I’m having a bit of an ethical dilemma - I currently work for a large-ish American fashion retailer that sells a lot of European brands. It’s been a pleasure seeing a bunch of brands that we sell show up here. I’m in need of new jeans and have been considering shopping after work since I also get a staff discount.
The company itself fits my core values and hasn’t abandoned DEI, which is the main reason I’m considering a purchase. It is, however, still an American company and while the clothing is European, the money would still go to an American company and into their economy. For additional context, I’m in The Netherlands.
Thoughts? I’m currently on my way to a shift and won’t be able to immediately reply — wanted to post before I forgot :3
How often do you buy clothes? For me, the most important is that everyday items and expensive items are European: food, softwares, fuel, car, etc.
If I have to buy once something <100€ and have to buy from the USA, especially a company who did not do a 180° turn in the last 2 months, I would be ok.
But that’s just me.
How often do you buy clothes?
More than I care to admit — at least one thing per month. I started transition a few years ago and have lost nearly 20kg since this past December. Almost everything I wore last spring is far too large and it’s been a struggle to replace many pieces with thrifted ones since I’m quite a bit outside of the body norms in my city. I can get Bershka and Pull&Bear trousers and jeans at work for less than €20 while they are nearly €30 elsewhere so it has been tempting!
For me, the most important is that everyday items and expensive items are European: food, softwares, fuel, car, etc.
This makes me feel a bit better as my partner and I have been buying European for almost everything (other than games, and most of them are indie these days) for years. Thank you :3
The company itself fits my core values and hasn’t abandoned DEI, which is the main reason I’m considering a purchase.
A lot of posters on this community get mixed up with sending a strong message to Trump that his policies are not acceptable and wanting the US to to suffer. They see this as a black and white thing so much that they’ll post silly memes about it. This only creates longer lasting divisions between Europe and the US. We should be shunning Trump and companies that adhere to his doctrine not blanket refusing to buy from US companies simply based on where they are headquartered. The latter would be something a Russian troll would actively push.
If a company is ethical given your research and stands true to values that you are comfortable with then you should be free to buy from them.
