As a teen, the Gap has brand recognition, but people only see Gap as the sweatshirts with the big lettering. If they want to capture a younger market, they desperately need to lose that association.
They sell items at a high price way over their original and have a constant 40% off coupon code to lower the price to a “cheaper” amount. When in reality it’s real price was the amount with the coupon but by listing it at a high price the consumer thinks they’re getting one heck of a deal by using 40% off when in reality it’s actually not a good deal
Yup. Seemed like a deal at first until you realized 40% off became the norm. Then Banana Republic started doing the same thing. That’s when I knew it was over.
@@JaBlanche and its a foreign sweatshop material. i like my clothes made here in this country and uh.... not from cheap labour. we'll appreciate clothes more if these were made by caucasian hands.
I like timeless clothing myself and honestly that bothers me every time I see those clothes. A plain or striped shirt never goes out of style, print GAP on it and I don't want to wear it as an adult.
That's the weird thing tho, as a person that works at a gap the stuff we sell the most has the logo printed on it but it's also some of the ugliest stuff
That used to be a point of pride, loudly proclaiming to the world that you're wearing the Gap brand. But times change. That sort of thing still happens though, just look at Supreme.
They've been relying heavily on international sales, because there has been a growth of middle class in many Asian countries (especially China), and a lot of customers there aspire to buy from Western middle class brands.
Hollister’s Sales have actually been growing and are now the general profit maker for Abercrombie and Fitch and Abercrombie and Fitch has leveled off in recent years and is actually profitable again actually read the news before just assuming sure they’re probably not as popular anywhere near what they were in the mid two thousands but they’re doing fine right now
02Nawal I found that with Old Navy. Used to always find T-shirts and shorts, but even the stores themselves look like a flea market (at least the one by me - too cluttered and overwhelming). I get basic T-shirts still from GAP but I’m really picky - have to be thicker material and at LEAST half off, if not more.
I worked at a GAP store for 8 years... You didn't mention how they sacrificed quality to cut costs. So many time customers complained sweaters weren't 100% wool or cotton, when they cut quality they lost loyal customers who went looking for it somewhere else. Also they literally stock THE EXACT SAME merchandise every year... 8 years of opening shipment, 80 of the new stuff co would be the exact same as the same season the year before... I would literally wear the shirt/blouse I bought 3years before that they would freakin match...
Exactly! It's so annoying when not a single sweater is really wool. Nowadays you can literally go online and search for 'wool sweater', or in any catalog online same thing. If no results, i move to the next one. Plug in 'cashmere sweater' and see which online store has the best price and style for one. Now when you can't find quality pure cotton items at a place like Gap, then you know the place isn't worth the space it occupies. More junk cheaper made - that's the whole motto of the US economy
Both are made unethically and of cheap quality that won’t last a few washes so yeah I guess but I wouldn’t buy from either brand and buy less but higher quality stuff
Yeah, I've noticed their style has reverted to cater more to older ppl. They went back to the boxier fit. I'm buying from Express more nowadays bc they have the best fitting off rack suits. The material is lower quality as Express doesn't really do wool, but it's good enough for everyday work use. I only need one wool suit
I have never thought of BR as luxury. I felt that it was more geared towards work and weddings unlike GAP and Old Navy. I also think that the quality was comparable to GAP. I shopped in BR for my work clothes and GAP and ON for my weekend casual apparel. Of course, this is just my take on it.
It's all the same cheap fabric for various high prices. I remember when old navy jeans were durable. Now they want $50 for ill fitting spandex "jeans" or thin cardboard "jeans"
PlanetVaster in comparison to how expensive clothing is in other countries and how much we make, clothes in the US is quite affordable, not to mention there’s plenty of sales and discounts
@@whatever5922 Depends. With sales yes, but when not on sale and a pair of jeans costs $50 that's not affordable, especially not for most people. "how much we make" maybe what you make, but a lot of the US can't afford that. And that still didn't answer my question: What countries are clothes more expensive then the US. Back what you say up with evidence, not opinion.
PlanetVaster Well I’m from Mexico and I’ve traveled to Europe and I can tell you clothing is more expensive in both Mexico and the countries I visited in Europe.
I agree. When i saw the original storefront I'm like that is what they need to do revamp all stores to go nostalgic. Sell only vinyl, cassettes, and Levi's.
Put in context. They may be considered conservatives by our standards, but their parents were born in the 1900-1930s (i don’t know the actual dates for the “greatest generation” lol) & were going to be much more conservative - Jim Crow, emancipation of women, etc. were recent or current events. Also, people tend to lean more conservative as they age.
3:30 - Reason why GAP stores are struggling is because they don't appeal to discount/budget shoppers or upscale shoppers. but rather the folks in between, which is a cardinal sin in the world of business in this day and age. Old Navy is doing fairly good because they sell clothes at an affordable price point for budget-conscious Americans. GAP is too expensive for middle American and they should close all their GAP stores and just focus on their most thriving and affordable subsidiary- Old Navy. Old Navy is their cash cow- a place where you can buy a fairly stylish wardrobe at a great pricepoint.
Yup. People are saying the middle class is dying, but so is the middle class economy as a result. Mid-tier brands are struggling whereas low-end and super high end brands are doing well. We've shifted towards a mentality of either "dirt cheap/high value" or "luxury", and forsaking what's in between. Part of that in the clothing industry is due to more lax dress codes, the rise of athleisure/comfort clothing and the "show off" generation which is boosting the luxury tiers.
Discount stores used to have rubbish clothes that you wouldn't be seen dead in. Now their clothes are quite good. And celebrities are launching their brands into them. Plus these days fashion is more in your phone and your tablet than what you wear- which means less money for clothes unless you are a high end shopper who doesn't notice.
That's interesting. Funnily enough my issue with gap was that it looks too much like old Navy in design with a higher cost. I like the quality of gap and some of their clothing unique to it. But now it looks too much like old Navy
I was loyal Gap customer. I never visited any store expect GAP/BA then it happened. Cloth durability and quality reduced. After washing 10 times it will look bad and sometime completely damaged. I switched to American Eagle and very happy with the decision.
I remember when Banana Republic looked different. My ex husband bought me a really nice leather backpack there when the store looked different in the late 80's. It did have a lot of character back then. They need to get back to that.
@@ginao6810 i was just gonna say that..one word..supreme. they plaster theyre logo over everything but i think that will ultimately be thier downfall in the long run just like gap
I don't think it's overpriced. Over the years i've found their clothes to last a lot longer than similarly priced brands. Their products are strong and comfortable so if you find some that fit your taste it's a great deal. Shoppers will probably get over the trend of fast fashion as younger generations are more and more preocuppied with the environmental impact of their consumption. This might benefit companies that make durable yet accessible products like Gap. (I promise I never worked their, I'm just a satisfied customer)
Style? The style was the gap between swag cliche hipster stylish (which is terrible aka what skate boys amd potheads wear) and bland clothes. I mean being normal is their thing
The actual idea of the name behind 'The Gap' is really interesting, and if the current 'Gap' tried to follow that again by selling popular trendy things, or even some cool retro swag, that could really help.
exactly -- and they dont need to constantly be on trend (like fast fashion) but the only reason I went to Gap in the past 6 years was when I was looking for plain khakis for work. Ended up getting them from Old Navy (and felt they were still overpriced. Anyways, I didnt find anything else interesting in the store at all, and a lot of the shirts felt incredibly thin and just had no character.
@@mssonoma1 They are made cheap cheap cheap, usually in China or some other distant land. Even some high end catalogs can't seem to make dresses with seams that aren't scratchy. Have to wear camisoles under all of them. It's atrocious that they can't even tape their seams properly. And none of it is cheap in price. Very messed up system.
Roars The problem is they’re too scared of losing their current customer base even though that’s falling slowly year in year they need a bold Redesign and rebrand to inject some youth into the brand
I used to LOVE the gap when I was a teenager. The thing is I'm just not into fashion anymore. I have too many clothes as it is. Now that I'm 34 there are just much more important things than having the latest styles.
Rise of Old Navy mirrors the increase in overall poverty levels in the US. Middle class is getting crushed, the weath is getting concentrated among top 1% Gap is also getting crushed!
@@12InchesUnBuffed That would be a portion of 2019's earnings, not "2019's earnings." I would let it slide if this video wasn't from a company who should be past such basic editing mistakes, or who wasnt so subliminally self-righteous in these videos.
GAP *also failed in France and Japan* because the *French love the 60's and 80's* , and the *Japanese love the 50's and 80's* , but *GAP offers nothing but bland, suburban 90's.*
I think Gap can be saved because of its brand recognition. Banana Republic itself has struggled with its own image since it first started as a surplus safari brand then did a complete 180 and shifted to upscale business attire. Gap is reluctant to shift from preppy clothing to today's trends. Banana Republic has potential but its not being tapped into. I think both brands need to be reworked. TODAY'S consumers don't really care for old trends such as preppy- just look at all the big preppy brands- they're struggling.
Gap quality and cut really tanked from 2010 on. I don't know what initiated the change, but "French fly" (double button khakis), isn't why people go to the gap, that's why men go to Brook Brothers.
Kelly B A brand is a brand. Clearly no one cares who popular a brand is anymore. If their product offering is cheap and outdated people will go elsewhere.
I'm 25 and I've only stepped into one GAP in my life, but I was a poor Hispanic kid and bought most of my clothes at discount stores. I'm about middle class now, but I still buy clothes at discount chains since I still see myself as that poor kid.
Octo Ventura let me tell you, that‘s actually a good thing 😂 I also come from a low income family like some of my friends. Said friends went crazy when they started making money and spent more than they actually had. Shop less, shop ethically.
Gap does have quality clothes. They should pick an age demographic and update their styles, this isn’t 1998-2005 anymore. Consumers don’t like big letters, and “blend in” clothes. Fashion Nova, Forever 21, Zara and H&M are fast fashion stores, they create a sense of urgency. 1) the style may not sell out in 24-36 hours and 2) the style may be pulled within 2 weeks if its not “trendy” anymore. The Gap clothes are lack luster and predictable. Also, traditional mall stores, Gap, Victoria Secret, JC Penny, Sears, and etc, are all struggling. Consumers are not going to the mall like they used to. With less foot traffic, statistically, it lessens the chance of impulse buying. I think Gap should partner with virtual reality, sponsor an IG model, and put fashion games on the App Store if they want to reach a younger 15-30 crowd. Being a stand alone fashion store isn’t enough in 2019.
Dominic Gamboa I know I’m late but ur the first person that said that and I agree, most people in the comments dont really like it, but I do. And like for me, Gap is not as expensive, cus I buy em when they are the cheapest, and in my country or continent, its not expensive. I just like Gap, but I respect their opinions tho.
Same here... I believe it just boils down to GAP, almost becoming a “speciality brand”. Special only to those of us that more than likely have a lot of nostalgia connected to it. I certainly do, I’ve always loved and worn GAP...always will. Although, I don’t totally disagree with the “quality” aspect that many people were speaking of; it certainly has changed over the years...but what hasn’t?
It will not happen. I work for them. We owe no debt and all New Jersey locations are constantly busy even for weekday traffic. Honestly speaking! Now Forever 21 is heading down! I've noticed at times their store is empty. Oversized stores and defunt fashion. H&M is great for work clothes too but Express is on top for everyday working individuals who like deals. It sells
I have jackets and Jeans from Gap that look like new yearsss later. I grew up on Gap clothing. I don't shop there as often as I did before but when I need basics or starting a new job I think of Gap. The quality has changed a lot.
I have a light weight Jersey cardigan from Old Navy from 2007! Still in great shape and works with anything. But I also haven't shopped there since.....
Old Navy is one of the few places to find Plus Size Clothing in a brick and mortar setting. That said I only shop their Spring/ Summer dresses once they go on clearance. Otherwise there's just so many more affordable Plus Size options online with free shipping and coupons/sales. Amazon is where most of my wardrobe comes from now. Size inclusiveness, is good for the bottom line.
I feel like there is a trend that is starting to get more and more momentum for quality made garments. And I think if Gap sizes down to a smaller store count they can invest their money in their garments again. Allowing them to produce higher quality made basic goods. I loved the Gap when I was in High School and one of the reasons why I stopped going was their basics became more and more thin and cheaply made. But that’s what happens when you have a large company mass producing T-shirt’s. Hopefully they figure something out.
People in US don't care that Gap is local meanwhile Uniqlo is not? I love how high street in Spain is occupied mostly by Spanish brands (predominantly Inditex group and Mango)..
why go to any cloth store when you can get a t-shirt at walmart or five bellow for 5 dollars and look as good as anyone and their stupid brand name shirt which doesn't even matter most of the ones I mean are hanes and have the same quality without the logo
I use to work for the Gap when I was a senior in high school. It was so popular back then (1998). Now I think there is so much competition and trendy cheap fashion that makes it hard for them to compete.
I miss the casual 80’s. Great time to be a teen, especially if you refused to wear short-shorts. I wore Bermuda “Jam” shorts (Hawaiian print) and loved them.
I shop their sales rack for jeans, because once in a while they have something decent. In the late 90s, if I could predict what would have become of Gap, I would have expected their clothes and aesthetic to be like Everlane or Uniqlo. They were so good at making good casual basics and now most of their clothes have cheap prints that look like Old Navy clothes at a higher price tag. Most fast fashion has gotten worse. I remember a time when you could buy silk dresses/tops at Gap, H&M or Zara and it wasn't all polyester boxy-cut clothing.
The irony of people complaining about big logos. Logomania has resurfaced in recent years with teenage-college age vintage and thrift shopping. You go in Urban Outfitters and Footlocker and see Champion, Fila, Tommy Hilfiger, as well as high end and streetwear designers plastering their logos thriving! Sportswear brands have mad a comeback and designer brands have based their recent collection off of sportswear and streetwear.
Yes, it's good for tall women, like my daughter and I. And I used to be skinny like her but now I can still wear Gap because I've gained so much. I'm glad they are sticking with their loyal customer and making larger sizes.
I remember shopping at the GAP with my mom back in the late 90's, 8th grade, freshman, sophomore, junior years of high school, but only when stuff was on sale. We also shopped at Old Navy and Castner Knott at the Cool Springs Galleria just to sound extra fancy. So fancy lol
All these stores used to have good quality but now not so much. I have a wool sweater from Old Navy. I’ve had it since 1998. The best ever. The Gap and Old Navy are now considered fast fashion to me. The Gap charged way to much and the quality is not there. Their jeans and shirts never fit right.
Other than shoes, I haven't shopped in a physical store for clothing in a decade. I think the last time I stepped into a Gap was in the late 90s, and even back then I thought their selection boring and too limited.
Worked at the GAP the summer after I graduated college in 1998. Fun job! Their stuff was popular and sold like crazy. But they just didn’t keep up with the changing times and tastes. I eventually started shopping at JCrew, but even they are getting stale now.
I knew this would happen sooner or later. They wouldn’t even do price adjustments in store so I had to return my stuff and then rebuy online for the cheaper price only after a day. Customer service also goes a long way, Gap. Take notes from Nordstrom.
They need an early teen option. After my daughter turned 13 she was super bummed she couldn’t fit anything but leggings from the kids section. The women’s side is a bit boring for her. We’ve moved on from their children’s clothes. So now we’re trying figure things out. A&F, old navy, justice, north face and Nike are our go to. But she’d prefer something girlie with matching shirts/pants and accessories. Good quality and long lasting.
they were charging for coolness. Their market was teens so they could sell whatever quality they liked for what is seen as a premium to teens as long as it was seen as cool. They were on all the TV shows in the 90s and teen celebrities were wearing them. But clothing brands aren't important anymore- not unless you're the kind of person who wears Gucce ect ANd those brands are classic rather than cool. . It's about looks. Brands are for your headphones and your smartphone. That's where the coolness now lies. Kids (or their parents) don't have money for both.
I grew up on the Gap brand in the 80's early 90's when they were the It' brand. Quality was a mainstay and directly reflected their cost. But, like Apple they pushed for the upper-class - upper-crust niche and began charging far beyond the quality of their product. Then they expanded themselves creating and or acquiring similar brands further raising the cost of basic clothing. And to make matters worst they also took the 'image' approach to their product sizes and size demographics. removing larger sizes from their product lines. In a nutshell they began shunning the very people who made their brand a success, and priced themselves away from profit margins. Old Navy was created to address the issue and it worked, but the gap and all its other brands remained the same. so in reality they didnt fix the problem at all. Then the quality their product also took a nose dive, as they expanded their places of manufacturing to more and more low cost low wage high labor haven, poor countries around the world, which was fine for old navy product being far cheaper, but terribly worst for their other brands. why pay 4x as much for an item thats only slightly better in quality than Old navy, and its created by the same locations. The nail in the coffin was loosing sight of the buyer. So many retailers have shifted their profit cost margins to items that shouldn't cost much at all. T-shirts costing 6 times their normal worth. simply because teens and young adults now where more t-shirts. the product didnt justify the cost. And so.. more and more was poorly produced high cost products became their mainstay, driven by greed and not by the Gaps past philosophy of providing the highest quality product for a fare price. Gap products stood above the rest in the 80's and 90's. Today theirs little to distinguish their products from Target or even walmarts, but their prices remain thru the roof.
Right on...I used to like shop at GAP back around 2000-2001 because I liked some of their basic designs, but the price was always too high so I stopped shopping there simply because of cost. Old Navy had decent stuff for a much better price. T-shirts were $10, not $40.
The GAP will always have a special place in my heart ❤️☺️. I used to work for the retailer in the late 90s. I still have what I call “my black peacoat w/the secret pockets” from 2006. I have recently purchased some items online w/in the last year & had received discounts on my purchase items. 🙌🏾
I leave in Europe and I love Banana Republic for workwear. They also do the best discounts, something not common to European chains. The quality is definitely higher than Zara or HM. Their problem is the styles. Every season they look the same.
GAP has good basics, good for adding basics -- but its fit is not quite right -- the price is a bit much -- much better styling than old navy -- their chinos are excellent
I've seen GAP throughout the eras, as I still remember getting my Levi's there...and their old slogan 'Fall Into The Gap.' The last time I found real excitement in buying from them was back in 1995, right before starting grad school. I went shopping for some new clothes with my ex-girlfriend who was a high school teacher but, funny enough, is now a CEO of a major clothing company. I still bought off and on with The Gap but it was mostly for basics...and generally because they would often have incredible sales. But there were no statement pieces and certainly not much joy. I'm now at a point where I just walk past. I mostly buy my clothes from Barney's. It feels like I get more value...even if I am paying more.
I have to admit, I’m loving the slow and agonizing death of retail. All the corporate strategies and stock market hopes and dreams are never going to save it either. Retailers are trying so hard to recapture their former relevance as they circle the drain, but the truth is...it’s over for all of them. It’s just a matter of time.
Like any retail company, and having worked for them, they rely so much on people signing up for the credit cards associated with the store. Its really smart analytics because people tend to carry balances on their credit cards and the company makes money from interest rates. You'd be amazed the amount of pressure they put on associates to sell the credit cards and how much talk about them everyday you'd hear, "sell, sell, sell those credit cards." Was working for the Gap brand horrible? Not necessarily but the store that I worked at was highly unorganized and the backrooms made it impossible to find items.
I feel like people don’t just shop at one place. There are so many options. I like go to specific stores for specific items. I still shop the The Gap and Old Navy but as I said for specific items. I do think The Gap is gonna take a hit when it separates from Old Navy.
Let's be honest.....they were selling $12 t-shirts for $24. Eventually, other brands copied their system, and sold the $12 t-shirts for $18, and some even got real competitive by selling the $12 t-shirts for $12. That dissolved the public fascination.
I'll never forget their dancing ad campaign which was cutting edge. My teen JUST bought her first pair of GAP jeans where previously she would groan if I wanted to look around in their store; these kids barley know Gap (or think of the brand as 'old') and certainly would never wear anything with their logo on it...Who would name an apparel company 'Intermix'?!
Intermix is a super high end store that sell brands like Jimmy Choo and Alexander McQueen. It is not a store that sells it own branded clothes like the Gap or Old Navy. I am from NYC and I would see the Intermix shopping bag all the time on shoulders of young women all during the 2000s.
Everything at the GAP is dated. All their tees are very boxy in fit. Their shirts too baggy, even if it's labeled "slim fit". I do think their knit sweaters during the fall/winter is the only area where they excel.
As a teen, the Gap has brand recognition, but people only see Gap as the sweatshirts with the big lettering. If they want to capture a younger market, they desperately need to lose that association.
They don't really sell those anymore. You can find them in Gaps in other countries though.
@@extra_ice_girl I'm not saying that that is what they still sell, but that that is a common perception of what they sell
I’m Gen Z also and that’s not my view on gap
They do sell them
That makes me think of Calvin Klein sweaters that look the same. I can see only athleta doing well with teens and millennials.
They should get rid of that fake 40% discount
?
They sell items at a high price way over their original and have a constant 40% off coupon code to lower the price to a “cheaper” amount. When in reality it’s real price was the amount with the coupon but by listing it at a high price the consumer thinks they’re getting one heck of a deal by using 40% off when in reality it’s actually not a good deal
Yup. Seemed like a deal at first until you realized 40% off became the norm. Then Banana Republic started doing the same thing. That’s when I knew it was over.
@@JaBlanche and its a foreign sweatshop material. i like my clothes made here in this country and uh.... not from cheap labour. we'll appreciate clothes more if these were made by caucasian hands.
Lechiffresix six Caucasian hands? You lost me there.
Stop putting GAP in big letters on the apparels, this isn't 1990 anymore.
It's silly honestly, people are buying these jackets or pants and it's basically free advertisement for them and they paid full retail price. LOL
I like timeless clothing myself and honestly that bothers me every time I see those clothes. A plain or striped shirt never goes out of style, print GAP on it and I don't want to wear it as an adult.
yeah, really.. such junk
That's the weird thing tho, as a person that works at a gap the stuff we sell the most has the logo printed on it but it's also some of the ugliest stuff
Yes! I hate that
Maybe don't put "gap" on every single sweater and jacket
Exactly
They have some nice stuff, but I don’t want a huge GAP logo across my chest, maybe they could make a smaller logo on the upper chest
Its better than Justice
trappers delight, GAP stands for "Greek And Proud". That's how I tolerate GAP splattered on my sweaters.
That used to be a point of pride, loudly proclaiming to the world that you're wearing the Gap brand. But times change.
That sort of thing still happens though, just look at Supreme.
Gap has not been relevant since 2003, so I'm surprised to see that they lasted this long
*1990
They lost sale to fast fashion. it just make sense separated the brand.
campkira they ARE fast fashion..
2003? They haven't been relevant since 1993.
They've been relying heavily on international sales, because there has been a growth of middle class in many Asian countries (especially China), and a lot of customers there aspire to buy from Western middle class brands.
Anyone else have a *really* hard time understanding that Jim Cramer guy
I think he's in a constant state of having a stroke.
Yea it took me a few minutes to adapt my ears to the accent.
After the child labor accusations I decided to never buy GAP brands again.
@@flaviomuratore Meanwhile at Apple overseas...
@Benjamin Burkhardt He's from the Philadelphia suburbs.
Gap was successful in the 90s because their quality was great in the 90s. Now their quality doesn't withstand a couple washes.
True
@@karolhdz8844 Old Navy quality low as well. At least Old navy is cheap.
Their long sleeve t-shirts are still really nice quality.
The quality of Gap went WAY down, but the price went up. Nope.
I agree. $60 for a plan hoodie is ridiculous.
it would be sad if it disappears, no one could fill that gap
😉
Aren't you punny?
H&M, Zara, American Eagle are going Balls-Deep soooo... 🦴 💦 🍑
that market is still Tight mmm
@@nextleveljourney6612 what the hell
No pun intended 😂
I remember when Gap used to be the $hit back in the day
Tsetsi and when it was actually affordable
Hollister, Abercrombie and Fitch, and Aeropostale are next!
Vince Al-Sherifi yep, more examples of 00’s stores that never moved with the times
Aeropostale already falling so many have closed
Vince Al-Sherifi idk man my nieces hs friends all live by hollisters jeans
Vince Al-Sherifi Personally, I think Hollister and Abercrombie and Fitch will stick around for a longer time :)
Hollister’s Sales have actually been growing and are now the general profit maker for Abercrombie and Fitch and Abercrombie and Fitch has leveled off in recent years and is actually profitable again actually read the news before just assuming sure they’re probably not as popular anywhere near what they were in the mid two thousands but they’re doing fine right now
That's because their clothes are Walmart quality and over priced. I haven't shopped at GAP for years.
02Nawal all i can think about is the weird al yankavic song
Walmarts clothing quality has vastly improved over the past few years. Particularly their childrens cothing... its phenomenal.
02Nawal I found that with Old Navy. Used to always find T-shirts and shorts, but even the stores themselves look like a flea market (at least the one by me - too cluttered and overwhelming). I get basic T-shirts still from GAP but I’m really picky - have to be thicker material and at LEAST half off, if not more.
Gap is not Walmart quality stupid idiot don't know what you're talkin about
Old navy is more so Walmart quality clothing haha
I worked at a GAP store for 8 years... You didn't mention how they sacrificed quality to cut costs. So many time customers complained sweaters weren't 100% wool or cotton, when they cut quality they lost loyal customers who went looking for it somewhere else. Also they literally stock THE EXACT SAME merchandise every year... 8 years of opening shipment, 80 of the new stuff co would be the exact same as the same season the year before... I would literally wear the shirt/blouse I bought 3years before that they would freakin match...
Exactly! It's so annoying when not a single sweater is really wool. Nowadays you can literally go online and search for 'wool sweater', or in any catalog online same thing. If no results, i move to the next one. Plug in 'cashmere sweater' and see which online store has the best price and style for one. Now when you can't find quality pure cotton items at a place like Gap, then you know the place isn't worth the space it occupies. More junk cheaper made - that's the whole motto of the US economy
I'm struck by the fact that the CEO's never seem to be photographed in their companies clothing.
Good point.
Well... CEO's only wear suits afterall (except tech CEO's).
Just imagine how glaringly ridiculous they would look...that right there tells ya something...
They could’ve worn Banana Republic. Basketball coaches don’t wear their team’s jersey either lmao.
Mike Jeffries woulda killed Abercrombie & Fitch stock and image in 15 seconds
In summary, Britney Spears single-handedly killed the gap.
Yes. That's what I understood.
LEAVE BRITTANY ALOOOOOOONE !
@@robaustin2594 lol😂🤣
Basically. That's what I got of this. Queen once again.
Aristeo GutHer
Britney has a big gap
Why would I spend $50 on basics at Gap when I can go to H&M and spend $8?
That and they probably come from the same factory too lmfao.
They're both made unethically, so yeah
It's called a sale, duh. And the quality is better than H&M, Walmart and all the other cheap places.
Ikr
Both are made unethically and of cheap quality that won’t last a few washes so yeah I guess but I wouldn’t buy from either brand and buy less but higher quality stuff
They should put "Supreme" logo on it
Fr, the stuff will sell out before it’s on sale...
Louis Vuitton
Lmao
that sounds lit bro 😂👌🔥🔥 #litty
"Superme"
Banana Republic quality is so low these days. The store always has to offer huge discounts to move products. It's a parody of "luxury"
Will Kalili I got like 4 pairs of shorts for $4 each, cheap enough to use them as rags if needed
Wow those are great prices, thank God for slavery
Yeah, I've noticed their style has reverted to cater more to older ppl. They went back to the boxier fit. I'm buying from Express more nowadays bc they have the best fitting off rack suits. The material is lower quality as Express doesn't really do wool, but it's good enough for everyday work use. I only need one wool suit
$4 shorts? You can't get quality for 4 bucks. I rather have fewer clothes that are quality that a bunch of cheap crap
I have never thought of BR as luxury. I felt that it was more geared towards work and weddings unlike GAP and Old Navy. I also think that the quality was comparable to GAP. I shopped in BR for my work clothes and GAP and ON for my weekend casual apparel. Of course, this is just my take on it.
It's all the same cheap fabric for various high prices. I remember when old navy jeans were durable. Now they want $50 for ill fitting spandex "jeans" or thin cardboard "jeans"
Sisa Limpson You Americans pay less for everything than the rest of us, but complain even more.
@@vercoda9997 Uh what. Clothes aren't really any cheaper in the USA than the rest of the world. What country are you from that is more expensive?
PlanetVaster in comparison to how expensive clothing is in other countries and how much we make, clothes in the US is quite affordable, not to mention there’s plenty of sales and discounts
@@whatever5922 Depends. With sales yes, but when not on sale and a pair of jeans costs $50 that's not affordable, especially not for most people. "how much we make" maybe what you make, but a lot of the US can't afford that. And that still didn't answer my question: What countries are clothes more expensive then the US. Back what you say up with evidence, not opinion.
PlanetVaster Well I’m from Mexico and I’ve traveled to Europe and I can tell you clothing is more expensive in both Mexico and the countries I visited in Europe.
I think the 1969 looking Gap would do pretty well in 2019. Definitely looks like something that would attract Gen Z.
I agree. When i saw the original storefront I'm like that is what they need to do revamp all stores to go nostalgic. Sell only vinyl, cassettes, and Levi's.
“the younger liberal baby boomers”
Wait what
Nat L people born in the 1940s and 50s were baby boomers. They were young, hip and cool in the 60s and 70s. Now they’re just senior citizens
Right?!
Put in context. They may be considered conservatives by our standards, but their parents were born in the 1900-1930s (i don’t know the actual dates for the “greatest generation” lol) & were going to be much more conservative - Jim Crow, emancipation of women, etc. were recent or current events. Also, people tend to lean more conservative as they age.
Nat L who do you think the hippies of the 60s/70s were? they grew up into the boomers we know now
@@xxxqwertxxx baby boomers were born between 1946-1964
3:30 - Reason why GAP stores are struggling is because they don't appeal to discount/budget shoppers or upscale shoppers. but rather the folks in between, which is a cardinal sin in the world of business in this day and age. Old Navy is doing fairly good because they sell clothes at an affordable price point for budget-conscious Americans. GAP is too expensive for middle American and they should close all their GAP stores and just focus on their most thriving and affordable subsidiary- Old Navy. Old Navy is their cash cow- a place where you can buy a fairly stylish wardrobe at a great pricepoint.
Gap is expensive lmao 75 for a button shirt with patterns on them, I mean even old navy can have the same
Shirts and sell for 25
Yup. People are saying the middle class is dying, but so is the middle class economy as a result. Mid-tier brands are struggling whereas low-end and super high end brands are doing well. We've shifted towards a mentality of either "dirt cheap/high value" or "luxury", and forsaking what's in between. Part of that in the clothing industry is due to more lax dress codes, the rise of athleisure/comfort clothing and the "show off" generation which is boosting the luxury tiers.
Discount stores used to have rubbish clothes that you wouldn't be seen dead in. Now their clothes are quite good. And celebrities are launching their brands into them. Plus these days fashion is more in your phone and your tablet than what you wear- which means less money for clothes unless you are a high end shopper who doesn't notice.
That's interesting. Funnily enough my issue with gap was that it looks too much like old Navy in design with a higher cost. I like the quality of gap and some of their clothing unique to it. But now it looks too much like old Navy
Style n old Navy doesn't go together.
I was loyal Gap customer. I never visited any store expect GAP/BA then it happened. Cloth durability and quality reduced. After washing 10 times it will look bad and sometime completely damaged. I switched to American Eagle and very happy with the decision.
Padhy, these are supposed to be watched by hand. plus why did you support a sweatshop known for exploiting people across south asia SMH!
Me too i swiched to AE
BTW Gap is not the only one this has happened too.. there are many others, but i won't name any names
@@PHlophe watched by hand lmao
@@ぴえん-s2v you like that don't you.
I used to love Banana Republic (it had its unique look) until they made it look like another GAP store! Shame!!!
not to mention that their prices are ridiculously expensive
Really?? I could never tell the difference. Just their store decor seemed more pretentious
Banana style is vintage style with a modern twist? Some Banana decor are pretty cool
I remember when Banana Republic looked different. My ex husband bought me a really nice leather backpack there when the store looked different in the late 80's. It did have a lot of character back then. They need to get back to that.
Same😞
Gap sell the most basic bland clothes and just plaster gap all over them. No one wants to wear something with that massive lettering across it anymore
UltimateColossal SUPREME
@@ginao6810 i was just gonna say that..one word..supreme.
they plaster theyre logo over everything but i think that will ultimately be thier downfall in the long run just like gap
Yeah I was gonna say Supreme too lmao. Most of the supreme shirts I see are black all over except the big and obvious supreme logo in front. So yeah
Wait isn't under armor doing kind of the same thing?
Wait isn't under armor doing kind of the same thing?
Gap is overpriced and the style doesn't resonate with today's shoppers. They can turn it around but not with their current style for their clothing.
I don't think it's overpriced. Over the years i've found their clothes to last a lot longer than similarly priced brands. Their products are strong and comfortable so if you find some that fit your taste it's a great deal.
Shoppers will probably get over the trend of fast fashion as younger generations are more and more preocuppied with the environmental impact of their consumption. This might benefit companies that make durable yet accessible products like Gap. (I promise I never worked their, I'm just a satisfied customer)
Style? The style was the gap between swag cliche hipster stylish (which is terrible aka what skate boys amd potheads wear) and bland clothes. I mean being normal is their thing
Old navy has low prices but at the trade off of quality.
sokra I think they have pretty good quality for the most part!
I think the quality is pretty good. This is true for their children clothing; kids need new wardrobe every few months.
That why they need to separated the company. Don't go to both place anyhow.
Old navy has more bang for buck than Gap.
I can't keep anything from Old Navy for more than a few washes. ON clothes fade, pill, unravel, shrink..the quality is garbage.
The actual idea of the name behind 'The Gap' is really interesting, and if the current 'Gap' tried to follow that again by selling popular trendy things, or even some cool retro swag, that could really help.
Yes they need to go retro. They would boom. I've sold all my 80's stuff to young people the past 10 years. They really go for it.
Their design is way too basic and boring, lack of personality!
Is what consumers think today because of what's on trend.
exactly -- and they dont need to constantly be on trend (like fast fashion) but the only reason I went to Gap in the past 6 years was when I was looking for plain khakis for work. Ended up getting them from Old Navy (and felt they were still overpriced. Anyways, I didnt find anything else interesting in the store at all, and a lot of the shirts felt incredibly thin and just had no character.
@@mssonoma1 They are made cheap cheap cheap, usually in China or some other distant land. Even some high end catalogs can't seem to make dresses with seams that aren't scratchy. Have to wear camisoles under all of them. It's atrocious that they can't even tape their seams properly. And none of it is cheap in price. Very messed up system.
Roars The problem is they’re too scared of losing their current customer base even though that’s falling slowly year in year they need a bold Redesign and rebrand to inject some youth into the brand
The thing is, that’s literally what Gap is meant to be. Basics. Simple. Easy to wear.
I used to LOVE the gap when I was a teenager. The thing is I'm just not into fashion anymore. I have too many clothes as it is. Now that I'm 34 there are just much more important things than having the latest styles.
Am i the only one who could not understand a single word that old man was saying??
remembering scene in FRIENDS
Joey to Ross
joey- nice shirt(sarcastically)
ross-youre wearing the same shirt
joey- stupid GAP on every corner
The narrator has a voice made for print.
oof
Disagree
Her voice is terrible, and her reading ability is worse.
Lesbian Amazon Sister wtf lol, that’s the most irrelevant, ideologically forced response I’ve ever seen.
Rise of Old Navy mirrors the increase in overall poverty levels in the US. Middle class is getting crushed, the weath is getting concentrated among top 1%
Gap is also getting crushed!
This sounds like what a Democrat says...
the guy in the helmet I see why you need a helmet
@@sarahcrabtree3839 Why is that?
@INDIANFUKING ALLTHEWHITEGIRLS You are not a Democrat?
Oh, the company hasn't yet released its 2019 earnings? I wonder if that's because there are 9 months left in 2019 when you published this. Eyeroll.
Q1 2019 sir.
@@12InchesUnBuffed That would be a portion of 2019's earnings, not "2019's earnings." I would let it slide if this video wasn't from a company who should be past such basic editing mistakes, or who wasnt so subliminally self-righteous in these videos.
@@LetsGambleUSA Either way Gap is on the way to "Gap" Down soon just like payless :)
Does nitpicking incredibly minor details make you feel smart?
@@leam89 Does not realizing it isn't a "minor detail" make you not smart?
2:08 that Dude's package in his pants 🍌 must've inspired The Gap to purchase Banana Republic
didn't work for me, I need my money back lol
Holy moly guacamole
Of all things to focus on, why that?
@@adrianelias2365 because we wanted to!
Dudes got some serious meat! 😂😰
GAP *also failed in France and Japan* because the *French love the 60's and 80's* , and the *Japanese love the 50's and 80's* , but *GAP offers nothing but bland, suburban 90's.*
The 90's are in style again and Gap has some really cute square neck t-shirts that are really good quality.
Love these informative CBNC videos
I think Gap can be saved because of its brand recognition. Banana Republic itself has struggled with its own image since it first started as a surplus safari brand then did a complete 180 and shifted to upscale business attire. Gap is reluctant to shift from preppy clothing to today's trends. Banana Republic has potential but its not being tapped into. I think both brands need to be reworked. TODAY'S consumers don't really care for old trends such as preppy- just look at all the big preppy brands- they're struggling.
Gap quality and cut really tanked from 2010 on. I don't know what initiated the change, but "French fly" (double button khakis), isn't why people go to the gap, that's why men go to Brook Brothers.
Not gonna lie, I’m not sure I’ve ever been inside a gap store
I was in the 7th grade.
Uniqlo is the gap of this generation
Who?
Nah, son. It's gotta be a household name.
Uniqlo? No. H&M? Yes!
@Thot Slayer H&M quality is worse than Gap's, but they compensate with being on trend, and being cheaper, which appeals far more to the youth.
Yes, UNIQLO is everything!
Kelly B A brand is a brand. Clearly no one cares who popular a brand is anymore. If their product offering is cheap and outdated people will go elsewhere.
Can you guys give my man Company Man credit?
I forgot about Old Navy. I thought they somewhat died off years ago. Like I knew they were still around, but never thought they were big.
I used to love GAP but nowadays the clothes are so plain, no style and expensive
Exactly,its like why buy them when you could just buy extremely similar looking clothes from Walmart for far less? lol
I'm 25 and I've only stepped into one GAP in my life, but I was a poor Hispanic kid and bought most of my clothes at discount stores. I'm about middle class now, but I still buy clothes at discount chains since I still see myself as that poor kid.
Octo Ventura let me tell you, that‘s actually a good thing 😂 I also come from a low income family like some of my friends. Said friends went crazy when they started making money and spent more than they actually had. Shop less, shop ethically.
@@denizece3672 one of my family's motto, "never pay full price".
Dear Banana Republic and Gap,
sell clothes we want
There is no middle anymore.
There never was ... just a clueless bourgeois fantasy.
Gap does have quality clothes. They should pick an age demographic and update their styles, this isn’t 1998-2005 anymore. Consumers don’t like big letters, and “blend in” clothes. Fashion Nova, Forever 21, Zara and H&M are fast fashion stores, they create a sense of urgency. 1) the style may not sell out in 24-36 hours and 2) the style may be pulled within 2 weeks if its not “trendy” anymore. The Gap clothes are lack luster and predictable.
Also, traditional mall stores, Gap, Victoria Secret, JC Penny, Sears, and etc, are all struggling. Consumers are not going to the mall like they used to. With less foot traffic, statistically, it lessens the chance of impulse buying.
I think Gap should partner with virtual reality, sponsor an IG model, and put fashion games on the App Store if they want to reach a younger 15-30 crowd. Being a stand alone fashion store isn’t enough in 2019.
Am I the only one who likes GAP's aesthetic?
Dominic Gamboa I know I’m late but ur the first person that said that and I agree, most people in the comments dont really like it, but I do. And like for me, Gap is not as expensive, cus I buy em when they are the cheapest, and in my country or continent, its not expensive. I just like Gap, but I respect their opinions tho.
Same here... I believe it just boils down to GAP, almost becoming a “speciality brand”. Special only to those of us that more than likely have a lot of nostalgia connected to it. I certainly do, I’ve always loved and worn GAP...always will. Although, I don’t totally disagree with the “quality” aspect that many people were speaking of; it certainly has changed over the years...but what hasn’t?
I remember Gap in the movie "Reality Bites" in the 90's.
Omg I love that movie! Ethan and Winona were perfect in it🤗🤗🤗
Yes!
“I'm late for a jean-folding seminar. Let's locomote!”
I CANNOT wait for EXPRESS clothing to tank.
It will not happen. I work for them. We owe no debt and all New Jersey locations are constantly busy even for weekday traffic. Honestly speaking! Now Forever 21 is heading down! I've noticed at times their store is empty. Oversized stores and defunt fashion. H&M is great for work clothes too but Express is on top for everyday working individuals who like deals. It sells
Richard Piccolella give it time......outlet express already happening in multiple states. It can only hold the buisness for so long.
I have jackets and Jeans from Gap that look like new yearsss later. I grew up on Gap clothing. I don't shop there as often as I did before but when I need basics or starting a new job I think of Gap. The quality has changed a lot.
I have a light weight Jersey cardigan from Old Navy from 2007! Still in great shape and works with anything. But I also haven't shopped there since.....
Old Navy is one of the few places to find Plus Size Clothing in a brick and mortar setting. That said I only shop their Spring/ Summer dresses once they go on clearance. Otherwise there's just so many more affordable Plus Size options online with free shipping and coupons/sales. Amazon is where most of my wardrobe comes from now. Size inclusiveness, is good for the bottom line.
I feel like there is a trend that is starting to get more and more momentum for quality made garments. And I think if Gap sizes down to a smaller store count they can invest their money in their garments again. Allowing them to produce higher quality made basic goods.
I loved the Gap when I was in High School and one of the reasons why I stopped going was their basics became more and more thin and cheaply made. But that’s what happens when you have a large company mass producing T-shirt’s. Hopefully they figure something out.
Why go to GAP when you have Uniqlo?
People in US don't care that Gap is local meanwhile Uniqlo is not? I love how high street in Spain is occupied mostly by Spanish brands (predominantly Inditex group and Mango)..
they all manufacture in Bangladesh though. Inditex was even involved in a slavery scandal in Argentina
why go to any cloth store when you can get a t-shirt at walmart or five bellow for 5 dollars and look as good as anyone and their stupid brand name shirt which doesn't even matter most of the ones I mean are hanes and have the same quality without the logo
@@fightttttt They convince themselves paying more means better. Let them pay more for a dream. You save your money and stack it.
Many choice but for some people don't have just Gap or old navy nearby. Don't go to both anyhow,
Why is Jim Cramer always either muttering or shouting? There’s no in between
Lmao that's true...I either can't understand a word he's saying or have to turn him down
Brendan cocaine
Bring Cosmo Kramer.
I use to work for the Gap when I was a senior in high school. It was so popular back then (1998). Now I think there is so much competition and trendy cheap fashion that makes it hard for them to compete.
I miss the casual 80’s. Great time to be a teen, especially if you refused to wear short-shorts. I wore Bermuda “Jam” shorts (Hawaiian print) and loved them.
Loved my Dolphins!
I shop their sales rack for jeans, because once in a while they have something decent. In the late 90s, if I could predict what would have become of Gap, I would have expected their clothes and aesthetic to be like Everlane or Uniqlo. They were so good at making good casual basics and now most of their clothes have cheap prints that look like Old Navy clothes at a higher price tag.
Most fast fashion has gotten worse. I remember a time when you could buy silk dresses/tops at Gap, H&M or Zara and it wasn't all polyester boxy-cut clothing.
Why, if GAP is doing so bad, did they acquire Janie & Jack?
The irony of people complaining about big logos. Logomania has resurfaced in recent years with teenage-college age vintage and thrift shopping. You go in Urban Outfitters and Footlocker and see Champion, Fila, Tommy Hilfiger, as well as high end and streetwear designers plastering their logos thriving! Sportswear brands have mad a comeback and designer brands have based their recent collection off of sportswear and streetwear.
I love their jeans. It fit all body types
Yes, it's good for tall women, like my daughter and I. And I used to be skinny like her but now I can still wear Gap because I've gained so much. I'm glad they are sticking with their loyal customer and making larger sizes.
I shopped at “The Gap”, the original San Francisco store, as a teenager in the early-mid 1970s. It had the best selection of Levi’s jeans anywhere.
“Be better than the Gap.
Say it, Cal, be better than the Gap.”
I remember shopping at the GAP with my mom back in the late 90's, 8th grade, freshman, sophomore, junior years of high school, but only when stuff was on sale. We also shopped at Old Navy and Castner Knott at the Cool Springs Galleria just to sound extra fancy. So fancy lol
All these stores used to have good quality but now not so much. I have a wool sweater from Old Navy. I’ve had it since 1998. The best ever. The Gap and Old Navy are now considered fast fashion to me. The Gap charged way to much and the quality is not there. Their jeans and shirts never fit right.
Gap is gonna blow up after ye’s contract
Other than shoes, I haven't shopped in a physical store for clothing in a decade. I think the last time I stepped into a Gap was in the late 90s, and even back then I thought their selection boring and too limited.
yo these vids and topics are on point.
keep it up my friends
We up again📈 Yeezy Gap
Worked at the GAP the summer after I graduated college in 1998. Fun job! Their stuff was popular and sold like crazy. But they just didn’t keep up with the changing times and tastes. I eventually started shopping at JCrew, but even they are getting stale now.
Once the stock price is the focus, it’s pretty much all over for the business.
Yep. But that's the name of the game for most businesses these days.
Old Navy is doing the best because it provides decent clothing for cheap . I make 6 figures and still buy my INTERVIEW slacks / shirts at Old Navy
I knew this would happen sooner or later. They wouldn’t even do price adjustments in store so I had to return my stuff and then rebuy online for the cheaper price only after a day. Customer service also goes a long way, Gap. Take notes from Nordstrom.
They need an early teen option. After my daughter turned 13 she was super bummed she couldn’t fit anything but leggings from the kids section. The women’s side is a bit boring for her. We’ve moved on from their children’s clothes. So now we’re trying figure things out. A&F, old navy, justice, north face and Nike are our go to. But she’d prefer something girlie with matching shirts/pants and accessories. Good quality and long lasting.
Because the quality sucks for the price. Consumers figured that out and stopped buying their cheap junk.
they were charging for coolness. Their market was teens so they could sell whatever quality they liked for what is seen as a premium to teens as long as it was seen as cool. They were on all the TV shows in the 90s and teen celebrities were wearing them. But clothing brands aren't important anymore- not unless you're the kind of person who wears Gucce ect ANd those brands are classic rather than cool. . It's about looks. Brands are for your headphones and your smartphone. That's where the coolness now lies. Kids (or their parents) don't have money for both.
Everyone in the comments thinking they're marketing experts, why don't you become the CEO of Gap and do everything you propose?
I grew up on the Gap brand in the 80's early 90's when they were the It' brand. Quality was a mainstay and directly reflected their cost. But, like Apple they pushed for the upper-class - upper-crust niche and began charging far beyond the quality of their product. Then they expanded themselves creating and or acquiring similar brands further raising the cost of basic clothing. And to make matters worst they also took the 'image' approach to their product sizes and size demographics. removing larger sizes from their product lines. In a nutshell they began shunning the very people who made their brand a success, and priced themselves away from profit margins. Old Navy was created to address the issue and it worked, but the gap and all its other brands remained the same. so in reality they didnt fix the problem at all. Then the quality their product also took a nose dive, as they expanded their places of manufacturing to more and more low cost low wage high labor haven, poor countries around the world, which was fine for old navy product being far cheaper, but terribly worst for their other brands. why pay 4x as much for an item thats only slightly better in quality than Old navy, and its created by the same locations. The nail in the coffin was loosing sight of the buyer. So many retailers have shifted their profit cost margins to items that shouldn't cost much at all. T-shirts costing 6 times their normal worth. simply because teens and young adults now where more t-shirts. the product didnt justify the cost. And so.. more and more was poorly produced high cost products became their mainstay, driven by greed and not by the Gaps past philosophy of providing the highest quality product for a fare price. Gap products stood above the rest in the 80's and 90's. Today theirs little to distinguish their products from Target or even walmarts, but their prices remain thru the roof.
Right on...I used to like shop at GAP back around 2000-2001 because I liked some of their basic designs, but the price was always too high so I stopped shopping there simply because of cost. Old Navy had decent stuff for a much better price. T-shirts were $10, not $40.
The GAP will always have a special place in my heart ❤️☺️. I used to work for the retailer in the late 90s. I still have what I call “my black peacoat w/the secret pockets” from 2006. I have recently purchased some items online w/in the last year & had received discounts on my purchase items. 🙌🏾
Dear CNBC, your channel is amazing! If only NBC could take a page from your book.
Btw... that “original” Gap store they keep showing is actually in Santa Monica on Wilshire and 20th. The first Gap I worked at.
My favorite store. It is my "go to store". Love their stuff.
Uniqlo kills it cause it’s quality 👌
I leave in Europe and I love Banana Republic for workwear. They also do the best discounts, something not common to European chains. The quality is definitely higher than Zara or HM.
Their problem is the styles. Every season they look the same.
@Miaou There are no BR stores in Europe , anymore. Only online.
“The young, liberal baby boomers”
Ah, yes... the 60s. How far we’ve come.
I love Gap and have shopped there since the 80s.
GAP has good basics, good for adding basics
-- but its fit is not quite right
-- the price is a bit much
-- much better styling than old navy
-- their chinos are excellent
These videos like this need to be a playlist
a company is a failure if it can't make record breaking profits year over year. that idea is insane.
I've seen GAP throughout the eras, as I still remember getting my Levi's there...and their old slogan 'Fall Into The Gap.' The last time I found real excitement in buying from them was back in 1995, right before starting grad school. I went shopping for some new clothes with my ex-girlfriend who was a high school teacher but, funny enough, is now a CEO of a major clothing company. I still bought off and on with The Gap but it was mostly for basics...and generally because they would often have incredible sales. But there were no statement pieces and certainly not much joy. I'm now at a point where I just walk past. I mostly buy my clothes from Barney's. It feels like I get more value...even if I am paying more.
I have to admit, I’m loving the slow and agonizing death of retail. All the corporate strategies and stock market hopes and dreams are never going to save it either. Retailers are trying so hard to recapture their former relevance as they circle the drain, but the truth is...it’s over for all of them. It’s just a matter of time.
Like any retail company, and having worked for them, they rely so much on people signing up for the credit cards associated with the store. Its really smart analytics because people tend to carry balances on their credit cards and the company makes money from interest rates. You'd be amazed the amount of pressure they put on associates to sell the credit cards and how much talk about them everyday you'd hear, "sell, sell, sell those credit cards." Was working for the Gap brand horrible? Not necessarily but the store that I worked at was highly unorganized and the backrooms made it impossible to find items.
All this time... George Costanza 2:55 playing the cameo roll as the company’s president! 🤣
I love the Gap and Old Navy! They make clothing my kids affordable. Banana Republic can always go!!
The rise and fall and rise of GAP.
I feel like people don’t just shop at one place. There are so many options. I like go to specific stores for specific items. I still shop the The Gap and Old Navy but as I said for specific items. I do think The Gap is gonna take a hit when it separates from Old Navy.
Let's be honest.....they were selling $12 t-shirts for $24. Eventually, other brands copied their system, and sold the $12 t-shirts for $18, and some even got real competitive by selling the $12 t-shirts for $12. That dissolved the public fascination.
I'll never forget their dancing ad campaign which was cutting edge. My teen JUST bought her first pair of GAP jeans where previously she would groan if I wanted to look around in their store; these kids barley know Gap (or think of the brand as 'old') and certainly would never wear anything with their logo on it...Who would name an apparel company 'Intermix'?!
Intermix is a super high end store that sell brands like Jimmy Choo and Alexander McQueen. It is not a store that sells it own branded clothes like the Gap or Old Navy. I am from NYC and I would see the Intermix shopping bag all the time on shoulders of young women all during the 2000s.
Everything at the GAP is dated. All their tees are very boxy in fit. Their shirts too baggy, even if it's labeled "slim fit". I do think their knit sweaters during the fall/winter is the only area where they excel.
It's that the quality of clothing went way down in early 2000's but the prices went up.