For all you you anti-mainstream enthusiasts, I have a disturbing reality for you: the epitome of hipster retail, Urban Outfitters, is not as hip and edgy as you imagine.

Don't let the rustic wooden floors or vinyl-adorned walls fool you. The store carries some hideous secrets -- and that is not even mentioning their prices. The company has managed to keep some of the most disturbing facts safely under wraps that may change your opinions.

Although political affiliation is normally not viewed as an important factor when it comes to a retail company, it is evident Urban Outfitters markets towards a more progressive generation. However, the owner of Urban Outfitters, Richard Hayne, is an extreme conservative billionaire. Hayne donates bundles of his money to the Republican party, specifically conservative politician and anti-gay defender Rick Santorum. When a designer tried to sell a shirt in 2008 that read "I Support Same Sex Marriage" in the store, the company was quick to yank the product from the shelf. No valid reason was ever given for their decision.

However, the company was willing to sell graphic shirts that read inane sayings such as "Eat Less," "Poverty Sucks," and "Fathers, it's up to you to preserve your daughter's virginity!" Such a warming phrase for a country where the majority of the female population suffers from eating disorders, and such a fitting slogan for a company that assumes its clientele regularly spends $50 for a tank top made with little to no fabric. And the other is just completely uncomfortable, making me wonder who they were targeting by producing such shirts. So the logic seems a bit missing to allow sexist and degrading clothes to be marketed, but not one with a political stance.

Urban Outfitters is also notorious for ripping off the designs of smaller artists. In May 2011, Chicago jewelry designer Stevie Koerner shockingly discovered Urban Outfitters began selling a line of jewelry identical to hers. On a personal blog Koerner commented, "My heart sank a little... I understand that they are a business, but it's not cool to completely rip off an independent designer's work."

Urban Outfitters quietly pulled the product once Twitter hysteria attacked the company for the accusations. And this has not been the first time this has happened. Certain prints, other jewelry, and t-shirts are suspiciously similar to smaller artists' products.

Simply researching the phrase "Urban Outfitter controversial" directed me to page after page of questionable merchandise. Maybe the store is strategically pushing controversial products in hopes of attracting more attention. Whatever the reason, I encourage everyone to realize that although you may just be purchasing a shirt, ultimately you are supporting the store and their values each time you invest in one of their products.

So next time you are in dire need of a '60s style bikini or high-waisted jeans, try your local thrift store first -- like Goodwill-- and your wallet will thank you, too. Because don't forget: Poverty Sucks!