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Feb.23,2009
I’ve been noticing over the last three years that the merchandise has been kinda lacking at Gap and Old Navy. Their clothing has become very stale and bland. At one time all of the store were offering better, slightly trend inspired clothing, then they went back to the basic style Army/Navy Store apparel.
My sister use to love to rack up at the Banana Republic and Gap outlet and she said she use to find really great deals, especially during seasonal clearances. But she has also noticed over the last 2 years or so that the sales are not what they use to be and either is the merchandise. I remember reading an article about a year or so ago that Gap — to appease their investors was going to cut back on their merchandise to limit markdowns.
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I totally agree! I thought I was the only one who thought so!
xoxo,
La C.
You are right on about this! They have gone back to the basics and the prices are have gone up! I remember when you could get a limited edition pair of jeans for about 60 bucks..now those same jeans are close to 100. I was always a Gap girl and now I go in and usually leave w/o finding anything!
Yep – I definitely noticed. I went into the Gap just last week and thought to myself that the styles were very plain, boring and nothing to get excited over. I remember when I would always find something cute at the Gap.
I use to work at the GAP and the sales use to be great and the clothing too, but you are absolutely right.
they’ve definitely gone in a different direction trying to cope with the economy. i don’t think it’s going to work though, since there are so many other options for affordable basics (stores like american apparel)
xoxo
To me all of their clothes start out overpriced.
Old Navy and Gap for what you are getting is overpriced. Then they start the mark down process but it’s never marked down enough for my taste. By the time they slash it down to a price that makes sense for what you are getting their are limited sizes left.
This person from another website summed it up the best
My local gap has recently closed down. I went in thinking I could catch some deals but not at all. They still had jeans on the rack for $68 and to make matters worse they were closing that same week. Talk about holding out until the last minute. I totally agree, that Gap and Old Navy have gone down hill and will continue if they don’t switch it up soon.
I use to go to this little close-out store in my City that bought overstock, returned and slight irregular merchandise from department stores and other retail stores.
They use to buy jeans from Gap and Old Navy and remove the tags from inside. They sold them for under $15 dollars. Sometimes you could buy a pair for like $8 bucks. They closed down for some unknown reason but I really miss buying from them.
I’ve never bought anything from the GAP before. It’s too casual for me. Old Navy though, I always found to be a better bet since it was cheaper and slightly more funkier. But to be honest, I haven’t been into an Old Navy for awhile and last I looked, it really had gone downhill. And BR is just WAY too overpriced.
Years ago, I loved the Gap. Back in the day when preppy was the way to go. Now, I only visit the Gap or Old Navy if I’m buying clothes for my kids. I have twin boys and boys only need the basics – jeans, T’s and sweats for the most part. The kids Gap stuff is pricey but very well made. But I haven’t bought anything for myself there in years. My figure just does NOT fit in their clothes, anymore. I am fairly tall and have issues with the sleeve length on the shirts and sweaters and their jeans are cut for a junior body. I hate how their jeans look on me.
And don’t get me started on Banana Republic, ick. I got a gift card from someone for that store and gave it to my husband. I just find their clothes too expensive and boring.
Sorry, guess they are just not my style. I shop Kohl’s for Levi’s jeans and J.Jill for my basics. I check out Chicos for some of the funkier pieces. The rest of the time I prowl for designer close-outs at the discount stores.
@ solitaireMare – Levi’s is a good brand. They have also gone up on their pricing. I need to check out Kohl’s for Jeans. Thanks for the heads up!
I go to Banana for pants sometimes because of the longs. I’m tall and need the extra length! On NYE I was in there looking for a dress and found one that was originally $168 I got it for $40. Plus I have been wanting this one dress but refused to pay $128 for it. It just wasn’t worth it to me. I found it for $18.90 so I walked out of there spending $58.90(no sales tax in NYC under $110) and was quite happy! I’ve never liked any of the three’s jeans. I’m a Joe’s Jeans girl! I need the length and sometimes I pay the price!
Gap Inc got a new CEO back in 2007. His background was in grocery stores and this may have something to do with their down slide.
definitely agree! Both the Gap and Old Navy have gotten very basic . I know they think they should go with what works but they need to layer in some trendier items as well!
I haven’t been disappointed with styles and prices so much as quality at these chains. I went to Old Navy a couple weeks ago for basic white & black cotton longsleeves and left emptyhanded. The material was too thin and too cheap, even for the discounted price.
I agree with you 100%
I went in to both the Gap and Old Navy at Chrismtas and found both to be lacking. Gap was just too boring and overpriced, whereas Old Navy seemed too poorly made for very tween looking clothes. In the new Vogue, Gap took out big spreads to promote its new “Classic Cardigan”. BORING! It’s a cardigan – there’s nothing exciting about that. The pictures look like they’re from an old early 90′s sitcom teaser – fake smiles and wrinkled pants. If they don’t start improving their product lines, neither store will make it through this recession.
Financial anaylsts are predicting that they will not make it through the recession. Latest news states they are closing an additional 100 stores.
My thing is if they don’t come down off their price point – stick a fork in them they are done!
I thought that they changed because consumers did not seem to like Gap as a trendy store. Folks complained about not being able to find basics in a store that was known for just that so while they have some cute and funky pieces they were trying to get back to their roots. I guess they can’t win either way.
I’ve found their sales to be great. I jumped on the plaid and ruffle band wagon because I found a top for $15 there. I can’t find good long and lean jeans for under $50 but I have found nice trousers for around $20 and lots of other finds. It must depend on the store.
@ tracey – I personally had a issue with their pricing. I don’t think a hoodie should cost $80. Even if they went back to basic – the price point was inflated for the “basic pieces” they were selling.