Saving Time but Not Money at BananaRepublic.com
Written: Aug 01 '09 (Updated Aug 01 '09)
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As a petite 5'4" woman who swims in anything larger than a size 2 or XS, I can spend hours upon hours shopping for critical clothing items - particularly items for work. I often go to Banana Republic brick and mortar stores because the clothing is organized and uncluttered with a clearly labeled Petite section somewhere in the back. Unfortunately, the Banana Republic store closest to my home doesn't have the widest selection of petites so I've started shopping at the Banana Republic Online Store in order to save time and tap into a wider selection of merchandise. Another added perk to shopping online is that I don't have to fish around for a tag to see whether or not the item can be washed and dried at home, as many Banana Republic items must be handwashed or dry cleaned.
BananaRepublic.com is extremely easy for me to navigate. I can quickly get to petites and stay in petites. With many online stores, a new search pops me out of petites and I get excited about an item that isn't available in my size. Not so at Banana Republic. And my shopping cart accurately reflects the selections of this shopper, who is forever changing her mind about clothing. With just a few clicks, I can bring up a clothing item and use the automatic zoom feature that is embedded into the product page, see the care instructions, available sizes and price.
BananaRepublic.com also makes good use of flash objects. For example, I can often see different pairings of the same four or five items on one model (not usually a petite one, however) and the site is intuitive enough to stay one step ahead of my mouse, often preventing the need to actually click. I can also easily purchase different pieces in the look. There is almost always a sale of some kind at BananaRepublic.com, but the number of items in my size is far greater than what I've typically found in the physical store. The only items that seem to be less widely available on the site are the accessories. There are fewer earrings, necklaces, belts and handbags on BananaRepublic.com.
The quality and type of merchandise for women is highly feminine and sophisticated. I like the fact that there is usually a good selection of career wear with personality or a romantic twist. If I didn't look at least 10 years younger than my actual age, I would always buy the floofiest, most feminine and romantic cuts and fabrics but because I have to take extra pains to look polished and credible, I usually opt for simpler pieces. Even with these though, the cut or pattern allows my personality to be present in my clothing without overwhelming my look. I've found Banana Republic clothing to be very durable in spite of multiple washings and wear.
The prices are higher than I'd like to pay, but after days upon days spent in thrift stores struggling to find something appropriate and in my size, I've learned that time is money so until someone opens an incredible thrift store with fashionable, petite clothes, I'll be buying from BananaRepublic.com. I can get several seasons of wear out of the items I buy and the quality is good, even for delicate pieces. I do wish I could find deeper discounts online, but even the sale items are steeper than some of those in the physical store.
I have used both my Mastercard and my Banana Republic credit card to purchase items online. I don't get too many email advertisements, and the shipping has always been on time. I can typically get free or reasonable shipping rates and am able to track my packages.
My last order consisted of a few staples - two belts and two shirts. The items arrived in a cardboard box with individual items wrapped in plastic. I haven't had the need to use customer service or to return merchandise, so I can't comment on the quality or speed of these aspects of service. I also have yet to buy from Old Navy, the Gap or Piperlime at the same time I visit BananaRepublic.com, but I understand that you can save on shipping by doing so.
I like the fact that I've never been surprised or disappointed by the quality of merchandise I've ordered online. My orders have been consistently accurate and on-time. Would recommend for any petite woman looking for career wear with limited time to shop.
Recommended:
Yes
What product did you purchase or try to purchase? Women's Apparel
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About the Author
Location: Chicago, IL
Reviews written: 359
Trusted by: 212 members
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