Folding at Abercrombie and Fitch

Every time I stroll past the store, that awful song finagles its way back into my head. Although it's been several years since LFO's boy band formula ruled the airwaves, it's clear they've made a significant imprint upon popular culture. "I like girls that wear Abercrombie and Fitch...do dah do dah...I had one wish..." Okay, so maybe I don't remember the rest of the words, but that one line - the one about the overpriced clothing store for the hopelessly trendy - remains a permanent fixture within my cluttered head. And now that I work for Abercrombie and Fitch, it seems even less likely that I'll come to escape the commercial madness popularized by LFO.

I'd like to take this opportunity to justify my decision to join the A&F staff at the Towson Mall. It was the beginning of the summer. I needed a job. I tried for positions at Barnes & Noble, American Eagle, and Xando's, but the folks at Abercrombie were the only ones who called me back. Fully decked out in A&F gear, I scored two thumbs up for my interview and was hired on the spot. I would find out soon afterwards that my interviewer was actually the regional manager, responsible for the presentation of eight different A&F stores in the area. He'd had no problem giving me a one-on-one interview, despite the policy that prospective employees attend one of the group interviews held every Tuesday. I guess I made quite an impression. The A&F squad immediately made me feel like a welcomed member of the team. I'm sure I flashed several of my trademark grins.

It wasn't until I was walking out the door that I was told what my starting pay would be. "It's $5.50 an hour," Brian said with a smile, as if I ought to be pleased with the wage. Brian shook my hand and said something about putting me on next week's schedule as I exited the store.