Banana Republic
It was 1978 when San Francisco-based Banana Republic began as a single location clothing store with an exotic safari-travel beat. Five years later, the catalog-driven company was bought by The Gap, Inc. and now has over 500 stores around the world. Today’s Banana Republic is urban, polished and known as an attainable luxury brand for women and men with collections of Clothing, Jewelry and Accessories, Shoes and Handbags, Personal Care Products and Intimate Apparel. BR Monogram is the brand’s innovative, limited-edition line featuring sophisticated fabrics and elegant styles only available in select locations or online.
Store design is modern but with classic flair such as thick white mouldings set against dark wood flooring and sleek shelving. Garment District-type racks portray more of a high-end boutique feel and boast varied color-coordinated designs of sumptuous silks, creamy cashmere and lightweight wool for her and dashing, made-to-impress key pieces for him. On the casual side, smooth cottons and contemporary denim are plentiful. For both women and men, pant collections are named by fit, making repeat shopping for favorites a breeze. Shoes and handbags are serious in style, while jewelry and accessories range from clean and cool to vintage chic. To see and be seen, Banana Republic also has a hip line of prescription eyewear available at select optical retailers.
Smart ensemble ideas for work or play are presented throughout the store and mimic up-to-the-minute looks fresh off the catalog press. Seasonal merchandise is also cleverly assembled via Banana Republic’s online “Boutiques” section, which features a collection of the newest arrivals, fashion trends and wardrobe suggestions.
Green is the new black at Banana Republic stores with a cleaner planet at the heart of its planning and products. As part of its Denim Clean Water Program, the proof is in the jean labels which promise that all water post-dye treatment is guaranteed to be safe for surrounding communities. Sustainable fibers and fabrics are used in assorted apparel, as well as in 80% of the latest Heritage Collection for women. From shopping bags and price tags to packaging and gift cards, all are made with anywhere from 15-100% of recycled materials. Finally, store interiors feature Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified wood floors, 15% recycled restroom tiles and wheat board shelving instead of formaldehyde-ridden particle board.
For those in the know, Banana Republic’s store credit card offers five reward points for each dollar spent there or at any of its four sister stores-Gap, Old Navy, Piperlime or Athleta.com. Spend $800 on the card and you qualify for an upgrade to the Banana Republic Luxe Visa card which offers plentiful perks like free online shipping, complimentary alterations, access to events, personalized discount days and an exclusive customer service line. With all of these bonuses plus reasonable prices and off-the-runway interpretations, Banana Republic offers affordable luxury at its best.
For more information and a list of stores, visit www.bananarepublic.com
