I was surprised, however, to see your negative rating. I understand a neutral rating or why you would hesitate to give a positive rating since not everything is perfect there. But negative? This is the garment business! This is a sweatshop business and has always been one. In fact, it is so brutal, cutthroat-competitive and price-conscious that most manufacturers no longer manufacture in the US but move to countries where wages are insanely low and the workers have horrible work conditions. Not only does AA continue to employ thousands in the US, but they pay them well, help them with personal issues, attempt to be benefactors to their needs, and seek innovative ways to care for their workers. My source for this information is YOUR REPORT! I am dumbfounded that you consider this to deserve a “negative” rating. I have no idea what your standards are, but I don’t think they are too realistic considering the nature of this business. Charney could run AA in a very different way and should be praised for refraining from doing so. The fact that he openly invited you, as he seems to invite others, to see his operation and openly speak to his workers speaks volumes. Again, I fail to understand the “negative” rating. Can you elaborate?

After nearly 6 months of work and hundreds of hours of interviews and research, Knowmore.org is releasing its special report on American Apparel, LLC.

American Apparel is the largest garment manufacturer in the United States, and as of this writing employs roughly 4,500 workers out of a single factory in downtown Los Angeles. Its growth in the past five years has been astonishing; from 2002 to 2004, the company repeatedly doubled its annual sales figures, and has opened 130 retail stores worldwide in the past three years.

The company, which prides itself on its socially responsible practices, has had its ethics called into question by critics who accuse the company of union busting, harmful advertising, creating a hostile work environment, sexual harassment, and managerial misconduct towards workers.

When Knowmore’s American Apparel entry came to the attention of CEO Dov Charney, he called to challenge our representation of his company, and demanded we take a closer look. He also offered us unprecedented access to his factory, workers, and management, which we accepted and engaged.

The result is this report; which represents the most complete Knowmore.org entry to date, and the most comprehensive look at Charney’s controversial company ever published.