A&F definitely hires based on looks. I mean, they even have models standing out front. My brother applied for a regular position there. You know, registers, folding clothes, inventory, basic retail stuff. He has years of retail experience. In his clothes, my brother looks fantastic. He has fine bones, so unless you see him shirtless, he doesn't appear pudgy. In fact, he looks like Chris Brown, people say. (I don't see it, but people do say it a lot.) As he was leaving his interview, someone in the store asked him what he'd just interviewed for. They then asked him not to leave without interviewing for the model position as well. He tried to leave, and even told the woman he didn't think he had the body for it. She pushed, and he went back into the back to be photographed shirtless. He feels that shirtless photo cost him the job he originally wanted. His interview had gone really well, and he'd arrived wearing their clothes, and wearing them well. Oh well. I was happy that he ended up in a shoe store I liked to shop in. So was he. He's a huge shoe slut. Must run in the family.
Frankly, I have a restaurant concept I'd love to be able to open some day, and right behind experience and palate, I will require my staff to have a certain look. It's going to be a date destination. I don't want anyone interfering with the sexual tension I want to encourage among patrons. I want the front of house personnel to look sexy, but approachable. It's not as important as being able to sell, and taste, but it is part of the entertainment value of the establishment.