This whole thing stinks of a Hitler complex, but with appearance via fashion rather than ethnicity (and there's even some of that).

I hate that a company based solely on exclusivity is so successful, because it's exclusive in the last politically-correct way; based on physical appearance. My life has been made hell because I'm an overweight woman, and the only time I had a boyfriend and a good job was when I was much thinner (which didn't last long because of some medical issues).

Why should I be judged as sub-human for being a little big, just as my ancestors were judged as sub-human for being jewish?

The problem is, A&F's success made every company think this kind of discrimination is fair play. Restaurants, even in North Carolina, only hire blondes under 5'5". Offices say a candidate must have a "professional appearance", which I was bluntly told meant a size 8 or smaller for women. Even opera companies have weight limits for cast members. Suddenly in this country there is a caste system based on something that most people have little control of. Unless I starve myself and make myself ill, I will never be "skinny". It's not in my genes. Does that make me less of a singer or waitress or office worker?

America doesn't need to teach its youth any more hatred than it already has, and all this store and "lifestyle" teach is how to judge others as different from what's "acceptable and good", and therefore not worthy of human dignity.

This trend is causing absurdly high mental illness, annorexia, and suicide rates in teens, and even young adults. Every company has to be somewhat socially responsible, and A&F is not "cool" or "cute" for shucking that responsibility.

I just read an old issue of OUT magazine where a formal male model shows of his stylish Venice California digs. He mentions in the interview that he at one time was the personal assistant to Mr. Jeffries. I really am beginning to wonder if denial is the norm for many human beings whether it is their age or their sexual orientation.

Hey all you whiners... Jeffries' Abercrombie just posted a $300 million+ profit for 2005.

So... what did you do last year?

They're now averaging about $250,000 in sales per hour. Sure, lots of people hate Abercrombie. But the people who do buy it? They love it.

Just like you love certain things that you couldn't imagine living without. Step out of your own shoes and pretend, just for a moment, that there are people in the world who love things that you don't love. Those people deserve to have their needs filled too.

My local newspaper ran an ad on the first page about Mr. Jeffries saying" if your old or fat do not shop here" also "if your not a model, stop fooling yourself and head over to American Eagle, where you belong". I am absolutely livid that this ugly 61 year old jerk could say such a thing. My comment back to him would be " at 61 years old then he better not where his own clothes either cause frankly he looks like an idiot in them".

I am 41 years old and have been shopping Abercrombie for 6 years now, spending over $350.00 each visit, and weekly to boot. I wear them cause they are comfortable, and I buy them for my kids. But after reading that in my local paper i will never ever ever buy abercrappie again. He has insulted many people. I also made it a point to drive to the mall where i live and let them know that i will not shop there ever again. The sales associates ran down to get the newspaper to see for themselves. Needless to say they were in shock. And I know it is not their fault that he said this but i wanted them to know the kind of company they work for, oh and by the way i feel that this is going to cause alot more controversy. Thank you salon.com for letting us know this information. I just wish i had known this along time ago.

Jacquelyn....a very very mad mom. Shame on you Abercrappie

I will never buy another piece of clothing from A&F for as long as I live. In fact, I am going to print this article and email it to as many people as I can so they can see how ridiculous this company AND Jefferies is. Is this guy for real??? Everything comes to an end and so will A7F and Jefferies. Look at Levi's, who would have ever thought those would go out of style. I can't imagine being 61 years old and being that detached from reality. I feel very sorry for him. Loser.

I've never bought anything from A&F personally mainly because I'm too frugal and I just can't see myself spending $80 on a shirt. No, honestly it's because I'm a graduate student and I'm pretty broke seeing how I spend most of my money on rent, drugs, booze and broods. Over Christmas, however, my cousin bought me a jacket from A&F. When my mother first saw the jacekt she thought it was defective because there are worn scratches and loose stiches on the edge of the front pockets. I told her I'm pretty sure they were intentionally made to appear retro and vintage. She scuffed at the "vintage" look and said that my grandmother would have been quite unhappy about my wearing a work and batter jacket like that. I've to say though, the jacket is well-made. Feels solid and warm. I am a believer that you get what you pay for. Merchandises at Banana Republic and A&F cost more than your average sweatshirt at Old Navy and Target for a reason. They look better, feel better and last longer. Whether or not they are actually worth that value is debatable, because who knows what kind of cheap labor the likes of A&F and Banana Republic used to make that fashionable yet durable piece of clothing. Does any CEOs or athletes really deserve to make $20 million a year? Who knows, but you ask what you think the market can bear. I too also went to Claremont McKenna and I'm writing like a true econ freak even though I only took 1 econ class there. As far as I'm concerned, this Jeffries guy isn't so bad for an alumni. Hell, in case you didn't know CMC also produced a serial killer so compared to the psychopath Jeffries comes off like a humanitarian at the alumni dinner.