Comments on: HR’s strange side: CEO fires ‘ugly’ people — is it legal?

By: Kathleen

Kathleen — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 01:18:00 +0000

Dov Charney misses the point altogether. AA’s sales are not dropping because he has ugly employees in his stores. It’s because his people are ugly to his patrons. I have never met a more snobbish bunch, who leave you standing on the sidewalk waiting for them to open the store 10 minutes after it was supposed to open; only to be treated like they would rather you not be there.

By: Stacy

Stacy — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 19:42:01 +0000

I think he’s totally obnoxious and there are so many others like him and it’s nothing new. In the 1990’s when I was looking for a job in Manhattan, just about every receptionist I came across at these companies I had interviews at all looked like they were torn out of the pages of Vogue! Even weight is an issue, unless you gain it AFTER you get hired but they are trying to dictate that for certain legitimate reasons but regardless, it’s a personal choice. Remember, flight attendant qualifications back in the day? They were totally superficial. They wanted the total package. As far as weight and flight attendants are concerned, I think they have a point because it would be hard for a 300 pound flight attendant to maneuver up and down the aisles of aircraft easily and be able to do their jobs. Anyways, all this to say, everything is superficial either it’s blatant or subtle.

By: Ingrid

Ingrid — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 19:08:29 +0000

On Rebecca’s advice, I did visit their site in search of that very classy Mini Dress, and all I have to say is – 1985 called, and it wants it’s look back!!! Not only is he ugly, he can’t come up with original, attractive clothing!!

By: Katrina

Katrina — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 19:06:12 +0000

How does he keep any employees? He fires what he considers undesierable / unattractive employess, on the other hand, it sounds like he sexually harrssess anyone that he finds attractive.

With his sparkling personality and “great looks” – it’s no wonder no wonder he’s had complaints filed instead of responses to his inappropriate advances.

By: Diane

Diane — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 15:08:49 +0000

I am curious if he will look at the sales numbers behind each person employed at the stores and whether or not the “beautiful” ones are the top sellers. I understand wanting to support his brand with a specific body type image but he may find that although the “beautiful” ones are nice to look at, some of the other than “beautiful” ones are actually his top sellers.

By: Rebecca

Rebecca — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 22:44:15 +0000

While I don’t agree, I believe he can legally decide who he hires to achieve his desired “look” for the company. This is not an isolated incident nor is this the only industry where beauty trumps ugly – so I don’t think there are any unusual legal issues here.

Personally I find the opposite of his beliefs to be true – I am much less likely to shop in a store filled with “beautiful” people – intimidating if you’re not attractive and too much competition if you are.

Besides, I would prefer to have a competent knowledgeable sales staff to wait on me than some airhead they hired solely for looks.

Ultimately, I think, their dip in sales is due to clothes that are ugly, overpriced, cheap looking or combination of the three. The website is horrendous – check out the “new” Nylon Spandex Micro-Mesh Long Sleeve Mini Dress – now this transparent number is classy – just like its CEO!!

By: Ed

Ed — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 19:08:30 +0000

He has done nothing illegal – unpleasent, barbaric and shovenistic – yes. However –

If you go to a place of business and the sales person telling you what you need to look good is not good looking – will you believe them?

If you are shopping for oversized clothing and a size zero says that an item will look good on you (at size 20) you would not believe that she knows what she is talking about.

If you go to an athletic store and are just starting out an exercise plan – will you trust the advice of someone that is morbidly obese and can hardly walk?

By: bdbd

bdbd — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 17:59:10 +0000

tHIS JERK IS NOT JUST PLAIN UGLY, HE’S UGLY TIMES SEVEN. HE LOOKS LIKE HE’S STUCK IN THE 1970′S. HE’S ALSO PROBABLY A FEW FRENCH FRIES SHORT OF A HAPPY MEAL TOO!!!!!

By: Jean

Jean — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 15:14:05 +0000

Does this really surprise anyone?
Do you think bartenders are all good looking women by accident?

Statically, women who don’t wear makeup earn less.
Men under 5’8 earn less.
Heavy women earn less.

When I was a restaurant manager I was told to hire a pretty popular girl because if I get one I’ll get more then I’ll get the good looking jocks will follow. This gal was useless! I was told not to fire her because it would make my black/white ratio off. I told the company unless they were going to give me a larger budget for salaries I couldn’t afford to have her stand there and be a pretty white girl (at that time I too was a pretty 22 yr white girl. Now I’m an over the hill white girl).

Currently, I’m encouraged to hire cute young things for our receptionist. I had to fight tooth and nail to get the 50 yr old with bad teeth hired. She’s smart and 3 years later she is one of our hardest workers and has been promoted twice!

Unfortunately, this happens everyday.

By: Ingrid

Ingrid — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 18:29:22 +0000

Do I hear the pot calling the kettle black???