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Who's been to the Banana Republic shop in London?

12 replies

MrsSprat · 09/09/2008 18:08

Is it any good and how does it compare with the US ones, if you've been to both? Slim pickings or plentiful stock?

What are the prices like?

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janeite · 09/09/2008 19:40

I've been to the London one but not a US one, so can't compare.

I was very disappointed to be honest; there seemed to be lots of space but v little stock and it seemed a bit expensive for the quality. Some very nice bright pink silk stuff though (this was in the summer).

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MyEye · 09/09/2008 19:44

agree with janeite: underwhelming.
DH loved the men's range though (which seemed better priced than the women's).

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littlelapin · 09/09/2008 19:49

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MrsSprat · 09/09/2008 19:54

Sounds like it might not be as good as US ones then, which I love love love.

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greenandpleasant · 09/09/2008 19:56

I thought it was fairly similar in style, layout, feel to the US stores but definitely felt it had less stock. Upstairs had more variety of stuff than is implied from the signs for the first floor.

Price-wise, difficult to tell given wildly fluctuating exchange rates.

Quality - hmmm I bought a Tshirt the bottom hem of which completely unravelled the first time I wore it so was not impressed with that, but I think that the fabric was better than the "equivalent" from Gap. Got a lovely white shirt which I felt was pretty good value. Tried a similar one on at M&S and the BR one felt much nicer, better fabric, thicker and better cut.

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skirmish · 09/09/2008 19:56

not nearly as good as the US ones - didn't seem to have as much stock (as if the London one is trying to be more 'boutique, less Gap' , iyswim...

walked out very disappointed and empty handed!

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Megglevache · 09/09/2008 19:56

everyone at Grazia magazine has wet their pants about it. I can't wait to have a nosey.

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hifi · 09/09/2008 20:36

its a flagship banana and will get the best of the best in , it will also be edited to UK taste.t its far more expensive than the us.it doesn't look like it has much stock as it will only have one of each size out instead of 3 like most other retailers.

its supposed to be high end boutique, not mass retail, look at each piece, ask a sales consultant to show you key pieces.

when my sister comes to London shopping we go down bond st, she always says there's nothing in the stores till i walk her around showing her all the lovely things.

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hoxtonchick · 09/09/2008 20:38

am not impressed with it, really wanted to like it, but much too preppy. and waaaaaaaaaaay over-priced. nice & near cos though.

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LilRedWG · 09/09/2008 20:40

Ooo - I love the US ones, I hope they can replicate over her.

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squeaver · 09/09/2008 20:43

I am a Banana expert. Have been to loads in US. When making my first purchase in London I said to girl on the till "I'm SO happy you're here!"

IMO, it is the BEST BR shop I have ever shopped in. The stock is definitely at the upper end of their ranges which is good because otherwise it can be just like a spenny Gap.

Was there the other week and got a beautiful silk tunic dress. Got a tomato red jacket in the summer which I've had tons of compliments on. And lots of other bits. I think their knitwear is fab.

The changing rooms are huge and beautiful. The staff are nice.

PS have a good friend in NY who works in fashion PR and she went in when she was over and agrees with me.