infobong.com

Although Urban Outfitters began as a funky surplus store near the University of Pennsylvania in the sixties, it's now known as an early co-opter of youth trends. I suppose young college kids with an independent spirit might see it as a one-stop-shop for hip clothes and decor, but I doubt anyone in my circles would regard it as alternative. Regardless, the store engages in some pretty icky business practices like the "Voting is for Old People" T-shirt that appeared in 2004 and now a series of relocation deals.

According to Philadelphia City Paper, Urban Outfitters is moving their call center from downtown Philly to a rural area of South Carolina, in order to take advantage of cheaper labor and a 15-year tax abatement granted by the state. The story notes that the company already had plans to move it's headquarters from the Rittenhouse Square area - which is probably the most expensive area of the city - to the old Navy Yard, a deal which certainly came with enticements from the city. Although the company is keeping it's headquarters in Philly, it seems like a stab in the back to take many of its entry-level jobs out of the city.