http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=2043390n
Watch The Video
This video comes from Katie Courics notebook, which was originally aired in 2006. This video features the Gap ad of a young Aubrey Hepburn dancing and introducing the new skinny black pant. Katie Couric points out that using deceased celebrities to sell a product is a new trend. Although The Gap asked permission from the family and gives to her favorite charity, Katie Couric raises a good question, how would Aubrey Hepburn feel about being used to sell product. This is a good question, I believe that it is a good idea as long as they ask for permission from family and give to the charity of choice. The Gap made good choices when it came to this advertising commercial. They asked the family and then they decided to give. This was a good move by the company. So the question remains would you care if you were used to sell a product? Personally I wouldn’t. However I would hope that they would use me in a respectable way such as not selling beer or anything deemed inappropriate or that violates my moral beliefs. Audrey Hepburn looked stunning in the commercial and regardless she would have been pleased.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Plus-Sized Line
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/5031430/
Old Navy, a brand under the company Gap Inc is located nation wide with over a thousand stores. Recently the company has decided to break away from traditional clothing and offer more of a variety for their customers. The new addition to its in store clothing is a plus sized line made for women who wear plus sized clothing. Yes this is a very good start for the company, since they have been struggling financially. This will offer more for women of this size since, it is already hard to find store that fit their size. The plus size line will be featured in only 55 stores nation wide also including the Internet. This is an effort to add something new to Gap Inc. Major stores such as The Gap and Banana Republic will also be offering new accessories and footwear. This may sound like a good idea and yes it is, but why cant this be a movement for all of the companies located under Gap Inc. I am sure that their are profession women who are plus sized and would love to wear the clothes that The Gap or Banana Republic offers.Not all plus sized women buy from the low income spectrum so just including Old Navy, which is less expensive than its sister brands The Gap and Banana Republic,is some what an insult to those who would love to shop in the high end. Also only allowing 55 stores is some what of an insult as well. There are plus sized women located in more than just 55 locations so just offering these styles of clothing in certain locations is some what pointless. I know for a fact that the Old Navy in my town does not have a plus sized section and it is a big city. I believe that Gap Inc should go beyond the boundaries of offering certain stuff in select cities and reach out more across America. Also the company should diversify The Gap and Banana Republic.make clothes for every shape and size because no one is the same. Everyone is different.
Old Navy, a brand under the company Gap Inc is located nation wide with over a thousand stores. Recently the company has decided to break away from traditional clothing and offer more of a variety for their customers. The new addition to its in store clothing is a plus sized line made for women who wear plus sized clothing. Yes this is a very good start for the company, since they have been struggling financially. This will offer more for women of this size since, it is already hard to find store that fit their size. The plus size line will be featured in only 55 stores nation wide also including the Internet. This is an effort to add something new to Gap Inc. Major stores such as The Gap and Banana Republic will also be offering new accessories and footwear. This may sound like a good idea and yes it is, but why cant this be a movement for all of the companies located under Gap Inc. I am sure that their are profession women who are plus sized and would love to wear the clothes that The Gap or Banana Republic offers.Not all plus sized women buy from the low income spectrum so just including Old Navy, which is less expensive than its sister brands The Gap and Banana Republic,is some what an insult to those who would love to shop in the high end. Also only allowing 55 stores is some what of an insult as well. There are plus sized women located in more than just 55 locations so just offering these styles of clothing in certain locations is some what pointless. I know for a fact that the Old Navy in my town does not have a plus sized section and it is a big city. I believe that Gap Inc should go beyond the boundaries of offering certain stuff in select cities and reach out more across America. Also the company should diversify The Gap and Banana Republic.make clothes for every shape and size because no one is the same. Everyone is different.
Fourth and Towne
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/9054063/
The Gap introduces Fourth and Towne. Fourth and Towne is for baby boomers who have been sized out of The Gap and Banana Republic. This store offers more of a variety for those who no longer what the twenty something look. Women over 35 make up 39 percent of today’s retail expenditures. With the same price range as the other two stores, former Gap shoppers will be right at home. Each store, however, has different designers and different types of clothing according to the label. For example, one store may sell the Gap Brand and another may sell Allegory. I think this is a good idea for The Gap. This gives a wide range of variety for those who can no longer shop at The Gap or Banana Republic and still wants to look and feel professional. The Gap needs to expand more and that is exactly what they are doing which is helping their business and their customers as well. The Gap should continue to open more of these stores nation wide. Currently there are only stores in New York but soon there will be stores located nation wide.
The Gap introduces Fourth and Towne. Fourth and Towne is for baby boomers who have been sized out of The Gap and Banana Republic. This store offers more of a variety for those who no longer what the twenty something look. Women over 35 make up 39 percent of today’s retail expenditures. With the same price range as the other two stores, former Gap shoppers will be right at home. Each store, however, has different designers and different types of clothing according to the label. For example, one store may sell the Gap Brand and another may sell Allegory. I think this is a good idea for The Gap. This gives a wide range of variety for those who can no longer shop at The Gap or Banana Republic and still wants to look and feel professional. The Gap needs to expand more and that is exactly what they are doing which is helping their business and their customers as well. The Gap should continue to open more of these stores nation wide. Currently there are only stores in New York but soon there will be stores located nation wide.
Late appologies from Gap Inc.
http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/07/23/btsc.obrien/index.html?iref=newssearch
Upon looking at news on CNN's website, I ran across a very interesting article written almost a year ago for CNN's TV special Black In America. Easily distracted I decided to read the article and found some interesting and upsetting facts about my company.In the spring or summer of 2008, three African American women were on their lunch break and decided to go shopping instead of their usual gym visit. All three women in their 20's and dressed professionally were wrongly accused of shoplifting and detained for about an hour and a half by police before finding no stolen clothing.What upsets the women the most is the fact that the Old Navy store racially profiled the women, who keep in mind, were professionally dressed in their business attire and were all African American. Another thing that upsets them the most is that no apology was issued by the company shortly after the incident. No apology was granted, Leah Wells, one of the women who was involved in the incident wrote a letter to Gap Inc. In the letter she wrote how humiliated she was and the disdainful stares her and her friends received inside the store that day. It took the editor of the CNN article to investigate before an apology was issued as well as an explanation as to what happened afterwards the manager of the Old Navy store had been fired and they (Gap Inc) realized that it might be too late for an apologize but they issued one and stated that "this goes against everything we believe as a company".
Even though they issued an apology, the fact that they waited so late bothers me. What took them so long to issues one? it is not that hard to come out and say we are sorry for what happened to you. Instead it took numerous letters and emails to be sent to them before they fully came to a realization that they should apologize.Sometimes when you wait to apologize many will believe that the apology is not sincere. As for Leah Wells and her friends, the article does not say if she continues to shop at Old Navy or any of the Gap Inc brands but personally I know I would not. Hopefully Gap Inc has learned from this experience and next time will be more prompt in responding to important issues that are affecting their customers.
Upon looking at news on CNN's website, I ran across a very interesting article written almost a year ago for CNN's TV special Black In America. Easily distracted I decided to read the article and found some interesting and upsetting facts about my company.In the spring or summer of 2008, three African American women were on their lunch break and decided to go shopping instead of their usual gym visit. All three women in their 20's and dressed professionally were wrongly accused of shoplifting and detained for about an hour and a half by police before finding no stolen clothing.What upsets the women the most is the fact that the Old Navy store racially profiled the women, who keep in mind, were professionally dressed in their business attire and were all African American. Another thing that upsets them the most is that no apology was issued by the company shortly after the incident. No apology was granted, Leah Wells, one of the women who was involved in the incident wrote a letter to Gap Inc. In the letter she wrote how humiliated she was and the disdainful stares her and her friends received inside the store that day. It took the editor of the CNN article to investigate before an apology was issued as well as an explanation as to what happened afterwards the manager of the Old Navy store had been fired and they (Gap Inc) realized that it might be too late for an apologize but they issued one and stated that "this goes against everything we believe as a company".
Even though they issued an apology, the fact that they waited so late bothers me. What took them so long to issues one? it is not that hard to come out and say we are sorry for what happened to you. Instead it took numerous letters and emails to be sent to them before they fully came to a realization that they should apologize.Sometimes when you wait to apologize many will believe that the apology is not sincere. As for Leah Wells and her friends, the article does not say if she continues to shop at Old Navy or any of the Gap Inc brands but personally I know I would not. Hopefully Gap Inc has learned from this experience and next time will be more prompt in responding to important issues that are affecting their customers.
Child labor
http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/asiapcf/10/29/gap.labor/index.html?iref=newssearch
This article written in 2007, addresses the issues of child labor within The Gap factories. The gap came under fire when reports of child workers flooded the media. The company who runs three other companies under its incorporation stated that they feel “deeply embarrassed” and “violated” for what is going on. Since then, The Gap has taken measures to prevent such activities. The Gap ceased production with factories and has hired workers to check on conditions. The Gap has improved on its issues with child labor and vows to take action against those who continue to hire under age workers. However no company is perfect and The Gap just like others has many flaws. Today The Gap is still working on issues of child Labor and is trying to prevent this crisis from happening again. From the numerous programs and trainings, The Gap is trying to become a better company and is trying regain support that was once lost. The Gap believes in justice and punishes its factories who do not follow company rules and standards. But is this enough? I feel that the company should do a little more especially when it is dealing with child labor issues. This topic is very sensitive and majority of people will not buy from a company who uses child labor. I hope that in today's society everything that The Gap has done is really working and preventing this issue.
This article written in 2007, addresses the issues of child labor within The Gap factories. The gap came under fire when reports of child workers flooded the media. The company who runs three other companies under its incorporation stated that they feel “deeply embarrassed” and “violated” for what is going on. Since then, The Gap has taken measures to prevent such activities. The Gap ceased production with factories and has hired workers to check on conditions. The Gap has improved on its issues with child labor and vows to take action against those who continue to hire under age workers. However no company is perfect and The Gap just like others has many flaws. Today The Gap is still working on issues of child Labor and is trying to prevent this crisis from happening again. From the numerous programs and trainings, The Gap is trying to become a better company and is trying regain support that was once lost. The Gap believes in justice and punishes its factories who do not follow company rules and standards. But is this enough? I feel that the company should do a little more especially when it is dealing with child labor issues. This topic is very sensitive and majority of people will not buy from a company who uses child labor. I hope that in today's society everything that The Gap has done is really working and preventing this issue.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Pickets in San Fran
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/examiner/archive/1999/10/21/NEWS14522.dtl
Gap Inc has been under controversy for the production of its clothing. In 1999 The Gap came under a whirlwind of controversy due to its production factories in Saipan. Investigators say that employees were treated unfairly and given little or no wages at all. Working conditions in the factories were grim and dirty, with mud and dirt all over the floors. In reaction many protested and pickited in from of SanFrancisico stores hoping to recieve a reaction from the company.
Shortly after a grand opening of a new Old Navy protestors lined the streets in frot of the store and began to chant and even undress themselves. These actions shocked those inside of Gap Inc's headquaters, many could not understand why a reaction to this extent was taking place. This was all because of the child labor controversy. The Gap issued flyers to their customers stating that "we have everything under controll" and "we are doing our best to prevent issues like this from happening again". Still many customers are upset about this and continue to talk against the company.
This article was written in 1999 and since then, The Gap has taken numerous measures in preventing problems like this from occuring. Since then they have placed restrictions on their factories and have even hired inspectors to inspect the factories. This shows a change within the company ten years later.
Gap Inc has been under controversy for the production of its clothing. In 1999 The Gap came under a whirlwind of controversy due to its production factories in Saipan. Investigators say that employees were treated unfairly and given little or no wages at all. Working conditions in the factories were grim and dirty, with mud and dirt all over the floors. In reaction many protested and pickited in from of SanFrancisico stores hoping to recieve a reaction from the company.
Shortly after a grand opening of a new Old Navy protestors lined the streets in frot of the store and began to chant and even undress themselves. These actions shocked those inside of Gap Inc's headquaters, many could not understand why a reaction to this extent was taking place. This was all because of the child labor controversy. The Gap issued flyers to their customers stating that "we have everything under controll" and "we are doing our best to prevent issues like this from happening again". Still many customers are upset about this and continue to talk against the company.
This article was written in 1999 and since then, The Gap has taken numerous measures in preventing problems like this from occuring. Since then they have placed restrictions on their factories and have even hired inspectors to inspect the factories. This shows a change within the company ten years later.
Is The Gap Dead?
http://www.thebudgetfashionista.com/archive/is_the_gap_dead/?/main/tellaFriend/is_the_gap_dead/
As we know Gap Inc is a major company with three brands living under it. (The Gap, Old Navy and banana Republic) However what a majority do not know is that in the past three to five years The Gap has been struggling financially and struggles to beat out competitors. Recently The Gap has tried to compete with Forever 21 which is geared towards teens and young women, and low end brand Old Navy is currently trying to compete with Target.
But how is this hurting Gap Inc. Many suggest that they want to see more out of the company for example clothes for the working woman who works a nine to five job instead of the woman who parties on Saturday nights. At old Navy many would like to see a place where a woman can shop for herself as well as her husband. Competing with companies places The Gap is at a disadvantage simply because they are known for their unique style and individuality. However gearing their clothes towards a more professional woman would grant them more customers especially those who want to break away from the traditional black work suit.
Another issue Gap Inc must fix is how they advertise and the cost of clothing. The Gap especially uses celebrities to promote their products but instead they should use normal people. This would allow the consumer to have a connection with the company as well as the product. Personally I would not care if a celebrity looked good in a cashmere sweater and khakis. Just because they do doesn't mean I will. The Gap while being unique and individual, can see way too over priced. This is hurting the company because a majority of people do not want to spend 125 dollars on a pair of jeans. Now don't get me wrong The Gap has really comfy jeans and they fit perfect but 125 is just too much. If the company were to lower their prices they would in fact gain more costumers and make more money.
I agree with this article, I think that if The Gap changed around on how it presented clothes to its customers many would buy from them. The Company could break out from the struggle and begin to rise again
As we know Gap Inc is a major company with three brands living under it. (The Gap, Old Navy and banana Republic) However what a majority do not know is that in the past three to five years The Gap has been struggling financially and struggles to beat out competitors. Recently The Gap has tried to compete with Forever 21 which is geared towards teens and young women, and low end brand Old Navy is currently trying to compete with Target.
But how is this hurting Gap Inc. Many suggest that they want to see more out of the company for example clothes for the working woman who works a nine to five job instead of the woman who parties on Saturday nights. At old Navy many would like to see a place where a woman can shop for herself as well as her husband. Competing with companies places The Gap is at a disadvantage simply because they are known for their unique style and individuality. However gearing their clothes towards a more professional woman would grant them more customers especially those who want to break away from the traditional black work suit.
Another issue Gap Inc must fix is how they advertise and the cost of clothing. The Gap especially uses celebrities to promote their products but instead they should use normal people. This would allow the consumer to have a connection with the company as well as the product. Personally I would not care if a celebrity looked good in a cashmere sweater and khakis. Just because they do doesn't mean I will. The Gap while being unique and individual, can see way too over priced. This is hurting the company because a majority of people do not want to spend 125 dollars on a pair of jeans. Now don't get me wrong The Gap has really comfy jeans and they fit perfect but 125 is just too much. If the company were to lower their prices they would in fact gain more costumers and make more money.
I agree with this article, I think that if The Gap changed around on how it presented clothes to its customers many would buy from them. The Company could break out from the struggle and begin to rise again
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
(Red) Fashion and Art
http://markets.on.nytimes.com/research/stocks/news/press_release.asp?docKey=600-200904061126PR_NEWS_USPR_____SF94917-4129K40NMK4VVPHN5GBNU31V4Q&provider=PR%20Newswire&docDate=April%206%2C%202009&press_symbol=undefined
New spring arrivals for The Gap. In partnership with Product Red, The Gap has pulled out a new line of T-shirts for spring. These shirts are advertising the organization with nine new artist each designing a different T-shirt. These artist come from diverse backgrounds giving the shirts different style and uniqueness.These limited edition shirts are being sold for 28 dollars each and will go on to help support the Global Fund. The Global Fund helps those with HIV/AIDS in Africa. 50 percent of the profit from these shirt sells will be donated. The Gap strongly believes in what they are doing and believes in Product Red. I think it is interesting because many would not associate charitable work with cute clothes. I think this is a good idea for Gap it supports a good cause and it also showcases new artist and their designs. With recent lows in the economy and cut backs for the company, this is an ideal way for them to get back on track. Newly designed shirts will help Product Red and gain support. These shirts are due out by the end of April and are already in stores nation wide. Even though this may not seem like an ideal way of fighting against HIV/AIDS it is the thought that counts and at least The Gap is trying to make a difference
New spring arrivals for The Gap. In partnership with Product Red, The Gap has pulled out a new line of T-shirts for spring. These shirts are advertising the organization with nine new artist each designing a different T-shirt. These artist come from diverse backgrounds giving the shirts different style and uniqueness.These limited edition shirts are being sold for 28 dollars each and will go on to help support the Global Fund. The Global Fund helps those with HIV/AIDS in Africa. 50 percent of the profit from these shirt sells will be donated. The Gap strongly believes in what they are doing and believes in Product Red. I think it is interesting because many would not associate charitable work with cute clothes. I think this is a good idea for Gap it supports a good cause and it also showcases new artist and their designs. With recent lows in the economy and cut backs for the company, this is an ideal way for them to get back on track. Newly designed shirts will help Product Red and gain support. These shirts are due out by the end of April and are already in stores nation wide. Even though this may not seem like an ideal way of fighting against HIV/AIDS it is the thought that counts and at least The Gap is trying to make a difference
Monday, April 6, 2009
Drop in, Dress up, and Dance!
http://markets.on.nytimes.com/research/stocks/news/press_release.asp?docKey=600-200903251043PR_NEWS_USPR_____SF88590-4BMKF5OH99J5T9C02PTT56K7RF&provider=PR%20Newswire&docDate=March%2025%2C%202009&press_symbol=US%3BGPS&scp=46&sq=Gap%20Inc&st=cse
Do you like to Dance? Well if not then The Gap is not the company for you!
In 2009 The Gap has started a new trend and well, has given another reason as to why they are an ethical company. Starting in late March the company has teamed up with Ballet Tech a tuition free dance studio founded by a world renowned choreographer. Here they will offer free drop in lessons for aspiring ballerinas. The studio will offer The Gaps latest trends with ballet inspired outfits and accessories. These outfits are from The Gaps (Baby Gap and Gap Kids) new summer collection which is due out later this spring. A majority of theses clothes are low priced and can be easily afforded, which makes kids happy and parent proud.
This article shows how ethical The Gap is, it shows how they strive to keep youth involved in activities and how they truly care about the community and community programs. The Gap truly believes in providing an opportunity for all and encourages individual style and uniqueness. Many from Ballet Tech are grateful for what The Gap has done. Elliot Feld, founder of Ballet Tech states "Gap's strong commitment to the arts as well as its broad-reaching efforts to help young people fulfill their potential aligns with our own mission to make classical dance accessible to all children of passion and talent, regardless of background." This shows that The Gap is dedicated, they want the youth to grow and fulfill their dreams.
This is a cool way of supporting the arts and the youth. The Gap may be just like other companies and they may just be playing in the corporate field. But how many other companies would produce ballet clothes and offer ballet lessons and not just any ballet lessons but FREE ballet lessons. NONE!!
Do you like to Dance? Well if not then The Gap is not the company for you!
In 2009 The Gap has started a new trend and well, has given another reason as to why they are an ethical company. Starting in late March the company has teamed up with Ballet Tech a tuition free dance studio founded by a world renowned choreographer. Here they will offer free drop in lessons for aspiring ballerinas. The studio will offer The Gaps latest trends with ballet inspired outfits and accessories. These outfits are from The Gaps (Baby Gap and Gap Kids) new summer collection which is due out later this spring. A majority of theses clothes are low priced and can be easily afforded, which makes kids happy and parent proud.
This article shows how ethical The Gap is, it shows how they strive to keep youth involved in activities and how they truly care about the community and community programs. The Gap truly believes in providing an opportunity for all and encourages individual style and uniqueness. Many from Ballet Tech are grateful for what The Gap has done. Elliot Feld, founder of Ballet Tech states "Gap's strong commitment to the arts as well as its broad-reaching efforts to help young people fulfill their potential aligns with our own mission to make classical dance accessible to all children of passion and talent, regardless of background." This shows that The Gap is dedicated, they want the youth to grow and fulfill their dreams.
This is a cool way of supporting the arts and the youth. The Gap may be just like other companies and they may just be playing in the corporate field. But how many other companies would produce ballet clothes and offer ballet lessons and not just any ballet lessons but FREE ballet lessons. NONE!!
Thinking outside the box
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/05/fashion/05ROW.html?scp=62&sq=Gap%20Inc&st=cse
In this article The Gap is trying to think outside the box or what it normally does. A majority of Americans are cutting back due to the recent economy. From the loss of jobs to higher prices for gas and food, many Americans simply are cutting back on what they would normally do. Gap Inc however is taking a new approach to financial hardships. Gap Inc in recent years has had troubling financial news, with sales declining and cutting cost The Gap thought it would be good to offer designer clothes at cheap and somewhat affordable cost. However these clothes are not just any desingners and they are not your high fashioned designers. These designers are winners of a fashion contest organized by fashion designers of America and Vogue magazine. These designers will put a new spin on clothes making them unique trendy and fashionable. This a good way for these designers to get a head start in the industry and an even better start for The Gap since they have been struggling financialy. What this proves is how open minded The Gap is. The Gap is thinking outside the box and offering young and new designers a chance to experience what it is like in the fashion world!
In this article The Gap is trying to think outside the box or what it normally does. A majority of Americans are cutting back due to the recent economy. From the loss of jobs to higher prices for gas and food, many Americans simply are cutting back on what they would normally do. Gap Inc however is taking a new approach to financial hardships. Gap Inc in recent years has had troubling financial news, with sales declining and cutting cost The Gap thought it would be good to offer designer clothes at cheap and somewhat affordable cost. However these clothes are not just any desingners and they are not your high fashioned designers. These designers are winners of a fashion contest organized by fashion designers of America and Vogue magazine. These designers will put a new spin on clothes making them unique trendy and fashionable. This a good way for these designers to get a head start in the industry and an even better start for The Gap since they have been struggling financialy. What this proves is how open minded The Gap is. The Gap is thinking outside the box and offering young and new designers a chance to experience what it is like in the fashion world!
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