Financially, GAP Inc., like many retailers, isn’t doing so hot. The WSJ says it will report a 10.5% decline in sales. But in terms of style? I think the Gap brand is this year’s Retail Comeback Kid.
Way back in the day, I remember wanting a pair of my very own Gap khakis (if only because I was slightly smitten with the hat-wearing, line-dancing cowboys in the TV spots). One of my favorite pieces is a tweed trumpet skirt from the Gap that I purchased in 2005.
For the past couple of years, however, Gap’s designs have been lackluster and uninspired. It’s a brand for the basics, yes, but basic doesn’t mean boring. I can get a plain white tee for $10 at Old Navy – why would I pay $10 or $15 extra at Gap?
Still, I always held out hope that Gap will come back. After seeing the clothes, I think it has. Under the direction of a new head designer, the clothing seem so much nicer – I was happy to see more details (ribbons, bell sleeves, ruffles, etc.), bright colors, and a wider selection of petite sizes (so important!). Then there are the deals of up to 60% off.
The combination of better design, suitable sizing, and consistant quality led me to make my first Gap purchase in more than 3 years:
- 3 pairs of pants (including a pair of khaki’s) $30 each – I had originally ordered one pair. As soon as I tried it on, I knew I had to buy more. The fit is slimming but not skin-tight. I promptly ordered 2 more pairs. I’d purchase these pants at the full $54.50 price, but the discounts just means that I can stock up.
- a party dress $25: Red? Is my weakness. Fortunately, I managed to refrain from also ordering the other color. I shall wear this to my anniversary dinner in February. Must keep the magic alive, no?
- a sweater $22: It’s a not-so-basic sweater in basic black. Love the 3-quarter sleeves and the grosgrain ribbon keyhole in the back. See what I mean about Gap bringing back the details?
- The total came out to around $145.*
- For the entire holiday season I think I spent around $250 (including the Gap purchases above).
After a full weekend of shopping, I’m DONE for the next SIX MONTHS. Now that I’m all stocked up on basics and beyond, I’m going on a much-needed shopping hiatus.
Besides, the torrents of deals will taper off – it’s just not sustainable marking things at 60%-70% off. After all the Fall & Winter inventories are cleared off, retailers are likely to be conservative on Spring merchandise. Maybe this is my way of rationalizing my purchases… but still. I don’t think we’ll see comparable sales come March.
*If you sign up for a Gap newsletter, you will receive a $15 off $75 code until Jan 31, 2009. Unfortunately, I couldn’t find a free shipping code for non-Gap card users, so I had to pony up for the $7 shipping.
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Those pants are available in petite sizes too and at an affordable price! A good excuse to stock up on some basics for work!
I haven’t shopped at Gap in years. Maybe they’ll win back a hard-core BR fan. =)
Did you buy it through ebates? You could have gotten like $4 back in rebates. I also agree that Gap has improved within the last year and a half..
I think you should add volunteering to your New Year’s resolutions. It will keep you out of the malls for at least 6 months because you’ll be tired and will want to stay home.
Glad you got good deals.
I’m doing C.A.S.H for two months due to holiday spending. But it sounds like you did get some awesome deals.
what you can do for free shipping is add something from piperlime to your order. piperlime has free returns too so you can just return it.
great job, everything is super cute (and cheap)! Makes me wanna head to Gap after work…
I would actually recommend mr.rebates over ebates. It works the exact same way, but I’ve found more often than not, their rebates are higher than ebates (case in point, mrrebates has 4% for gap, ebates has 3%). I usually compare the two nonetheless, but mr.rebates is my default. Here’s a referral link:
http://www.mrrebates.com?refid=163542
i always call and speak to an operator/order taker when placing an online order. when specifically asked , they will often look for and then give you available discounts.
works like a charm.