COLUMBUS, Ohio – The CEO of New Albany-based Abercrombie & Fitch posted a statement on the company’s Facebook page Wednesday addressing a comment by Mike Jeffries that the retailer only wanted to sell to “cool,” “attractive” people.
“While I believe this 7-year-old, resurrected quote has been taken out of context, I sincerely regret that my choice of words was interpreted in a manner that has caused offense,” Jeffries said in part.
The comment in a 2006 interview, where Jeffries explained that the retail clothing chain want to target young, thin buyers, set off a firestorm of criticism after it resurface earlier this month.
After a meeting with leaders of groups representing people offended by the remark, the company issued a statement promising to discourage bullying and support diversity.