05/21/2008
Urban Outfitters Billionaire a Wingnut in Progressive Clothing
The loaded owner of Urban Outfitters, Richard Hayne, doesn't want you to know who he is:
"Shopping in Urban makes you feel like you are somewhere radically Left-wing, an antidote to the corporate blandness of The Gap. But Hayne is a stanch conservative who donates money to Republican politicians, not least Rick Santorum, a now failed Senator whose views on homosexuality are both bizarre and old-fashioned. Hayne doesn't give many interviews precisely because he's afraid that college slackers who get to know him will suddenly realise that buying his clothes is like giving cash to George Bush. Once described as projecting a 'Dick Cheney-esque aura of no-nonsense grayflannel gravitas', Hayne must be the only retailer whose expansion plans depend on no one finding out who he really is. Despite the strife in the sector, Urban just beat Wall Street profit expectations yet again. So far, the illusion is holding up perfectly."
One can only hide for so long.
(thanks robbie)
Sphere: Related ContentPosted 10:20 AM EST by Andy in News, Republican Party | Permalink
Comments
I've tried to tell this to people for YEARS. I used to frequent Urban Outfitters a lot when I lived in Seattle in the early 90s until I learned his backstory. It's really quite genius...in a diabolical way.
*rubs hands together*
Posted by: Rey | May 21, 2008 10:36:02 AM
Hmm. I remember being in Urban Outfitters in New York and seeing a T-shirt (I'm pretty sure it was a man's T-shirt) that said "I like girls who like girls". So evidently someone at Urban Outfitters has no problem with homosexuality so long as it's two girls making out for the benefit of a guy.
Posted by: Sasha | May 21, 2008 10:37:04 AM
Thank God I'm a nurse and don't have to wear stuff like Urban Outfitters. They have really nice stuff but I would have been really upset right about now if I had a closet full of their clothes.
Thanks, Andy, for bringing this to our attention.
Posted by: JerzeeMike | May 21, 2008 10:37:36 AM
He's the reason I haven't set foot in Urban Outfitters in over five years.
Posted by: MAJeff | May 21, 2008 10:43:58 AM
Well, I will put them right next to Macy's on my list of places I will not shop.
Posted by: PDX Guy | May 21, 2008 10:44:49 AM
On my search for some cheap sunglasses, I wandered into the UO at 6th and 14th this past weekend and couldn't help but notice their prominently displayed Barack Obama t-shirts (which made me want to vomit a little). I thought it's so sad how this election has been coopted by a cult of personality and mindless platitudes, etc etc etc...So I ended up buying some expensive Prada shades elsewhere. : )
This article puts that experience in a curious light, to say the least.
Posted by: DAVID | May 21, 2008 10:46:43 AM
I used to shop at the store in Minneapolis. I had absolutely no idea about this neocon. Sincere thanks for shining a light on this guy.
Posted by: Tegucigalpa Todd | May 21, 2008 10:47:54 AM
Good stuff Andy, I think that we need to know just who is behind every company in this country and where they stand on issues that affect our community.
Posted by: Sebastian | May 21, 2008 10:48:38 AM
my partner is a high-up for urban, and he always talks so highly of this man. he's not a jerk by any means, as an insider.....he leaves politics at the door, and he knows that there is a huge gay following of his company. Also, i'd say 50% of the employees of urban are lgbt....so even if he's a bush supporter, he's a good guy.
Posted by: j.r. | May 21, 2008 10:49:33 AM
It doesn't matter how good a guy he is - if he's funding the right wing agenda with the profits off my purchases, then I'm not cool with that!
Posted by: DAVID | May 21, 2008 10:52:30 AM
Yup, he's a turd. Also, I remember he's pretty anti-choice (but I can't qualify that one).
Another galling company to watch out for (-though perhaps more for the mothers of Towleroad readers)... the founder of Curves is notoriously big contributor to Anti-Choice/Pro-Life causes. Especially gross is his claim to 'empower women'.
Posted by: pickles | May 21, 2008 10:53:19 AM
I don't buy clothes from homely men
Posted by: sean | May 21, 2008 10:54:01 AM
Oh crap! What's wrong with Macy's?
Posted by: MikeinSanJose | May 21, 2008 10:58:19 AM
J.R. are freaking KIDDING me!!! You bought this guys act hook, line, and sinker. This "good guy" is helping to fund the very people who will never, EVER let you and "your partner" be fully integrated into American society. He's marginalizing you with one hand while taking your money with the other. Stop and think about what's going on here, you have some decisions to make.
Posted by: JerzeeMike | May 21, 2008 10:59:47 AM
"....so even if he's a bush supporter, he's a good guy." Priceless! Thanks for the laugh, J.R.
Posted by: John in Manhattan | May 21, 2008 11:16:01 AM
I'm not sure he's the only retailer counting on not being outed. There's a bit of weirdness at the top of gay icon A&F, as well.
Posted by: Patrick | May 21, 2008 11:44:40 AM
his wikipedia entry says that he "donated heavily to the rick santorum campaign."
'nuff said.
Posted by: alguien | May 21, 2008 11:46:18 AM
J.R.--- you are an IDIOT. If this guy is handing money to George W Bush and Rick Santorum, then it doesn't matter that he 'leaves politics at the door and knows there is a huge gay following of his company'...clearly, the man supports hatemongers who make political gain by demonizing the GLBT community...he isn't hiring GLBT people because he likes them or wants to help them...he's hiring GLBT people because they can help him become richer...the best thing your boyfriend could do is put his resume out there and get a new job because as long as he is continuing to work for Richard Hayne,your boyfriend is also contributing to the oppression of GLBT people.
Posted by: peterparker | May 21, 2008 11:54:08 AM
Sorry, but actively donating money to Santorum and GW ends it for me. Besides, I have better uses for $40 instead of un-ironic T-shirts.
Posted by: JTluvr | May 21, 2008 12:09:26 PM
I know part of this is generational: I used to wander into UO in Ann Arbor and marvel at how 99% of the stuff was nothing I'd look good in--even if I found the right size--because there are SOME things 60 year old guys shd avoid on esthetic grounds. Unless, of coure, they've managed by genetic luck and hard work to look 23...But what really put me off was how the entire store reminded me of some ads I used to see in "alternative" and "underground" papers in the Sixties that offered an Instant Hippy Look for a low price--love beads, headbands, a tie-died tee and a vial of patchouli oil. It's no surprise that images supposedly cool are exploited by right wing (and leftie) entrepreneurs, and that so many people ar ready to shell out $$$ for the vicarious engagement.
Posted by: Gregory Brown | May 21, 2008 12:12:39 PM
Thanks for the info. Will add Urban Outfitters to my list of unacceptable brands. That includes A&F - for those of you who consider racial and ethnic discrimination odious, A&F has a history of "whites only" policy:
http://www.nytimes.com/2004/11/16/business/16cnd-settle.html
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2004/11/24/60minutes/main657604.shtml
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2003/12/09/BAGEM3J5H01.DTL&type=printable
Just do a online search and you'll find many more articles on A&F and racism.
Posted by: end2dscrmnshn | May 21, 2008 12:13:36 PM
PDX GUY...I don't know your reason(s) for boycotting Macy's (owned by Federated Department Stores), but the company has long had a policy of supporting the GLBT community...every year they host Macy's Passport Fashion Shows in cities around the country to raise money for people living with HIV/AIDS...they have long given domestic partner benefits to their GLBT employees (http://www.macysjobs.com/corporate/benefits/health.asp)...I know that Andy reported, about a year ago, on an incident in which a Macy's store in Boston altered a window display about that cities Pride Parade after there were complaints...apparently, the decision to alter the window display was made not by Macy's corporate, but by the store manager...given the fact that this appears to have been a random occurrence made by an unenlightened employee and the fact that Macy's has otherwise supportive of our community, I think we need to give Macy's a pass on what was otherwise a very disturbing incident...if there is some other reason to boycott Macy's/Federated Department Stores that I am unaware of, please, don't hesitate to let us all know.
Posted by: peterparker | May 21, 2008 12:20:32 PM
Who buys stuff at UO anyway? It's too downmarket and the stuff is cheap and ugly.
They try much too hard to be cool, so they clearly aren't.
Me and my friends much prefer more expensive (and exclusive) stuff.
And A&F can go to hell, they are clearly wannabees.
Who shops at Macys? When I think of a department store, Bergdorf's, Saks, or Bendel's are the only ones that come to mind (although Harvey Nichols is quite nice).
Posted by: Chad | May 21, 2008 12:38:36 PM
Nothing gets between me and my Calvins??
It's usually not best to ask how the sausage is being made. Pretty soon you're living like a hermit in a cave. Being gay does not equal Jainism.
Posted by: anon | May 21, 2008 1:02:04 PM
Thank you for posting this. Four years ago "Rock the Vote" activists complained that Urban Outfitters was selling a t-shirt that read "Voting is for Old People." I can now understand why the store's owner would want to promote such a message.
I don't care how many gay customers and workers a business makes money off of. If it or its owners support the right-wing, they are not getting my money or labor if I can help it.
Posted by: Michael | May 21, 2008 1:03:00 PM
Rockstar Energy Drink for anyone who drinks that stuff has an analogous issue. I'd investigate before giving them money.
Posted by: JJ | May 21, 2008 1:07:24 PM
@ Chad
Baaaaaaaaarf.........
Get over yourself hun you aren't as fabulous as you think you are.
Posted by: Derek | May 21, 2008 1:24:55 PM
People are entitled to shop wherever the hell they want to, but...
If you refuse to shop at any store whose chief supports the GOP, well, you're not gonna be left with many places to shop. The richey-riches? I hear most of 'em send their money to those nasty republicans.
I'm serious. I read it in a magazine or something.
Posted by: Daniel | May 21, 2008 1:34:22 PM
I agree with Derek. I could afford to buy very nice clothing, but there are so many more important things in life.
Plus, my family has given up on trying to understand me when giving gifts, so I usually have a wallet full of gift certificates to Banana Republic. Suits me fine.
Posted by: Paul R | May 21, 2008 1:36:03 PM
I can say, as a former employee, UO does try too hard. There was a time about 10 years ago when it didn't have to try so hard, and I always did feel I was in a gay posistive environment. But then, I knew NOTHING about RH.
One day, a District Manager admitted to me that the majority of the clothes were known to come from offshore sweatshops.
She had a very "Yeah, i know, it sucks, but what are you going to do?"
So I quit. And glad of it. It didn't take long to learn about the donkey leading the rest of the asses.
Posted by: Shirley Heezgay! | May 21, 2008 1:53:04 PM
I can say, as a former employee, UO does try too hard. There was a time about 10 years ago when it didn't have to try so hard, and I always did feel I was in a gay posistive environment. But then, I knew NOTHING about RH.
One day, a District Manager admitted to me that the majority of the clothes were known to come from offshore sweatshops.
She had a very "Yeah, i know, it sucks, but what are you going to do?"
So I quit. And glad of it. It didn't take long to learn about the donkey leading the rest of the asses.
Posted by: Shirley Heezgay! | May 21, 2008 1:53:51 PM
it does suck that he gives money to idiots, but you all should know that he offers domestic partner benefits to his homo employee. i'm one of them.
Posted by: gaysians | May 21, 2008 2:11:09 PM
Boycott UO, Anthropology and Rockstar Enery drinks
http://www.thetruthaboutrockstar.com/index.html
Thank You
Posted by: Ty Jones | May 21, 2008 2:43:29 PM
I may have to start shopping there now.
Posted by: Scott | May 21, 2008 3:07:44 PM
Me too! Urban Outfitters is awesome! Who cares if they don't support our lifestyle? What else can we do? It's not like we have a choice!
Posted by: Gay Uncle Tom | May 21, 2008 3:14:05 PM
Urban Outfitters is just one of thousands of corporations that fund the Republican propaganda machine. How many of us are typing on a DELL computer?
http://www.newsmeat.com/billionaire_political_donations/Michael_Dell.php
The list is seemingly endless.
Posted by: John in Manhattan | May 21, 2008 3:45:29 PM
it really isn't that hard to find the companies that do not support right-wing causes. apparently a couple or three on this thread don't care to learn or can't worry their vain little heads about it. and to you sad little creatures i will let olbermann speak for me, "shut the hell up!"
Posted by: nic | May 21, 2008 4:42:54 PM
I've known about this guy for years and have been amazed that his story hasn't gotten wider press. Here in Providence, RI our local Urban is thronged with Brown University and Rhode Island School of Design hipsters, most of whom lean left in this bluest of blue states. I can only imagine they don't know anything of the founder of this company.
Posted by: Mike | May 21, 2008 5:16:56 PM
Seriously who cares, It takes way too much energy to try and boycott all of the "bad" places. I'm still going to shop there. And most of their clothes are from other companies anyway. They're just selling other peoples stuff.
Posted by: Terrance | May 21, 2008 5:51:36 PM
Well I'll be dammed. I'm not setting foot at any Urban Outfitters store anymore. Wait...I haven't in 3 years.
Posted by: donsnyc | May 21, 2008 6:33:49 PM
I'm sorry kittens but this is old old news. I haven't shopped there for at 7 years due to this point exactly.
He used to sell bongs out of a VW van in San Francisco that is how he got his start and now look.
Not only that but Urban Outshitters has been the target of more designer lawsuits than almost any other retailer for their continued knocking off of young designers designs.
Gross. Vote with your dollar.
Posted by: Br!on | May 21, 2008 7:54:26 PM
Check out www.fredflare.com it's way more cute and fun than Urban Outfitters and the owners are big ole gays... Check their blog, it's HI-lar!
Posted by: Gossip Gay | May 21, 2008 7:57:25 PM
RE: Macy's
The Boston incident mentioned by Peterparker is one reason of several why I would rather cut my own arm off than shop at Macy's, and no, I don't give a pass on public actions taken by a company regardless of who made the decision or other positives, that was inexcusable to me. But that is my feeling on that.
The other reasons:
-WalMart quality merchandise at near-Nordstrom prices.
-Extremely poor customer service, in fact, all they have anymore is cashiers, there is no service.
-The unnecessary elimination of the vastly superior Marshall Fields in Chicago. And the whitewashing of the history of that store that Macy's has done since.
Posted by: PDX Guy | May 21, 2008 11:27:17 PM
I know some of you may have issues with the Human Rights Campaign ["HRC"], but they publish a report [annually I think] of companies that support the LGBT community [i.e. domestic partner benefits, contributions to LGBT causes, advertising policies, etc] and those that do not. The report lists companies by industry so you can see, if for example you need electronics, that Best Buy is a better choice than Radio Shack. I don't think HRC looks at major shareholders of these companies and what they do with their money, but it's a good place to start. I use the report all the time.
Remember boys, knowledge = power. Vote with your wallets.
Posted by: Ted | May 22, 2008 12:14:57 AM
So, are his issues with gays, who are normaly supported by higher taxing democrats, or republicans who affect his bottom line with fewer taxes. I don't think he has anything but his bottom line in interest. Its a razors edge to walk, I know!
Posted by: bruce | May 22, 2008 4:17:22 AM
Urban carries Fred Perry and Levis and they have my fave overall sneaker selection in the area I live. But the simple solution 4 me would be to stop shopping there and order these things online. But then I best investigate the political leanings of the owners of these retailers and may end up having to look further and so on and so forth. I mean, does anyone know anything about Fred Perry? Fuck it, there are worse places to shop. Wal-mart, for instance.
Posted by: dwayner | May 22, 2008 7:22:20 AM
Funny how the queens on here who directly benefit from UO (i.e. working there) are the ones who support this douche. I'm glad 100 of you are taken care of, now what about the whole community?
PDX, you need to shop at the Herald Square store. If you have issues with their customer service you need to let them know (something most people won't do - but they sure as hell will get on a message board and bitch about it).
Posted by: Shane | May 22, 2008 7:47:01 AM
Well, Herald Square is not exactly in my neighborhood. And I have submitted feedback to Macy's, and other places, when I have received bad service and almost always get a canned response. I have also submitted compliments (not to Macy's, something almost no one does ever, too. I literally have a Macy's across the street from me, but drive right by it to go to better stores. The Macy's in downtown Portland has been remodeled and it is awful. Feels cold and sterile, is abandoned most times, and still think the merchandise is overpriced. So I have tried, but they offer no reason to shop there, and several reasons to not shop there.
Posted by: PDX Guy | May 22, 2008 11:02:13 AM
why is it shocking that corporate clones are GOP maniacs? even the ones who peddle "leftwing" type doodads and clothing.
shop local. that's the best way to know for sure where your money is going.
wonkobox.unpunk.com
Posted by: wonkobos | May 24, 2008 1:40:18 PM
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