Urban Outfitters is NOT an ethical store to be buying from. Urban Outfitters has been the center of many issues regarding discrimination towards minorities. They have targeted black, Jewish, Mexican, Irish and LGBTQ+ communities. Additionally, they have created offensive designs such as “New Mexico, Cleaner than Regular Mexico”, a “ghettopoly” game based off of stereotypes within the black community, “Eat Less” reminders on clothing, and a bloodied vintage sweatshirt “repping” Kent State based on a shooting in 1970 which resulted in multiple injuries and deaths. Urban Outfitters has also been using plus sized models to appear as an inclusive company, but does not sell plus-size clothes in their stores or online, catering to smaller sizes only.

While Urban Outfitters is a popular brand among the younger population and it is still thriving economically, we wanted to bring attention to these unethical practices among the company.They use high quality materials and try to keep their “cool” factor but the prices are ridiculously high in order to keep the company at a profit. Most prices start at $55 for a shirt and $100 for shoes. Many customers are willing to pay that money for “good quality” but are supporting the discrimination that is attached to it. The Good On You app is a resource that shows alternative stores that have more conscientious practices.

Even if it does not cater to you as an individual, it can help others in the future, as well as save you money and peace of mind when you choose to shop ethically.