Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Banana Republic Review

Banana Republic's look is simple, classic and affordable. Almost everything eventually goes on sale so you can often find nice tops for around $20 and pants for $50. At that price you can feel guilt-free when you buy new clothes every season. A couple of years ago I was talked into getting a Banana Republic credit card. I don't usually like to get store brand cards but I knew I was already spending a few hundred dollars a year at BR that I might as well get something extra out of it. You get a 5% reward on what you spend with your BR card that you can spend at BR, the Gap and Old Navy. So I'd often get $10 cards after I've spent $200. You also get 15% off coupons regularly to use online or in store. In the first year I spent enough using my BR card that I became a Luxe member. I don't even want to know what I spent to qualify for that. But with the Luxe card I get free shipping on everything online. That just opened the flood gates and I'm now a more loyal BR shopper than ever. Everything I buy online can be returned at the store for an instant credit. There's little hesitation towards ordering something on a whim and just return it when you get buyer's remorse a week later.

Flutter sleeve stirred top - $39.00. I usually go for the basics at BR. A simple top like this is flattering and comfortable and you can easily dress up with a necklace. It's good for the office but also casual enough for the weekends. I've noticed that the quality of the BR tops are much better than the Gap (same company) , even though when you buy things on sale, the prices are more or less the same.

Knotted necklace - $44. BR has some really gorgeous fashion jewelry. They look high quality but they're not as expensive as something you would find at say, Nordstrom. The pieces last much longer than cheaper jewelry that you would find at Forever 21 or Aldo. I usually wait for these to go on sale and then scoop up a few necklaces to pair with basic tops.

The important details about BananaRepublic.com

Shipping: $7 for standard shipping, free for BR card holders for over $100 and free for all Luxe card holders.
Returns: free to return in store. They ship their clothes in convenient resealable bags so that they're also easy to send back in the mail. Return by mail is also free, BR pays the shipping.

Rating: 4 out of 5
The bottom line: So I admit that Banana Republic won't suit everyone's taste. Their styles are not cutting edge or overly trendy. But if you love the classics and you like Banana Republic, then this integrated experience between the BR stores, website and the Luxe card really rounds out a great shopping experience. You should take advantage of it!

3 comments:

Baby Mama said...

With a Luxe card you also get free basic alterations at the stores - another bonus and something I definitely use.

Anonymous said...

It seems most people just want to complain about service-I just want you to know that my experience at Banana Republis at Towson Town Center (store 08188) has always been very good. I was at the stoe on Thursday 10/10/2008 and Sharon Crisler helped me. She know the product, asked what I was looking for and could help me with color and sizes. All the staff at the store was so pleasant. It is so nice to go to a store and feel comfortable and not presured. Sharon is an asset to your company and hope she is appreciated. Thanks again-Michele C Dimity mcdimity@verizon.net 9348 Beowulf Circle Baltimore, Md.21237

MOTM said...

Yes, BR clothes are stylish and very appealing. HOWEVER, the quality of the clothing after just one wear and/or one washing is pathetic. They fall apart and look old and worn. If their quality of clothing was commensurate with their pricing, they could sell their clothes at Gap or Old Navy. But then they wouldn't make as much money, now would they? haha