Recessionarama?

Last weekend I was on a mission – find a holiday party dress. And isn’t it always how it goes that when you absolutely want to find something, you don’t. Not right away at least.

The first distraction appeared as soon as I exited BART in Union Square and spotted this sign at the Gap:

Is this what happens on Fridays when everyone else is working? If so, I need to take more Friday afternoon shopping breaks. Last weekend was already the Gap Inc. Friends + Family weekend, which meant that most shoppers would be getting 30% off, so perhaps this was a consolation prize to shoppers sans coupon. Pretty understandable since I’m sure they’re trying to drive holiday sales, but what was even more surprising was the coupon I received after I bought something – 40% off the first 3 Wednesdays in December. Is Gap going to start giving away their clothes?

A similar thing happened with J. Crew a few years ago, remember that? They used to sell things like chunky lambswool sweaters, long sharkskin skirts, and Vachetta leather slides. Remember? They had a series of sales like, $20 off of $80 and such. And then all of a sudden they came out with exclusive fabrics, trendy jackets, and cute embellished tops:

But I digress. Last weekend turned out to be quite the recessionarama. Seen in Hayes Valley:

Bath and Body Works is giving away stuff too!

Not only did they give away anti-bacterial gel, they were giving away the “signature collection body care item of your choice” with a purchase, of course. And last but not least, seen at Nordstrom’s Rack in San Leandro:

Whenever I walk into a store I can discern the price level by looking at the hangers. Wood? It’s probably expensive. But this turns my whole system on its head! And isn’t it weird to see a Versace jacket crammed up against other stuff like that, and on plastic hangers! At least it’s not wire. No… wire… hangers!!!