Gappy Holidays!

Nov 26, 2007 @ 3:12pm

trentini gap.jpgMost retailers are still scared about slow sales, but today, WWD reports Gap's profits are up 26%. It's a big leap for a company that's endured a very public struggle, plus big changes in both their executive and creative teams. We're sure retail analysts have their own scientific reasons for the rise in profits, but here's our inside scoop into why Gap is gaining...

1. Their European collection was a hit on both sides of the Atlantic. Balenciaga's Marie Amelie Sauve brought a whole new dimension to khakis and white shirts when she consulted on the line, and we're sure Pierre Hardy's shoes will sell out in minutes. When Gap picks a shoe designer stateside, we'll be waiting.

2. Magazines may still want celebs on their covers, but Gap finally gets us back to models. Stam, Anja, Caroline, Coco, and Chanel Iman all said "cheese" for $49.99 denim, and that was perfect. Gap is finally targeting the fashion crowd, and it's a good idea.

3. They lowered their prices. A couple of months ago we walked into a Gap store and everything was on sale. Doing away with excess sale stickers and pricing clothes according to their worth might be their best move yet. If it costs less, people buy more, right?

4. This one pair of boys pajamas. They're navy with skulls and we want them. This is the true secret of Gap's success.

Comments

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posted by guest

Nov 26, 2007 3:30PM

I love Gap. Whenever I go there I always find something cute and in my very tight budget level. I also adore the little glass bowls where you can find the cheapest stuff ever that you can just buy loads of.

posted by rachael

Nov 26, 2007 4:20PM

I used to work at the Gap when I was 15. I think you'd have to force me to go in there today. I'm sure they're improving and may have cute basics, but I just can't shop there.

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posted by guest

Nov 26, 2007 4:24PM

Agreed! I caught caught in a rain storm a while back ago on my way to work (umbrella did nothing/susana monaco dress got *completely* drenched) popped into the gap and bought a cute black dress to change into - and I've worn it several times since!

But do their annual, colorful, stripey sweaters look cute on anyone but the models?

posted by anonymoose

Nov 26, 2007 4:33PM

RE: shoe designer stateside - did you guys not see this? http://www.wwd.com/issue/article/120454 (scroll down to 'crossing the pond')

posted by Faran Krentcil

Nov 26, 2007 4:44PM

That actually hasn't been confirmed, and we heard it's going to be a different designer for Gap US, with perhaps a few Pierre shoes from the Euro collection also available...

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posted by FashionNoob

Nov 26, 2007 5:11PM

I love the green sweater they have on Amy Adams in December's Vogue. It's not on the website in green though! I'll have to brave the holiday crowds to try to find it at my local store.

I agree that they have vastly improved. I stopped shopping there a few years ago when they started putting big plastic buttons on everything, but when I stopped in this fall, it felt like a whole new store. The greys and blacks were very nice. I got a very cute black jersey dress and some ballet flats. Now I just need to find that sweater!

posted by glttergrl3890

Nov 26, 2007 5:29PM

Yesterday I worked with one of the Gap Boys designers wrapping gifts at Fred Flare - she was so sweet. I wonder if she designed those...

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posted by elisa

Nov 26, 2007 6:50PM

SO glad they lowered their prices again. they really started to play the price game with consumers, aka pushing the prices as high as they thought they could without simultaneously improving the quality of the merchandise. a strategy that both makes you and me sad, and also often works if the brand is prestigious enough.

but obviously a wrong choice for the rather, ummm, "accessible" Gap reputation.

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posted by guest

Nov 27, 2007 9:10AM

Is this particular striped sweater any where on the website to BUY, or am I just searching in vain?

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