The clothing manufacturer American Apparel closed its Westwood location Wednesday.
The company, which gained popularity with its “Made in USA – Sweatshop Free” policy, provocative advertising campaigns and simple designs, filed for bankruptcy in 2015. Gildan Activewear, a Canadian wholesale apparel company, acquired American Apparel’s intellectual property and equipment for $88 million in January.
Gildan Activewear did not purchase any of the 110 store locations owned by American Apparel as part of the acquisition.
Lara Vartanian, a second-year economics student, said that the location closing did not come as a surprise to her. She added she would like to see more clothing chains like American Apparel in Westwood, rather than boutiques.
“It is disappointing because it was easy for students (to shop for clothes),” she said. “There aren’t many stores in Westwood, and it would be nice to have more.”
Bri Cougle, a fourth-year marine biology student, said that she did not find American Apparel to be accommodating of a student budget.
“I’m not upset about it (closing) because it was expensive,” Cougle said.
Gildan has already created a wholesale website for American Apparel and is currently selling the brand’s trademark plain jersey T-shirts. According to a post on its website, the company’s next step will be opening an online flagship store this summer.