truth thursday: gap

now that i’m on to my third week of “truth thursday,” i thought i made this clear, but i’ll write it again just in case it wasn’t: the opinions that i publish on my blog are not that of my employer, they are my own. it’s as simple as that. i only have myself to blame for my ramblings. but anyway, back to the reason we’re all here.

first, you should all know that 90% of my wardrobe was bought at the gap. my jeans collection is almost entirely gap. i have been a loyal customer since childhood and am always fond of declaring my love for the mass retailer. that being said, i am saddened by its lack of continuity shown on all fronts. let me explain:

  • patrick robinson? really? you chose a designer best known for bohemian-esque prints and an overall island aesthetic to head a brand that, up until then, had been a go-to for denim and lived-in tees. (at this very moment, it can be quoted that there is not one style of chambray shirt available in-store or online.)
  • …and now that robinson’s been canned, where will your strategy lean? when he was hired in late 2007, the question of “can gap be saved?” was raised but currently, your sales have dropped lower than american apparel. #facepalm
  • while we’re on topic, are you a trend-driven brand or one focused on the staples? make up your mind because i think it’s clear that you can’t be both.
  • your online mag is so awesome. does anyone know it exists?
  • the exchange rate of your product in america vs. europe perplexes me. i bought a sweater in paris years ago for €40 and came home to discover it being sold in new york stores for $40. am i dumb or does that make no sense?

as i’ve said in past editions, “truth thursday” does not exist to tear brands down. believe me when i say that! it merely brings to light issues that the company may not realize existed because they drink the corporate kool aid. but seriously, believe me when i say that the gap is my jam. in fact, i shopped there just yesterday!

next week, i will tackle the behemoth that is urban outfitters corp. yes, corp, so i will discuss anthropologie, urban outfitters, and bhldn. feel free to send discussion topics or talking points over to me at sarazucker@gmail.com.

gap truth thursday
  1. katieparks said: the price thing is the same in australia. we just got a gap in melbourne city so ill have to go have a better look at the differences here v america next week. really interested on your thoughts for urban. i have a few myself.
  2. mascarah reblogged this from sarazucker and added:
    I could not agree more with Sara’s post below...The Gap. I simply cannot figure out...
  3. citizenmichelle said: would love to hear your thoughts on ann taylor loft, personally i think their pants suck and everything else is overrated - even with the sales …. !
  4. girl6nyc said: Truth! They also need to pay more attention to their quality. I do have to say their kids line is very good.
  5. lindseymicheltaylor said: they have been constantly discounting lately (crazy levels like 35%+) . Doesn’t seem like a solid moneymaking strategy for the long term.
  6. jennabee said: Kvetch addition: would you ever buy anything full-price at GAP? Ever? I would NEVER. They have conditioned us to believe there is always a coupon coming. Because there always is. How are they going to dig out of the couponing???
  7. alysonhardwickphoto said: aldo is the same with european prices. shoes i can get in canada for $60 are 60 pounds in england.
  8. sarazucker posted this
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