GAP vs. Lands’ End Canvas – Store Wars Semi-Finals

STORE WARS: GAP vs. Lands’ End Canvas

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.
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Strengths: Another well executed J. Crewification of a normally bulky and older brand.  Trimmed down (but not actually all that slim) fits.  B+ basics at A+++ prices. Terrific sales.  Not afraid to branch out into blazers, ties, and shoes.  Their incredible return policy, which reads: “…return anything at anytime for any reason for a full refund of its purchase price” Simple enough…

Weaknesses: You do have to pay shipping ($6.95 flat fee) to return items.  The fit isn’t as athletic as you think it’d be… it’s slimmer, but it’s not slim.   While they excel at good to very good, there aren’t many items that you’ll be completely drooling over.

Your votes determine who moves on to the Store Wars Finals.  Cast your ballot below:
UPDATE: LEC beats powerhouse GAP, making it a #4 vs. a #5 in the finals on Monday.
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