Youth-oriented retailer Abercrombie & Fitch said Tuesday it would retire its quarterly catalog, which draws regular protests because of its racy photos of scantily clad or naked young men and women.
Abercrombie & Fitch said its 2003 Christmas Field Guide issue, already recalled from stores, would be the final publication of the magazine.
Family-values groups have been quick to claim credit for getting the magazine off store shelves.
“The company believes it is time for new thinking and looks forward to unveiling an innovative and exciting campaign in the spring,” Abercrombie & Fitch said in a statement.
A company spokesman would not comment on the reasons for the decision or new marketing plans.
For years, the company has ignored complaints about its catalog, known as A&F Quarterly, which sparked controversy with bawdy sex advice and racy pictures.
Since the magazine’s recall, existing copies have been the focus of lively trade at online auction site eBay.com.
About a quarter of the 280-page Christmas issue features fully or nearly nude young people posing alone, in couples, threesomes and groups.
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Compiled from RedEye news services and edited by Lara Weber (lweber@tribune.com) and Drew Sottardi (dsottardi@tribune.com)
