I’m one of those investors who likes to buy stock in companies that I actually use their products or services like Target, Waste Management, Yum Brands. Ironically, I went to a top business school because that strategy has not fucking worked for me. Those stocks aside, I am a huge consumer of Urban Outfitters goods. Who doesn’t love all that shit at Anthropologie? Besides being one of their big customers, I was all over the fact that the CEO went to MY business school. Clearly the guy must have brains because he went to Chicago. Well, ever since I heard about their global expansion and Anthropologie stores hitting the Parisian market, the 100 shares of stock I own have been sorely beaten down. I am such an idiot! Make sure I don’t ever manage your stock portfolios. You will die a pauper.
As mad as I am about the stock, I have yet to cash in my shares (at a loss). I’m still holding on and still shopping. I was sniffing around the Urban Outfitters–Union Square store–two Fridays ago after work. You know how sometimes you just feel like shopping? I rarely shop in-person, I like to do most of my stuff online, but that Friday I felt like checking out some stores and trying things on. I found a few items–dresses and tank tops–and headed to the dressing room. In front of me was a blind woman, holding onto her husband. I tried hard not to be one of those people who stares so I said casually, “Excuse me. Are you in line?”
She said no and I continued to wait my turn. Her husband turned around. His face had been completely burned. One of his eyes was a dull glass marble. The husband and wife felt their way around the accessory section, touching the necklaces and sunglasses. My eyes started welling up on the spot. It seems the Urban Outfitters staff felt the same way. They asked how they could help and I could see the young girls running around the store fetching items, bringing them back to the handicapped couple, assisting them with checkout. They all had glum faces as the couple made their way out of the store.
So maybe the company doesn’t make money, but the staff that day had heart. Despite all the bitching and moaning as I watch the stock plummet, I was actually proud to own the stock that day. Go support your local Urban Outfitters store.
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