Brandy Melville, a fast-fashion retailer known for its controversial “one-size-fits-most” clothing, recently opened a store on Church Street Marketplace in Burlington, Vermont. This move has sparked backlash among locals who are concerned about the brand’s values and practices. The company has been the subject of a documentary detailing discriminatory hiring practices, exploitation of teenage girls’ insecurities, and environmental impact of fast fashion.
The documentary alleges that Brandy Melville’s CEO purposely hired thin, white employees over people of color, enforced strict appearance standards for teenage workers, and engaged in inappropriate behavior such as sharing pornographic messages and closing stores frequented by marginalized communities. Additionally, the company’s rapid production of trendy, cheap clothing is said to contribute to global waste issues. Despite the controversy, the store has attracted a large crowd on its opening day.
Locals, such as Jericho resident Heather Girard, were shocked by the one-size-fits-all concept and the lack of inclusivity in the brand’s offerings. Girard and her daughter left the store after finding none of the clothes fitting properly and discovering disturbing information about the company online.
The Church Street Marketplace director emphasized that the city has no legal control over private lease agreements, indicating that the decision to host the store was made by the building’s owners. Employees at the Brandy Melville store declined to comment, citing their contracts.
Overall, the opening of Brandy Melville in Burlington has raised concerns about ethical fashion practices and the impact of consumerism.
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