SHOPPING!!!

Which woman doesn't love this 'sport'? I definitely belong to this group and am glad to say that I adore the idea that shopping has been extended to the e-world that is so easily accessible with the click of a mouse.

Gap Inc. from the United States was created by Don Fisher in 1969, opened it's first store in San Francisco, and is one of 'the world's largest specialty retailers'. It is just like the Giordano here in Singapore, except that the quality and prices are a little more upper class. Before Gap opened their first few stores in Singapore in the last 2 years, Singaporeans would make it a point to visit Gap stores in the US and at least purchase a shirt or some clothing that said 'Gap' on the front. It was as though one would be considered as 'cool' walking down Orchard Road in a Gap outfit.

Now that we have Gap in our shopping malls, taking a peek at the latest arrivals on gap.com would assist in speeding up our shopping time at the store. Shopping websites should be designed to allow consumers to view products in a quick, convenient and attractive manner. I will be basing my review of gap.com on these 3 factors and rating sub-categories using shopping bag icons on a 5-'bag' scale. So on to the review!


1. Attractiveness

The first thing you see when you enter the website are photo ads of the latest arrivals and trend of Gap. The design is chic and classic now as the latest trend for Gap is 'The New Classics'. But I must say that the design is very simple yet professionally done. You would want to explore further.

Rating :


2. User-friendliness, Interface, Accessibility

Navigating this website has put a smile on my face.

• Layout : Organised very well by the different departments and sub-categorized again into the types of clothings. A simple click of the mouse will lead to you the specific area desired.
• Loading Speed : Fast and almost immediate, despite huge pictures.

Star Features :

1. "Quicklook" option where a window pops out for you to view a general glimpse of the product details.
2. Links available to assess other of Gap Inc.'s brands eg. Banana Republic, Old Navy.

Rating :



3. Variety

Caters to every woman, man, kid, and infant in the household. There is also a wide selection of products for maternity and intimate wear. Plenty to choose from and good quality stuff! Sales and clearances run on a frequent basis too!

• Types of products available : Clothes, shoes, hats, socks, intimates, swim wear, bath, skin & fragrance.

Star Features :

1. Under BabyGap, there is a wide range of collection specially to set up and decorate the nursery - bedding, furniture, strollers, bath and feeding accessories, toys!

Rating :


4. Product Information

Outstanding details provided about each product sold! Gap really looks to cater to every shape and size, taking into consideration of the varying size conversions as well.
Star Features :

1. Description about product
2. Variety of sizes - Regular, Tall, Petite (Size Guides available)
3. Colour of product changes when cursor rolls over another colour selection icon
4. Fabric and care details
5. Zooms into product when cursor rolls over the product picture to further details
6. Recommended matching looks with other Gap products provided

Rating :


5. Purchasing

• Payment : Wide range of credit cards ranging from Visa to Amex to JCB and more. Also the associated brand (eg. Gap) credit cards. Hence target audience are only those with credit cards; mostly young adults and above.
  
• One-time price adjustments : If items are marked down within 14 days of the date of purchase, customers are able to get refunds of the difference of the prices upon contact with Gap at their hotline number or through email.
  
• Tax policies : Noted and adjusted for different states in the US.

Rating :


6. Shipping & Delivery

The first bad point about this online shopping site is that Gap does not ship internationally. Sadly this means we cannot purchase anything online from Singapore. Orders can be shipped to the United States and other US territories, Alaska and Hawaii.

Star Features :

1. Different levels of delivery, all for your convenience! The fastest delivery takes only 1 day for the order to be posted! Doesn't this sound like the postal services offered locally?
   
2. Order tracking is available too for customers to be able to have an idea of the status of their orders.

Rating :


7. Customer Service & Redress

Like most American online shopping websites, Gap offers refunds and exchanges policies within 90 days from date of purchase. Store returns are also possible, if not gift cards will be given in return for store credits.

Star Features :

1. Cancellations or changes in orders can be made ASAP by simply calling Gap's hotline number.
2. Customer service is available 24/7 at a convenient call away : 1.800.GAPSTYLE. How awesome and accessible is that?!
   

Rating :


8. Trustworthiness

Gap.com has a section dedicated to 'Privacy, Security and Web Info' which provides customers with information of how Gap collects and uses the customers' information. Gap assures their customers that their privacy are highly valued and respected. Customers are welcomed to contact Gap on further inquiries.

Star Features :

1. Copyright Infringement Claims : Gap respects the intellectual property of others. So you are able to write in and report if you discover that your work (fashion designs I guess) have been copied and something will be done legally to rectify the issue.
   This issue I believe is not commonly offered for many online shopping websites. Something unusual but good. Something to compliment Gap on!
   

Rating :

OVERALL RATING : 4.25 / 5


CONCLUSION :

Apart from the fact that they do not ship internationally, I still strongly recommend people to shop at gap.com. It is a good website to view items before heading down to the local Gap stores, saving time going through every rack of clothes. If not, you can always shop online and ship the items to a fellow friend/relative living in the States and get them to carry the items back for you the next time he/she returns back to Singapore. I usually do this because the items are usually much cheaper compared to those sold in the Singapore outlets.

With regards to the layout and information provided on online shopping websites, I feel that many Singapore online shopping websites have alot to learn from American websites such as Gap. It is important to have details and sufficient information that will benefit the customers so they need not go through the hassle of contacting the sellers and be able to speed up the buying process.

Another thing that I like about Gap's online website is that they cater to not only the American sizes, but also to Asians (i.e petite) who are smaller in built than the Americans. Personally, I have not purchased from a Singapore online shopping website before. Why? I do not belong to the typical Asian size and so already have a problem shopping in local stores. I have surfed many local online shopping sites and have found clothes I adore but decided against ordering online. I'm just afraid the sizes will turn out wrong and eventually it'll all be a waste. So I propose for clothes sold online to be sold at US/UK sizes. This way both parties will gain and be happy. :)

Labels: Gap, Online-shopping, Review

by Jacqueline @ 1:00 AM - 3 comments

Jacqueline
Peiyun
Huimin

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