Signs of Summer: The Hollister Boys Are Now Shirtless

Ah, yes. The subtle hints that indicate that summer is officially here are trickling in. Invitations to rooftop bar-b-ques are filling our inbox. The Hamptons Jitney and Fire Island Ferry are packed with urbanites desperate to escape the city. Men are sporting flip-flops and proving how desperately in need they are for a pedicure. Armpit stains. But perhaps the most definitive evidence frames the doors of Soho's Hollister store. Year round, all-American hunks welcome you (with a somewhat feigned demeanor) to their emporium of collegiate commodities, perhaps in hopes of tricking customers into believing that should they partake in purchasing something that they, too, will walk away looking like they stepped out of a Bruce Weber photo. During the frigid winter months these dreamboats hide themselves under layers of outerwear and sweaters, but once the temperatures rise, the retail slaves shed their shirts and metamorphose into slabs of beef for passing shoppers to ogle. Well, kids, The Shophound is reporting that that day has come. It's official -- beefy man candy is now receiving customers and inviting them to step inside and shop to their heart's content. We, on the other hand, would prefer to loiter out front and creepily leer at the delectable dudes. Sad but true.