its probably just because the one of us that’s working is helping someone in the dressing rooms.
And also! People! When reading these past reviews don’t forget to look at the date! Most of them are VERY old, come back in! Give us a another chance, i promise you wont regret it. especially since right now we have a HUGE sale going on, items are up to 50% off!!!

Talk about snobs and a half! American Apparel is infamous for their provocative marketing and Dov Charney’s ridiculous guidelines for employment and have to say that this branch completely lives up to those elements.
Putting aside all the merchandise, which I am fond of, the employees are ridiculously blasé about the customers and their work. I was never greeted, offered help once I sought it and no music apart from the employees loud chatter about their previous night out drunk. Really? Next time I’m opting for some online ordering.

Okay, I never got the hype over American Apparel. Basically it is overpriced basics? However I do find some of their stuff appealing, but I would not drop 15 dollars on a basic shirt. This shop was worse than any shop I have been too.
First of, they had some creepy photographer waiting by the dressing room to take pictures. I dont know who he was waiting for but it made me and my friends feel uncomfortable with him just lingering there ready to shoot.
Second, my friend was trying on clothes and I waited outside to see her come out in them. When she came out to show me, the photographer and the dressing room tenant started laughing. WHAT THE HELL IS THAT ABOUT?! Is that the way the company really wants to represent themselves? I guess so.
I have never had a great experience at American Apparel, but yet I have never had the experience with such a horrible staff. Maybe the PB store will take some pointer from the other friendly stores.

Some of the stuff is a bit pricey here but yay for anti-​sweatshops.
I am however absolutely memorized when I get close to one of their tv’s and could stay for hours to see how one article of clothing can be folded, spun, and strapped around in so many different ways.
I do like some of their basics and while its no Forever 21 price, it does tend to last quite a bit longer than shirts bought from other places.

My favorite moment was when one of the salesgirls leaned in and whispered that she would –never– buy a tank top here; she shops at Pink Zone down the street.
Awesome.

I actually like, er, love American Apparel apparel. I feel like a hipster when I wear something AA, even though I am way too old to be one. Maybe my age explains why I HATE THIS STORE. I actually had to leave the store on my last (and I mean last) trip because the music was so awful. Have you ever seen the South Park Episode where they try to hit the brown spot note or whatever? It was like that, only the music nearly induced vomit and certainly induced tears and a headache. I actually saw three other people leave the store while complaining of the overhead sounds of elephants taking it in the a**.
Therefore, I shop online now.

PROS: American Apparel is quality, clothing there is not horribly branded, a large assortment of pantone colors in textiles, most clothing is ring spun cotton so it’s very comfortable on the skin, conveniently located in PB, this particular location is relatively the largest of them in SD, they have bike stands/​locks.
CONS: Customer service is not the best as the employees are super steezy and kind of keep to themselves, people always look at what you wear, side of the store smells like piss, everyone there is skinny so if you are fat you will feel fatter, parking is not the best even behind the store.
OPINION: If you really need to go here, then go here. But I must admit it is the largest so far in SD of AA stores. And if you are over 135lbs, good luck on finding anything here unless you want your nipples piercing through your ring spun shirt. This PB store is a hybrid of super scensters mashed up with the all american beach babe, sprinkled with a little bit of grunge/​punk.
RECOMMENDATIONS: PB AA offers a very good selection of their line though, so if you are specifically looking for an AA item you seen in their soft-​core porn catalogs, you will find it there.