Banana Republic: Difference between revisions
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The original Banana Republic, which began in [[1978]], was a two-store [[safari]] and travel-themed clothing company. The majority of sales came from its eccentric [[catalog]], which presented high-end and unique items with chatty, usually fictional, [[backstory|backstories]] from exotic locations, as well as more pedestrian high-volume products deliberately spiced up with a similar treatment. The company competed directly with the [[J. Peterman catalog]] later satirized on [[Seinfeld]]. As Banana Republic expanded its retail operation, it became known for the themed decoration in its stores, often featuring authentic elements, such as real [[Jeep]]s and foliage, as well as atmospheric elements, such as fog and steam. |
The original Banana Republic, which began in [[1978]], was a two-store [[safari]] and travel-themed clothing company. The majority of sales came from its eccentric [[catalog]], which presented high-end and unique items with chatty, usually fictional, [[backstory|backstories]] from exotic locations, as well as more pedestrian high-volume products deliberately spiced up with a similar treatment. The company competed directly with the [[J. Peterman catalog]] later satirized on [[Seinfeld]]. As Banana Republic expanded its retail operation, it became known for the themed decoration in its stores, often featuring authentic elements, such as real [[Jeep]]s and foliage, as well as atmospheric elements, such as fog and steam. |
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Gap Inc. acquired Banana Republic in [[1983]], eventually rebranding it as a mainstream luxury clothing retailer. The unique tourist-oriented items, which arguably gave the brand its differentiation, were phased out. For a time, Banana Republic ate into Gap's consumer base. To set itself apart from Gap as a more upmarket brand, Banana Republic occasionally buys and refurbishes historic buildings for its retail locations. The clothing retailer provides styles for all seasons as seen in regular catalogs. |
Gap Inc. acquired Banana Republic in [[1983]], eventually rebranding it as a mainstream luxury clothing retailer. The unique tourist-oriented items, which arguably gave the brand its differentiation, were phased out. For a time, Banana Republic ate into Gap's consumer base. To set itself apart from Gap as a more upmarket brand, Banana Republic occasionally buys and refurbishes historic buildings for its retail locations. The clothing retailer provides styles for all seasons as seen in regular catalogs. |
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People often become so obsessed with the versatile style of khakis that Banana Republic offers, that their devotion takes on a quasi religous bent. Many of these devotees build totem poles to mark the passing of the actual seasons along with the Banana Republic "seasons." They drive small nails into the item of clothing after they wear it. This helps them track both the season and whether they are wearing a certain pair of khakis too often. They believe that by tracking fashions in this way they will affect the weather and signal to Banana Republic the best clothes to provide in the next year. |
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[[Image:Banana_Republic_Safari_Logo.gif|frame|Banana Republic's old safari-themed logo]] |
[[Image:Banana_Republic_Safari_Logo.gif|frame|Banana Republic's old safari-themed logo]] |
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Revision as of 13:00, 15 December 2005
Banana Republic is a chain of "casual luxury" clothing stores owned by Gap Inc., which also operates The Gap and Old Navy stores. Founded in 1969, The Gap is a mid-scale specialty retailer, while Old Navy was launched in 1994 as a value chain.
The original Banana Republic, which began in 1978, was a two-store safari and travel-themed clothing company. The majority of sales came from its eccentric catalog, which presented high-end and unique items with chatty, usually fictional, backstories from exotic locations, as well as more pedestrian high-volume products deliberately spiced up with a similar treatment. The company competed directly with the J. Peterman catalog later satirized on Seinfeld. As Banana Republic expanded its retail operation, it became known for the themed decoration in its stores, often featuring authentic elements, such as real Jeeps and foliage, as well as atmospheric elements, such as fog and steam.
Gap Inc. acquired Banana Republic in 1983, eventually rebranding it as a mainstream luxury clothing retailer. The unique tourist-oriented items, which arguably gave the brand its differentiation, were phased out. For a time, Banana Republic ate into Gap's consumer base. To set itself apart from Gap as a more upmarket brand, Banana Republic occasionally buys and refurbishes historic buildings for its retail locations. The clothing retailer provides styles for all seasons as seen in regular catalogs.
People often become so obsessed with the versatile style of khakis that Banana Republic offers, that their devotion takes on a quasi religous bent. Many of these devotees build totem poles to mark the passing of the actual seasons along with the Banana Republic "seasons." They drive small nails into the item of clothing after they wear it. This helps them track both the season and whether they are wearing a certain pair of khakis too often. They believe that by tracking fashions in this way they will affect the weather and signal to Banana Republic the best clothes to provide in the next year.
Today the company operates nearly 400 Banana Republic stores in the United States (including Puerto Rico) and Canada. It has announced plans to open four stores in Tokyo, Japan in September 2005.
As of the 2005 Christmas Season, Gap and its affliated company websites do not support online shopping for Macintosh users using the standard Safari Brower.
External link
- bananarepublic.com · Official Website.
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