Banana Republic Opens Lifestyle Concept Store At Century City Mall

The 7,589-square-foot space blends fashion, art and global culture with new on-site services that encourage lingering.

The store has a coastal vibe that welcomes the outdoors in, with several rooms, lots of overstuffed seating for lounging, a bar and on-site tailoring and embroidery. It was designed with architect and interior designer Noa Santos of Nainoa, with artwork selected by creative adviser Jacqueline Schnabel.

Featuring the August clothing collection for men and women, which leans into denim and khaki with an ode to the retailer’s safari roots, alongside BR Classics cashmere, linen and suiting, the space also showcases the Gap Inc. brand’s growing lifestyle offerings from the home decor collection.

Shoppers can snag Banana Republic’s Cote Bougie scented candles sourced from Morocco, Turkish towels, cashmere pillows, and other decorative items, including $50 cowbells.

For several years Banana Republic has been in the doldrums, and trying to recapture the status and popularity it had decades ago. However, according to Dickson, the brand is seeing improvement through a “reinforcement” of classic styles and emphasizing the “finest fabrics,” particularly leather and suede. Banana Republic’s first-quarter net sales of $440 million were up 2 percent compared to last year. Comparable sales rose 1 percent. The brand is still in search of a new CEO.

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Poppy Harlow

Poppy Harlow is an American journalist, best known for her reporting at CNN and Forbes.com. She was an anchor at CNN morning show. She is based in Tampa, Florida.

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