Storecasting: Banana Republic Gives Way to American Apparel on Bleecker

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What do you get the leggings mogul who has everything? May we suggest a storefront on Bleecker Street? American Apparel's Dov Charney turns 40 tomorrow, and just this afternoon, their construction team gutted the chain's newest conquest at 205 Bleecker. Up until recently the space housed Banana Republic's Monogram label, but it's been some form of Banana since 1985. WWD sees some symbolism in the shift: "The hand over of the bi-level space to American Apparel is somewhat emblematic of the fading fortunes of Gap Inc. and the fast recent growth of its more youthful, hipper competitor."

An amazing sidebar to all this: Banana Republic, as they never, ever remind us, used to have a travel theme, and so American Apparel will pay tribute to the pith helmets and palm trees that used to occupy the space with "a display honoring the original Banana Republic brand and its safari roots." We can't wait to see it.
· Lo, The Delicate Flower of Dov Charney's Youth Is Passing Into Eternity [Gawker]
· Storecasting: American Apparel Steps on a Banana [Racked]
· Bye Bye Banana [WWD]