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Former Retail Workers Stuck in Folding Mode

Gap-style training creates a generation of neat freaks

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Jul 9, 2008 9:49 AM CDT

(Newser) – Countless current and former retail workers have an obsessive urge to fold clothes ironed into their brains, the Wall Street Journal reports. The Gap started the trend for tightly folded displays in the '80s and rivals quickly followed suit. A whole generation of retail alumni spent thousands of hours folding and is now unable to tolerate the sight of imperfectly folded T-shirts.

"I still kind of have the urge to do it," said an ex-Abercrombie & Fitch employee who found himself neatening up clothes every time he went shopping for years after switching jobs. His friends like to drive him up the wall by messing up his store-display style drawers at home. However, hanging is starting to edge out folding in today's stores, meaning the next generation of retail vets might not be quite as fold-happy.

Customers look at clothing on display at a Gap store in Palo Alto, Calif., Wednesday, May 21, 2008. The chain is starting to hang more clothing.
Customers look at clothing on display at a Gap store in Palo Alto, Calif., Wednesday, May 21, 2008. The chain is starting to hang more clothing.   (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma)
Lindsay Giambattista folds a garment at Taylor's Closet in North Lauderdale, Fla., Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2008.
Lindsay Giambattista folds a garment at Taylor's Closet in North Lauderdale, Fla., Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2008.   (AP Photo/Alan Diaz)
Old Navy shoppers look at clothes at an Old Navy store in Redwood City, Calif., Thursday, June 5, 2008.
Old Navy shoppers look at clothes at an Old Navy store in Redwood City, Calif., Thursday, June 5, 2008.   (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma)
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The Gap fold-off, improv.   (bottlecap33)

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