Gap Inc. (San Francisco) will convert its Banana Republic store on Bleecker Street in New York’s Greenwich Village to its first standalone Monogram concept store next month. According to Daily News Record, the temporary store will remain open for nine months, serving as a “laboratory for the brand.”
A spokesperson told DNR that there are no plans for other standalone Monogram stores, but the collection – for both men and women – will be expanded in certain Banana Republic stores.
Monogram is Banana Republic’s “elevated brand concept.” The men’s wear collection will be more sophisticated than the regular Banana Republic collection and about 30 percent more expensive. DNR said it boasts Italian fabrics and a slimmer fit than those found in the general collection. The women’s Monogram merchandise will launch this spring. Accessories are planned for fall and will be added to the store when available.
“Monogram offers our customers the best of city style and we are eager to showcase the collection in a dedicated environment for our New York City customers,” said Banana Republic president Jack Calhoun.