Here at The Runway Scoop we’ve been following the Gap (GPS) and its efforts to turn around from a decline in sales over the past few years. I have confidence that the people over at Gap are intelligent enough to make wise decisions, but sometimes a little bit of doubt creeps in when I read news stories about how the company may resort to job cuts. 
I’ve always believed that when you start laying off people, it only sends a wave of negativity throughout the company. The overall energy and morale is suddenly wiped out as people start to worry whether or not they will be laid off. In turn, this affects how employees will interact with customers - those customers who bring in the revenue.
On a lighter note, the hiring of designer Patrick Robinson may do wonders for their product design. Will Gap be able to compete with Target?
Source: Forbes.com
I worked for Gap at a time when they did lay offs right at the end of their big hayday with the khaki and westside story craze.
Tense would not be the word to describe just how anxious the layoff buzz can make the whole organization. You sit at your desk and wait for the phone to ring for an even more scared higher up to tell you whether or not you'll be in the unemployment line.
Gap needs some work, but folks don't give up on it. They may need to change the design...they may even need to add a interesting brand to their repertoire, but they can turn it around. If they don't have anything else going for them it is longevity....and there is something to be said for that. The next step is to capitalize on that longevity before it expires. Good luck guys...there are some who still believe.
Posted by: RH | May 24, 2007 11:09 PM | Permalink to Comment