Banana Republic vs. Zappos – Store Wars Rd. 1

STORE WARS: Banana Republic vs. Zappos

Starting March 15th and running through April 4th, Dappered.com is hosting a bracket based tournament with the purpose of eventually crowning the all around Affordable Men’s Style Retail Champ for 2011. For a full introduction see this post. To see the updated bracket, click on the image to the right. Make a case for your preferred competitor in the comments section, but don’t forget to vote at the bottom of each match up. On with today’s showdown:
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Strengths: Self described as “accessible luxury” which is about right.  The top of the GAP inc food chain, so they’re everywhere.  They’re using better and better fabrics in their blazers and suiting.  Design of many pieces can look incredible.  Their silk/cotton/cashmere v-neck is the best on the market.  They stumbled a few months back, but their suit fit has come roaring back with their tailored fit leading the way.  Free shipping from their website with a $50 purchase, free returns to their brick and mortar stores if you don’t like it.  And their sales associates, who can sometimes be a little too attentive… well… two words: pencil skirts.

Weaknesses: You really have to play the retail waiting game with BR.  One day it’s full price, the next day it’s 40% off with a coupon or online code.  But by then your size could be gone.  Much of their stuff is made in China.  Jeans are expensive.  The colors of clothing on their website won’t always match up with reality.

Strengths: Legendary customer service.  One of if not the first online shoe stores to offer free shipping both ways, acknowledging that people don’t like to buy shoes they can’t try on if they’re going to get dinged for shipping charges.  Terrific website experience, complete with videos of employees describing and holding the shoe so you can get a different & less sterile perspective.  Currently branching out into clothing.  Purchased by Amazon in 2009, but hasn’t changed their philosophy.  Ridiculously large inventory.

Weaknesses: Not many because they’ve stuck with what they do well and continue to excel at it.  They’re certainly one of the top online destinations for shoes, but their clothing selection is pretty minimal.

Your votes determine who goes on to the next round.  Cast your ballot below.
UPDATE: Banana Republic keeps the bracket all chalk and moves on with the win.
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