Wet Seal’s Specs for Store Managers: Blonde Hair, Blue Eyes, White Skin

[obamanut2012]

Jenna Sauers

One of the former store managers at the heart of a racial-discrimination lawsuit against Wet Seal has spoken to CNN about some of her experiences working for the troubled California-based retailer. After successfully managing a Wet Seal at a Pennsylvania mall, Nicole Cogdell was promoted to manage a new store at the higher-end King of Prussia mall. Then, company vice-president Barbara Bachman paid Cogdell's store a visit. Cogdell says, "She literally looked at my district manager and said, 'That's the store manager? I wanted someone with blonde hair and blue eyes.'"

Cogdell was fired four days later and replaced by a white woman with less experience and a worse job performance record — who was nonetheless paid more.

A key piece of evidence in the suit is an email sent by Bachman just after her visit to the King of Prussia store. In a litany of complaints about regional stores visual merchandizing, adherence to corporate directives, and organization, Bachman voiced this criticism: "Store Teams - need diversity. African American dominate - huge issue."

<snip>

http://jezebel.com/5940367/wet-seals-job-requirements-for-store-managers-blonde-hair-blue-eyes-white-skin

[TreasonousBastard]

1. A few small things...

http://www.sojones.com/news/153536-wet-seal-slapped-with-racial-discrimination-lawsuit/

Cogdell doesn't quite fit the "image" of a hip juniors store, but I'm not at all sure store managers are supposed to look like the customers. In her case, it didn't hurt her past performance and firing her was bullshit. Firing might have been cowardice on the part of mid managers who couldn't apologize for thier boss and find her another job.

Bachmann, otoh worked 23 years at her former job, 3 years at this one with no explanation for why she left, and, according to her LinekdIn page, is not working now.

Cogdell is being represented, along with other AA employees, by a kickass law firm and Ms Bachman's departure may be due to a company whose sales fell to new lows along with its stock price and a threatened takeover not being amenable to a discrimination suit.

Bachmann's boss, the CEO, was also found jobless last year as sales fell and grousing amongst the stockholders grew louder.

[4th law of robotics]

2. They're focusing on the wrong color

I would think green would trump any other color.

If the manager was making them money who cares about anything else?

No wonder they're a "troubled" retailer.

[whathehell]

3. Sounds like Non-Aryan's need not apply..

Maybe they could change their logo to a swastika.

May Ms. Codgell get them for everything they're worth.