As the editor of Retail Dive, it’s my job to keep tabs on every piece of retail-related news—the good, the bad, and the silly. From Abercrombie & Fitch’s "pipe-fitted mosquito net" to a “witch hunt” on Etsy, here are the strangest reads from the past week.
Selling spells
Etsy is cracking down on metaphysical services sold on its site, including love potions and protection spells. And according to the Washington Post’s Caitlin Dewey, witches on the site are NOT HAPPY.
Styling like it’s 1949
Moccasin boots, wool coats, and rustic backpacks: No, these aren’t the makings of a hipster’s premature holiday wish list. Looking at Abercrombie catalogs of yore, Bloomberg’s Kyle Stock makes the argument that the preppy outdoorsman aesthetic the retailer curated in the first half of the 20th century would actually do well today. Especially, perhaps even primarily, because of that sweet mosquito-net hat fitted for a tabacco pipe.
The George effect
The newest trend-setter in fashion may be a British toddler who has not yet mastered basic motor skills. According to Fortune, Prince George has contributed around $392 million to the British economy, causing items he wears only once (even Crocs!) to sell out instantly.
Are you surprised?
The New York Department of Consumer Affairs has confirmed what everyone has been thinking for years – Whole Foods is overcharging you for that bunch of kale and $10 probiotic, protein-enhanced super smoothie.
Mind the eye
Lululemon is no stranger to merchandise quality scandals, although they are usually about their see-through pants and fraying seams. But now, the athleticwear company is recalling over 300,000 women’s tops, reports CNN, due to hard-tipped drawstring cords whipping customers in the face and eyes.
Buzzfeed created a handy video highlighting one of the repercussions of wearing such garments: