Is Rue21 Fast Fashion? An Expert Breakdown!

December 18, 2023

Rue21 is a well-known American specialty retailer with its headquarters in Warrendale, Pennsylvania. It specializes in men's and women's casual wear and accessories. The clothing line caters to those who aspire, hope, or feel like they are 21.

The business was first established as Pennsylvania Fashions Inc. in 1970. The business ran retail locations under a number of brand names.

In 1989, Cary Klein bought the business from his father and went on to create the rue21 idea. Pennsylvania Fashions filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in February of 2002. Three years later, SKM became the largest shareholder, following Klein's sale of a 50% stake to the investment group based in Stamford, Connecticut.

At the time, it was estimated that the over 250 stores employed 1,800 people and generated between $180 and $200 million in sales yearly.

Today, rue21 runs its website, rue21.com, in addition to more than 1,150 locations throughout 48 states. The rue21 store and website are made to offer the newest trends at reasonable prices.

The brand launched plus-size products by the end of the first quarter of 2020 and made them available at many rue21 locations, the firm declared in February of the same year.

Rue21 calls itself a fast fashion brand which makes it clear that it is a fast fashion brand.

Sustainability Rating: 1/10

Category: Clothing, footwear, accessories

For: Women, men

Products: Tops, shirts, dresses, sweatshirts, jackets, hoodies, jeans, loungewear, sleepwear, shoes, bags, accessories

Style: Casual

Quality: Low

Price: $

Sizes: XS-4XL, 0-26 (US)

Fabrics: Cotton, viscose, elastane, polyester, acetate, nylon, acrylic, knit, spandex, polyurethane, wool, faux leather

100% Organic: No

100% Vegan: No

Ethical & Fair: No

Recycling: Yes

Manufacturing countries: US, China, Guatemala

Certifications: Not transparent enough

Interpretation Of The Sustainability Score

If a brand receives a rating of 1/10, it means that it does not do enough to reduce its impact or provide little to no evidence of such actions. It does not demonstrate enough care for people, animals, and the planet.

What Are The Sustainability Practices Of Rue21?

Rue21 claims that it takes steps to lessen its influence on the environment. According to the brand, the reduction of energy usage, promotion of recycling, and challenge to their associates and customers to think globally and act locally are the main goals of their stores, Support Center, and Distribution Center.

Their new store building standards include energy-efficient LED light bulbs for interior track lighting and signage, and high-efficiency fluorescent light bulbs for all other light standards.

Their distribution hub mandates the recycling of cardboard, paper, and wooden pallets in order to keep recyclable materials out of the nation's landfills.

They believe that continued capital improvements at rue21's distribution center in Weirton, West Virginia, will reduce the company's energy use and carbon footprint even more.

However, rue21 has not mentioned that it uses recycled materials for its products or tries to reduce its carbon gas emissions. The brand is making very little effort for the environment which is not even proven.

Are There Any Ethical Practices Of Rue21?

Rue21 claims to perform supplier audits to assess whether its suppliers are adhering to the company's criteria on human trafficking and slavery in supply chains.

All factories that produce rue21 items are asked to provide copies of their audit documentation, and they maintain current factory audit documentation on file to guarantee ongoing compliance.

Furthermore, they demand certification from direct suppliers that the materials used in the product abide by the anti-slavery and anti-human trafficking legislation of the nation or countries in which they conduct business.

However, the brand hasn’t stated on its website if it provides fair wages to its workers. It also does not provide any necessary information regarding its worker's safety and safe working environment.

Does Rue21 Give Back To The Community?

In 2015, rue21 announced the launch of rueGIVESback, a philanthropic program aimed at improving the lives of its Associates and customers.

In 2018, a non-profit group called The Garment Project teamed up with rue21 to help women recover from eating disorders by giving them new, size-less clothing that is tailored to their healthy bodies and lives.

In the United States, 10 million men and at least 20 million women experience eating disorders at some point in their lives. But just one in ten individuals get treatment.

Erin, a co-founder of The Garment Project, said, "After recovering from my eating disorder, I found trying on clothes to be overwhelming and it brought a lot of negative thoughts when I discovered my new size." I realized that I couldn't live by myself, so I started The Garment Project.

Staff members have been encouraged to volunteer for this non-profit on April 25 as part of rue21's Rue Gives Back campaign. Employees will be taking pictures, styling clothes, steaming donated rue21 merchandise, and removing size tags.