GAP vs. Express – Store Wars Rd. 1

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: The much debated 1MX which goes with just about everything, but self destructs over too short a period of time.  Their signature polos, which don’t self destruct over time but curl at the collar for some.  Decent enough suits.  Their in the mail coupon cards and online coupon codes.

Weaknesses: Loud, over-logoed, and leans too young and trendy.  Walking into one of their stores can make you feel seriously old, even if you’re not old.  Their main clientele seem to really enjoy taking pictures of themselves wearing Express clothes, making odd faces, and then post it to the Express Facebook page.  Probably best not to be associated with those types.

Your votes determine who goes on to the next round.  Cast your ballot below.
UPDATE: Sorry “Structure”… I mean Express.  You’re out.  Gap moves ahead.