Thursday, August 14, 2008 Will old reliable save a fallen Gap? POST A COMMENT You'd think these were happy-times at the Gap... Patrick Robinson -- that dude charged with reviving the ailing brand -- gets a shot this fall...up-to-bat, as the chief designer -- they'll either call it a comeback... "Even if," as Business Week points out -- "most of its target customers don't know it yet" or Robinson's will fail so miserably, he'll -- "single-handedly sink it..." -- Eh, so not too much pressure on one person. Formerly of Armani, Perry Ellis, and most recently at Paco Rabanne, Robinson says he'll add a modern spin on the classics...'that could restore the respect Gap once had... "signaling confidence in the new designer." The Gap, which like most clothing companies had cut back on print ads, is gonna be pumping some major cash touting Mr. Robinsons' arrival this fall. Those in-the-fashion-know say the addition of Robinson could be "the best move Gap has made in years...'it will keep J. Crew on their toes." Robinson was quick to point out the companies recent mis-steps: "It was targeting too young a customer...stocking poor quality clothes...imitating H&M, and Zara..." "It wasn't being Gap," says Robinson. Adding it needs to get off what he calls -- "the trend treadmill and revive the signature classics that he wore growing up in California." In full disclosure -- other than the occasional "you go girlfriend" -- I'm no clothes horse or fashionista...but, I do live for the emotional drama -- 'and the irony that a fashion guy might be the one to save a fallen company -- by simply going back to basics... 'With the Luxury market in a steep decline -- who knows -- could be "old reliable's moment." -- I'll have the popcorn ready to watch this one play out. Source: Business Week Labels: Brands, Business-101, Clothes, Gap Inc., Patrick Robinson, Retailer posted by Henry Cruz at 4:25 AM     ARCHIVES October 2005 . November 2005 . December 2005 . August 2007 . September 2007 . October 2007 . November 2007 . December 2007 . March 2008 . April 2008 . May 2008 . June 2008 . July 2008 . August 2008 . September 2008 .