The opening of American Apparel at 37th and Walnut streets has been delayed until Oct. 6.
"They got behind. They didn't end up getting everything they needed in before they could open the new branch," American Apparel spokesman Mathew Swenson said.
The store was previously set to open Sept. 16 in the space previously occupied by Smith Bros.
The company has locations in Los Angeles and New York, as well as in seven other countries. Two other stores in Pennsylvania are set to open soon, one at 16th and Walnut streets in Philadelphia and the other in Pittsburgh.
The company is eagerly anticipating the opening of its branch next to the Pottruck Health and Fitness Center.
"We love opening on college campuses," Swenson said. "That's pretty much our target market."
American Apparel is sweatshop-free and specializes in brandless cotton basics, especially T-shirts.
Swenson said that there is more to opening a store than just renovation and putting the clothes in place. In fact, American Apparel refers to its shops as "community stores."
"They're called community stores because we like to fine-tune the store to the community," Swenson said.
In order to become more involved in University City, American Apparel plans to create a radio station that will transmit to stores, give away newsletters geared toward the Penn community and talk with students.
American Apparel's move onto campus became controversial when three former employees filed a sexual harassment suit against founder and Chief Executive Officer Dov Charney and American Apparel. These employees say that Charney and American Apparel create an environment in which women feel unsafe.
"In my opinion, their lawsuits are a false attempt to extort money from my company and exploit my transparent persona," Charney said in a statement.
In April, Smith Bros. moved from the space at 37th and Walnut streets to a new location near 17th and Chestnut streets. Before Smith Bros. moved in, Ma Jolie, a women's boutique, operated in the location.
Facilities and Real Estate Services spokesman Tony Sorrentino said that some of the research conducted by Facilities Services indicated that the community would be receptive to a more affordable store geared to both men and women.
College sophomore Lauren Berg runs her own T-shirt company and includes some American Apparel gear in her catalogue.
Because of this, she has mixed views.
"I'm not necessarily going to buy into the store because I know how much they mark up their prices," she said.
Berg went to the American Apparel branch in New York and was impressed.
"It was cool. Everything was plain, but I guess that's the style now," she said.
Nevertheless, she said she is excited about American Apparel's opening, adding that there is a lack of shopping options on campus since Smith Bros. vacated the location.
