We have to admit, we didn’t see the USPS being the hottest apparel brand of the late summer, but Americans are buying up all kinds of things from the agency’s surprisingly expansive merchandise store. The beleaguered USPS has been very transparent about its money issues, so buying things like stamps, prints, T-shirts and even dog costumes has been a boost.
That brand popularity carried over to Urban Outfitters, which had been selling USPS-branded apparel for high prices. But shoppers were dismayed to find out that none of the money actually goes to the USPS.
In response, Urban Outfitters reportedly pulled the items—a $250 hoodie and $125 T-shirt—from its online store.
The products were designed by streetwear brand Anti Social Social Club.
“These products were designed, sold and distributed by an independent vendor,” Urban Outfitters said in a statement to Business Insider. “They are being removed from the site.”
Urban Outfitters has been called tone deaf for other apparel offerings in the past, including a Kent State University shirt that looked like it was covered in blood and unlicensed Coachella merchandise.
They do things like this for attention more than the Kardashians https://t.co/RfSksMPFRs
— Jen Zuazo (@jenniferzuazo) August 18, 2020
It’s also not the first time Urban Outfitters has used government agency logos without actually benefiting the agency, though this is common in retail and allowed by law. The brand had been selling NASA gear thanks to a public domain logo.
The fight to protect the USPS has gained serious momentum on social networking sites like Twitter and Instagram. With such a widespread support system, this product from Urban Outfitters was bound to get some attention. And with the high price tag with no benefit to the USPS, it was doomed to get criticism.
