The Rise And Fall Of American Apparel – A Look Back To 2012


As we journey back to 2012, a year marked by exploration and insights, we recall our discussions about American Apparel ($APP) and the fascinating dynamics that unfolded. Our musings were not just about the financial prospects; they delved into the essence of the brand, its trajectory, and the factors that set it apart. The research conducted here was very similar to Michael Biggers research into EBAY and Crocs, back in 2013.

A Unique Kiteboarding Session and Conversation:

A trip to Jones Beach Parking Lot 6 (P6) for a kiteboarding session provided the backdrop for a conversation with a friend who had recently visited a Crocs store in Puerto Rico. This chance meeting spurred discussions on Crocs and the concept of brand transformations.

Drawing Parallels with Crocs:

While our musings touched upon Crocs ($CROX), the essence of this discussion was broader. It led us to another brand that we believed held the potential for a remarkable journey – American Apparel ($APP). The friend’s reaction was a testament to the resonance of the brand, particularly among the young urban demographic.

Understanding the Brand’s Essence:

His insights, coming from a professional designer, illuminated how customers perceived the brand. The clothing’s fit, the absence of labels, and the brand’s alignment with free-spirited individuals struck chords with consumers.

Exploring the Leadership and Strategy:

Our analysis extended to American Apparel’s CEO, Dov Charney. His unconventional persona and passion for the brand garnered attention. His commitment to American manufacturing defied convention and demonstrated a unique approach to business.

The Power of Branding and Storytelling:

We recognized the brand’s ability to capture attention, even in an era of information overload. American Apparel’s daring advertising and branding resonated with its audience, fostering a sense of rebellion.

Digital Brilliance and Artful Integration:

Our scrutiny extended to Americanapparel.net, the brand’s online presence. The integration of blogging and the artistic nature of the website showcased the potential for growth in the digital realm.

Unconventional Success:

American Apparel’s success in building a $600 million business from selling t-shirts underscored Charney’s acumen. The brand’s appeal to teenagers and its unapologetically provocative advertising contributed to its allure.

Predictions and Further Investigation:

As we looked to the future, we pondered the 125th Street store’s remarkable sales increase of 70%. This investigation was part of our commitment to uncovering the brand’s enigmatic success.

Looking Back with Wisdom:

Hindsight provides a unique perspective. While some of our insights proved prescient, the subsequent years brought both triumphs and challenges for American Apparel. As the brand navigated its path, it encountered hurdles that tested its resilience.

A Testament to Dynamics:

The story of American Apparel is a reflection of the ever-evolving world of business and branding. While our analysis in 2012 captured a moment in time, the brand’s journey beyond that point serves as a testament to the unpredictable nature of markets and consumer preferences.

An Ongoing Story:

As we look back on our exploration of American Apparel in 2012, we are reminded that the world of business is one of continuous transformation. Brands evolve, markets shift, and consumer behavior changes. The story of American Apparel is not confined to a single chapter; rather, it continues to be written with every twist and turn that the brand encounters on its journey through time.

We highly recommend that forex traders seeking prop firm funding use more ‘out of the box’ analysis techniques like showcased here to get a more holistic picture of the markets, rather than just relying on technical analysis, as taught in most online forex courses.

By simply backtesting the forex markets, you can clearly see the impact fundamental and real world analysis has within the markets, not only the stock market! We’ve got some great resources for traders looking to backtest their trading strategies, so definitely have a read through and check the fundamental sentiment at the time of your trades!

Kyle Townsend

Kyle Townsend is the founder of Forex Broker Report, an experienced forex trader and an advocate for funding options for retail forex traders.

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