Editing Mike Jeffries (section)

=== Controversy and Criticism ===
Despite the commercial triumphs, Mike Jeffries' leadership style and marketing strategies attracted significant criticism. The brand was known for its exclusionary messaging, particularly Jeffries’ statements about only targeting “cool” and “attractive” customers. In a 2006 interview with ''Salon'', Jeffries openly stated that Abercrombie & Fitch was “exclusionary” and unapologetically catered to “good-looking people,” which fueled public outrage.

The company faced lawsuits for discriminatory hiring practices and for promoting a narrow standard of beauty. In 2004, a class-action lawsuit resulted in Abercrombie & Fitch paying a multi-million-dollar settlement over allegations of racial and ethnic discrimination in its hiring and employment practices.

Another controversy involved Abercrombie's refusal to offer larger sizes in its clothing range, a decision that further alienated consumers. As public sentiment shifted toward inclusivity and diversity, Abercrombie’s brand image became increasingly out of step with cultural trends.