STORE WARS: GAP vs. Express
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: The main destination for basics and slightly above. Incredible blazers for the money. Their pima polos are a great athletic fit polo for a reasonable price. Merino wool sweaters aren’t half bad. Tons of sales. Well lit, decent looking stores. Clearance racks can be a nice place to find a steal. Free shipping on online orders more than $50, with free returns to brick and mortar stores. Can combine across BR/Old Navy/GAP platforms for that discount too.
Weaknesses: The waistband on their jeans tend to stretch. They’re a major mass retailer, so their stuff can run a little big. They’re always on sale, so you wonder if you’re really getting a good deal.
Strengths: They’re the world’s #1 online retailer. Huge inventory of watches, music, movies, books, electronics, and a solid inventory of shoes. Style isn’t always about clothes. Their watch deals can be pretty solid when compared to department store prices. Their sneaky “other customers shopped” / “you might be interested in” section is absolutely meant to get you to buy more, but it can be fun to browse. Pretty good Black Friday sales. Relatively low threshold for free super-saver shipping. Parent company of Endless and Zappos.
Weaknesses: Their lack of clothing options. Style isn’t always about clothes, but… a lot of the time it is sorta kinda maybe about clothes. Watch section is littered with third party non-fulfilled eye brow raising dealers (could be gray market, who knows)…
Your votes determine who goes on to the next round. Cast your ballot below.
UPDATE: And GAP moves on to take on L.E.C. in one half of the semis.
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Store Wars: GAP vs. Amazon Total Voters: 375
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Gap no doubt. The fact that one of Gap’s weaknesses is “always on sale,” makes the decision even easier.
I’m a Gap/Old Navy junkie for the basics. Inexpensive V Necks that aren’t too deep and classic button up shirts.
The 1969 jeans from 2 years ago had a better fit than the ones now do. They’ve held up very well! And I put jeans through hell.
This is a tough one. I love Amazon but Gap is my go-to place for clothes. Gotta go Gap
The fact that I can go to the store and try it out makes Gap vote-worthy.
If this was a general contest I would pick Amazon, but since were talking about a style retailer tourney, the vote goes to GAP
Very tough one, but vote goes to GAP. I find myself there more often, though I can’t deny that amazon has good prices on some key things.
I smell a GAP – J.CREW final….
Hmm. Gap vs. LEC should be interesting. In my opinion, Gap should go all the way. Relatively inexpensive clothing (compared to J. Crew), with great basic styles and customer service. Gap FTW.
While I love Gap Inc., I have gone into Gap more times than I can count on my limbs and come out with absolutely nothing. Even with a 40% off coupon. I get my basic basics and hidden treasures at Old Navy, and “splurge” with coupons at Banana Republic. Gap just seems like a little better quality than O.N. at damn near B.R. prices.
That being said, had to vote for Amazon since I’ve actually bought more from “the big one” than from, well, “the other big one”.
I honestly think LEC would steamroll GAP if it came to that match up. Only time will tell though.
GAP
I’m answering solely based on clothes. If I want an affordable unconstructed blazer, I’ll hit GAP. If I want a new case for my phone, I’ll go Amazon.
My thoughts exactly.
I’m calling J. Crew – Lands End Canvas final.
Agreed.
I’d be happy with either. Both great stores.