Monday 24 August 2009

Retail Resurrection

Working at the sharp end of the retail industry this weekend at the behest of a shopping centre for one of their retailers, I was faced with the reality of when it all goes wrong. I would like to say that I will have helped in part to turn the business around but one piece of an incomplete jigsaw doesn't make a whole.

When a retailer gets it wrong with target market, stock, quality and the experience people vote with their feet and purses. Whilst consumers love affair with Zara and Topshop continues, Gap suffered a sharp rebuke to their position on the high street across the globe.

Last year even I, a firm friend of Gap was treated to shoddy service and behaviour all round when attempting to buy some biker boots. The story didn't end with my successful purchase of the boots. In fact I haven't shopped at Gap since apart for a couple of petit garcon items and even this was considerable less than I would have before. In addition this meant I didn't take a single client in either. So will I return to Gap as a customer ever again?

Gap has addressed one critical area of retailing, it now has some items available on-line via ASOS



Gap Wide Trim Deep V-Neck £29.50

Also K-Line gave their jeans a glowing report recently and a big thumbs up to Head of Design for Gap, Patrick Robinson. All eyes will be on the sales of the first global collection.

The proof will be in the pudding if I purchase an item in my big shop on September the 2nd. Yes, I've set a date for my wardrobe upgrade shopping session. I do have a bit of a fancy for the slim chinos and the suede boots, so we will see. The deep v-neck sweater looks like a lovely piece too and boy do I need colour in my wardrobe. Are you going to be a friend of Gap this season?

16 comments:

  1. Goodness, I haven't been into a Gap in many years! K-Line did make the jeans sound fabulous though.

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  2. Nope. I'm not a gap fan at the moment, and haven't been for about 5 years. I used to buy my jeans there but now they are from topshop and gerald darel....my niece works for them and has has given me a couple of very useful throw on jersey dresses in the last couple of years, but on the whole I think it's over priced for what it is, and very lacking in a USP (unique selling point) Uniglo fits the market far better in my opinion, I will check them out on ASOS though, and see if I have anything else to add!!!

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  3. WendyB - she did a great sales job!

    Everyonesaysdon't - Yes I forgot to mention Uniqlo. They have definitely found the right combination of basics in all colours with seasonal interjections.

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  4. Last time I was in USA, I wasn't crazy about the things I found at GAP...I really didn't buy anything there....They don't seem to be modern for me...

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  5. I haven't been in a gap store for years, but have ordered online. Based on my shopping experience in the last few years though, the bored and obstreperous sales person seems to be a common occurrence in many retail outfits, not limited to Gap.

    This year I need some basics, and K-line's recommendation of Gap's jeans will have me heading in that direction.

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  6. Hi there-although I don't shop directly in there much, I do love finding their pieces by thrifting. Good luck with those suede boots, it seems like everyone is hoping to bag these, lets hope Gap have a good supply!! Oh, I love those slim chinos too, maybe I might be tempted!!

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  7. I'm kinda on/off with Gap at the moment. I do fancy an old-fashioned turquoise blue cardie in there at the moment, and I do like their ongoing collaboration with Pierre Hardy.

    Apart from that, they've got good PJs! xx

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  8. Huh. I've never had a bad experience with Gap, either in customer service or quality ... though I can't say I shop there all that often.

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  9. I'm not a big gap fan: its all a bit mediocre and their jeans never seem to fit right at all!

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  10. Love this post and its title! Can't wait to see what you think on your shop-day. I would love to have the chance to go out with you - I bet it's some stealth buying! I really hope my experience with the jeans is corroborated by yours...

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  11. I haven't perused a Gap for a long time. They lost me last year. But, because of you I will give them another look.

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  12. im glad that Gap now sells its stuff on ASOS.com, i am loving that bright deep v neck sweater. Great for autumn.
    have a lovely day dear
    xx
    Marian.

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  13. I don't really like Gap, myself. My flatmate just bought a dress there; a very innocuous looking jersey but the care label says dry clean only. Bizarre. I'm always a bit suspicious when they do things like that....

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  14. i have not shopped at gap in a while but i am curious about their new jeans.

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  15. I still have a soft spot for Gap but rarely shop there. I think I just like the shoots! Tried to buy some of the skinny chinos but they were massive. I would be a UK 4 which they don't sell when normally I'm an 8-10 *HUFF*

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