For my Fashion Product and Development class my group was assigned a Brand ( Banana Republic) and had to research the company and every aspect of it.

1. BANANA REPUBLIC
M E N S W E A R

2. H I S T O R I C A L A N A L Y S I S
• The first Banana Republic
was opened in 1978 in
San Francisco by
Mel Ziegler.
• Originally known as Banana
Republic Travel and Safari.
• Clothing Company specializing in
travel and safari wear.
• In 1983, Gap, Inc. acquired the
company and had rapid expansion.
• By the late 1980’s, sales had
slumped and they decided to shy
away from the travel clothing.
• Original owner, Mel Ziegler,
resigned stating they had cultural
and creative differences with the
management of Gap.
• Started to introduce new colors and
fabrics, as well as new product
lines, such as accessories and
sleepwear.

4. COMPETITIVE SHOPPING REPORT
KRISTIN EAKIN
MARI GANNON
AUSTIN CRUMPLER

5. C O M P E T I T O R S
EXPRESS
JCREW
ASPIRATIONAL
GUESS

6. BANANA REPUBLIC

7. WHAT WE FOUND IN-STORE

8. O V E R V I E W
Business & Casual Wear
Classic Apparel
Tailored Looks
Made to fit
Polished and Work Focused
Comfort & Style

9. EXPRESS

10. THE CLAIM:

11. O V E R V I E W
Stretch
Business & Casual Wear
Combinations for Work or Weekend
Street Style
Suiting

12. JCREW

13. O V E R V I E W
Vintage Inspiration
Varied Denim Washes
Authentic
Focused on Body Movements
Comfort/Casual
Compromising Fits

14. GUESS

15. O V E R V I E W
Superior Comfort
Athletic Trend
Flexible Fabric
Smart Guess Technology
Ambitious Marketing

18. R E C O M M E N D A T I O N S
- Because the Traveler Jean is the highest selling men's
denim product, it could more efficient if the item was better
visible rather than in the back left corner next to the
dressing rooms
- Sales associates should improve their product knowledge
and refrain from making guesses when answering
questions about the merchandise
- Increasing the number of washes and styles for the
denim; there were higher quantities of dark washes
compared to lighter washes.

19. R E F E R E N C E S
Bananarepublic.com
Express.com
Jcrew.com
Guess.com
In-Store report*