This or That: ‘Sandy sale’ offensive?

By Holly Henry, WTKR/WGNT Online Producer

A popular clothing store is now under scrutiny in the social media world, after the company sent an eblast to shoppers, advertising a Hurricane Sandy online sale.

That’s according to a report from Mashable.com.

Reports say that during Hurricane Sandy, on Monday night (October 29, 2012), American Apparel sent out an email blast offering customers 20% off purchases for the upcoming 36 hours, “in case you’re bored during the storm”.

The sale was only available in Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Maryland, according to the email.

It turns out that those states were allegedly hit the hardest by superstorm Sandy.

The ad tells viewers to “Just Enter SANDYSALE at Checkout”. Basically, the ad was targeting folks who were stuck inside during the storm. 

Many people on Twitter did not find the ad very appealing. They are criticizing the ad, calling it inappropriate due to the serious nature of Sandy and the severity of conditions. Here are some tweets in response to the online sale ad: 

American Apparel and Gap cause Twitter outrage with Hurricane Sandy sales wallblog.co.uk/2012/10/30/ame…

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Martin Jaskolowski (@jurgen52) October 31, 2012

American Apparel angers customers with Hurricane #Sandy sale huff.to/XUU0aG

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Huffington Post (@HuffingtonPost) October 31, 2012

I just received a "Hurricane Sandy sale" email blast from @AmericanApparel. I will forever boycott their stores. RT if you're with me

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Whitney Hess (@whitneyhess) October 30, 2012

An American Apparel Hurricane Sandy Sale? Which 22-year-old genius intern came up with this one?

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Brian Clark (@copyblogger) October 30, 2012

American Apparel is publicizing its hurricane Sandy sale. Just in case you wanted to burn their stores to the ground.

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Angus Johnston (@studentactivism) October 30, 2012

American Apparel just sent me an email about a hurricane sandy sale lmao they better chill 😂😭😂😭😂😭

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Mary Money (@tufflove21) October 30, 2012

So, what do you think about the company having a “Hurricane sale”? Is it tacky and heartless, or do you think it’s great for business? Do you think the company is taking advantage of the storm to make a profit? Send me a tweet @mediaholly.

My latest blog addresses #fashion and #Hurricane Sandy. @WGNTCW27 wgnt.com/2012/10/31/thi…

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Holly Lynne Henry (@mediaholly) October 31, 2012