Inside Aritzia: A Culture of Fear and Appearance Obsession Revealed
Former employees of Canadian clothing company Aritzia have described a culture of fear and obsession with appearance under the leadership of founder Brian Hill. Employees claimed that Hill prioritized aesthetics above all else, leading to high-pressure and exploitative working conditions. Some employees alleged that they were asked to rate their own or each other's appearance in daily huddles, and there was immense pressure to sell. The company has also been accused of being inhospitable to Black women. While Aritzia's spokesperson denied these allegations and emphasized the company's commitment to inclusivity, numerous current and former employees spoke out about the grueling work environment. Hill, who recently transitioned from CEO to executive chair, has been described as an exacting leader with a perfectionist streak.
