Banana Republic
reviews and complaints

Huge online consumer, I purchase item from Banana Republic and a week later they still haven't shipped. No where online states that the items were out of stock. I sent 3 email, and to date still no response. Do not shop Banana Republic, they have the worst customer service I've ever seen. 7 days after purchase, the items still haven't left their warehouse. I've never had this experience with any retailer before in my life!

I placed an order to purchase a few items from banana republic. According to the website the item should arrive within 5-7 business days. But items actually arrive early and no one is at the property to receive the item. Eventually item was lost. Called banana republic. They agree to refund initially when I spoke to them over the phone. But after some confusion between gap and banana republic they rejected to refund my full amount. I have lost over $185 because of unreliable information from banana republic.

Cashier refused to take my money! I went to one of the Banana Republic shops and wanted to buy something. But when I was just about to pay cashier asked for my ID! I asked what for did she need it and she said that she cannot take my money until I provide my ID. Total nonsense!
I just wanted to buy a dress so why on earth they needed my ID?
I refused to show it (because I actually did not have it with me that day) and she rudely took the dress and repeated she cannot take the money.
Are you kidding me?

Recently went to the Banana Republic store and was shocked how rude and nasty employees they have there! When I came to the store they asked me to show my bag and my identity card for who knows why.
I just came in and they already ruined my day. I showed the bag but I did not have my identity card that day and they literally said that can't enter the shop! What?
Never ever I was kicked out from the store for no reason!
I just wanted to buy myself a new shirt and that's all. No apology, no explanation, nothing!
You guys are terrible, will never come to your terrible store again!

I recently made a purchase at the store at old bridge new Jersey. I always believed banana republic to be a professional store with courteous customer service. The manager was downright rude and went out of her way to make a simple act of buying an item as unpleasant as possible. She was nasty and cold. I Am extremely disappointed. I've been a long time customer and cardholder with banana.

Store # 06356, in San Marcos Texas, cashier 1329614 Number the store was in disarray, asked for help and the girl was dressed funky, trashy which is surprising for banana sales reps. Then when I asked for a size she said to look around me that probably it would not be here. I got a credit card from banana based on my customer experience in this store. With a high credit limit! The only nice person was in the fitting room he was nice to talk and very friendly. I literally just went in there to talk to him because he was sooo human. Everybody else in the store looked like they were miserable and I soon found out why! I got ready to check out and there was only one cashier at the checkout that was talking to a girl that worked there but was shopping on her day off. It took more then 10min. because they were chatting. The manager did not tell them anything but rudely not politiely told me "I had to wait" really I get better service at Walmart. But my son wanted some sweaters and he insisted I "WAIT" what a nightmare that turned out to be. The manager finally decided that the cashier wasn't budging so she yelled that we could go the last register. Well how kind of of her ! NOT!As if she was doing us a favor. Then I asked her if that blouse was on sale was not sure due to how the sales ads were placed. But I didn't get to explain she said that was the price and looked at me as if I was crazy. I thanked her and thought I will just check out and get out and never see this miserable manager or store again. But it got worse, I had a coupon that Banana sent me and I wanted to use it, well I didn't know it was one day expired and the lady/manager freaked out. Said it was expired as if I had defunded the company! So I apologized and said I didn't know I didn't check so I told her that I was going to use my card and that they usually did 10 % or 15%. She said rudely to look for it because she wasn't ! Can it get any worse . But I looked and the wifi by the way in there is awful so I had to use my own. Then she told that online coupon was not working and grab her computer monitor and flipped it so I could see. She was so angry I thought she was going to throw it at me. I told her that I was just getting from the online web at retailmenot and so the manager I guess thought we were in court and began saying that is not legitimate. So I had to pause I looked at her and asked her if she was alright if she had a long day. Really crazy lady whose the customer here.! So then she began to rebuttal said I was using coupons that she couldn't input and that she could not override, that I want things she couldn't give me. Really like what! I had to stop her I told her to forget that I would go online and that all I wanted was the sweaters for my son. I couldn't even ask her how that went or what prize they were. She was a true horror. I felt like I was begging for hand outs and money. I did inform her that I have never had a bad experience there and this would be the first time and last. Then she repeated again you want this---- ; I told her just forget about everything I want nothing keep your clothes, Im checking this two items because my son wants them not because I have a need for you to personally scrutinize me. There was no apology no sympathy, no compassion, the women lacked appeal, sensitivity and my goodness at least put a positive spin on it! This was hell on wheels and she was loud she kept screaming at me! I was so embarrassed for even attempting to use something banana sent me it was one day old lady! She dressed horrible I seen better at Walmart with there smocks. poor representation of Bananas clothing she looked as miserable as her staff or maybe her staff was miserable because she is miserable. Don't work somewhere, where you have to have customer interaction the lady was so loud my son thought we were both in trouble. Here Im a college graduate with a high credit limit getting scolded by a miserable old wench that couldn't even talk positively without screaming or yanking the computer monitor. NOT Going back that's for sure!

A few days ago I placed an online order with Banana Republic with a rush delivery and all seemed fine. The next day nothing arrived and upon checking my account I noticed the order was marked as Cancelled. So like anyone else would I resubmitted the order with assurances it would arrive the next day. Upon placing the order I noticed it was immediately cancelled. I thought perhaps I made a spelling error and went to my account on Scotiabank's website and to my dismay I noticed 800 dollars in Banana Republic charges for the two orders. Upon emailing since calling resulted in literally hours of waiting only to be hung up on I was told I would not be refunded. They gave no reason as for this and so upon many angry emails and calls and being told I would not be refunded I contacted my bank. Banana Republic did not cooperate and so I will wait a month for Scotiabank to investigate. Absolutely disgusting experience after being a loyal customer. This is absolutely fraudulent behavior and I have already returned every single item from this company that I still could. DO NOT shop here and if you do go in store, but even then be wary. I have never had such terrible service, any respectful company would cooperate and help me, yet they did not and instead insulted me and ignored emails. Good bye Banana Republic, I only wish I could use profanity in this review.

Banana Republic/GEMB has reported a debt collection that appears on my credit report that I would like removed. I previously wrote a letter disputing the fact that my balance was overdue on 9/26/11. I filed a complaint against Banana Republic/GEMB’s practices with the FTC at the time of debt collection. I found the reporting on my credit on 3/5/12.

Banana Republic/GEMB violated the Fair Debt Collections Practices Act with the actions outlined below.

1.I was not given proper notice of the original debt, nor was I given the amount of time required under the Fair Debt Collections Act to dispute or pay the debt. Calls to collect the “overdue” amount began about five days after the bill was due. I informed Banana Republic/GEMB of their errors both over the phone and in writing. I was told over the phone that the late fee was removed as admission of this error.
2.In investigation of this matter I found out that the late fee was not removed and Banana Republic/GEMB still has it as a collection and has been charging me interest for the past three months. I have never received another bill or any written notice from them that there is an outstanding debt.
3.Banana Republic/GEMB willfully mislead me as to what I owe, lied to me about removing the late fee and has not notified me as required by law that the debt still exists.
4.Banana Republic/GEMB called me between four and five times a day with intent to annoy and harass me. [806(5)]
5.Banana Republic/GEMB continued to call me four to five times a day after full payment and written notification of a wish to cease further oral communication was received by them. [805(c)]

Banana Republic/GEMB violated The Fair Credit Reporting Act with the actions outlined below.

1.Banana Republic/GEMB furnished information relating to a consumer (me) to consumer reporting agencies with reasonable cause to believe that the information is inaccurate. [623(a)(1)]
2.Banana Republic/GEMB reported information knowing that they were notified by the consumer (me), at the address specified by the person for such notices, that specific information is inaccurate. [623(a)(1)]
3.Banana Republic/GEMB did not furnish the information to the consumer reporting agencies with notice that such information is disputed by the consumer. [623(a)(3)]
4.Banana Republic/GEMB has not provided any written notice to me that they were reporting negative information to the consumer reporting agency. [623(a)(7)]

During my in store purchase at Banana Republic, the cashier persuaded me to get a Banana Card. He convinced me it's a one time deal. Shortly after, I spotted a rather noticeable hole in the cashmere sweater. So, I went to a BR store at another location. Instead of returning it on the card, they claimed that since I took off the tag, the product can only be refunded via an in-store card that will be mailed to me (never heard of this before). Mind you I never wore the item, I had a receipt, and I returned it shortly after the purchase.
About 30 days past, I never received the mailed in-store card, the Banana Card I signed up for, or the billing statement for the card. I called and they said they will mail it again within 10 days.
Now I was issued a late fee for my billing statement, and I still don't even have the card. I had to speak with customer service for over an hour to dispute the late fee and have them reissue the statement to my address. As a result though, I'm not even going to use the card again. I really do hate in-store credit cards. I believe they are just a runaround to make more money, had I not disputed. Thanks BR for your complicated processes.

I purchased a good amount of clothes form Banana Republic right before the big storm. For those of you who aren’t aware there was this very large Hurrican on the East Coast about a month ago where no one was suppose to leave their house for any reason and there was substantial flooding to a lot of places. One of these places just so happen to be my home. Lets just say that the last thing on my mind (as I was attempting to salvage things in my house) was that I did not send back the clothes that had arrived in the mail from Banana Republic. The clothes were not damaged as they were purchased online and in a box. When I did finally get around to sending them back ( I believe I was about a week late), I was informed that they would not be accepted because it was after their return date.
Do these people have no compassion? I clearly explained to them the situation and they said that the policy is the policy. I no longer want to deal with this company whatsoever. I will not be getting a refund or begging them to take my clothes back. I will not be spending hours on the phone and arguing with customer service. I will be posting this on Scamhunter and letting Banana Republic know that I will never ever do business with them again. There is nothing you can do to make this right because you and your policies are just wrong.

Banana Republic Rips-off their best Luxe card customers by sending fraudulent notices of one day sales. They offered 40% OFF on June 19, 2010 on full priced items on line to their charge customers.

They have trained their on line customers to believe that Old Navy, Gap, B/R, Piperlime and Athleta are all the same brands as they are linked together. Their advertising stated Banana Republic items on sale but DID NOT SPECIFICALLY mention that their other brands were NOT included in this one day on line sale.

This is fraudulent and deceiving advertising. Assumptions were made to their customers and not specifically spelled out in their post card mailer and emails.

THIS IS A RIP-OFF, SHAME on you Banana Republic advertising.

Someone got my information and used my credit card. I got a call from Banana republic about it and that they wanted me to call them back. I did. My call was clearly transferred to somewhere outside of the United States. They guy was so rude and was talking to me as if he was ready to bite my head off. RUDE RUDE RUDE ! Two things B.R needs to do before giving their business to some vague third party in India, 1- TEACH THEM SOME PHONE ETIQUETTE, 2- GIVE THEM AN ACCENT TRAINING IF YOU SO BADLY WANT US TO BELIEVE THAT THEY ARE IN THE NEXT CITY !
The rep. made it sound as if he was doing me a favor by doing his job. Really ? They are going to send me a replacement card which is going to take 3 months. But I am going to close the account and not shopping at Banana Republic again.

I got sucked in by a big-discount-today-if-you-get-a-store-card offer, and it went badly right from the beginning. I applied for a store charge card but was told on the spot that I'd been approved and "upgraded" to a Visa card. I said I didn't want a Visa card, and was told I had to call an 800 customer service number, and ask them to "downgrade" my account to a simple charge card. I did that immediately, but a week later, I still received the new "welcome packet" for the Visa. I ignored it, as I'd been told to do by the rep I'd talked to. But then I never received the other card. Nor did I receive an invoice or statement. I couldn't see or manage my account online because I had no valid account number -- only the Visa account number which had now been cancelled. I waited a few weeks, but nothing. Then I got a call reminding me to activate the Visa card. I called customer service, waited on hold forever, and then got an agent on an insanely static-troubled headset. I tried to explain the situation and get the problem corrected, but I could only understand every third word the guy said and had to keep repeating myself because he couldn't hear me, either. Crazy. I suggested he get a different headset. He said he couldn't. I asked if he could transfer me to someone else. He said everybody there at the call center had the same problem. They got a lot of complaints about it, he said, but the space they were in just had a lot of static. So we kept trying, but it was like talking to someone in outer space. Finally I was able to make out that the account was past due and had a hold on it. I was furious and alarmed, because how the heck can you pay a bill you don't have an account number for? I said I wanted to pay the entire balance immediately, have them reverse late-fee charge, correct my credit report and close the account. He said he'd reverse the late fee, but I couldn't understand him well enough or be heard well enough to get the mailing address or to pay by phone (which would have cost me an extra $15 bucks, but would have been well worth it at that point). And he couldn't give me my entire account number (which I'd need to pay online). It was the most maddening situation. I finally sent a check to what I HOPE is the right address with just the last four digits of my account number, which was all the agent COULD give me. Now I am just hoping/waiting for my check to clear. I have excellent credit, and it makes me insane to think that for the $100 bucks I saved at the store, I've wound up wasting all this time AND having my credit score put at risk — all for a stupid $268 balance. I just hope I can get my payment applied, then get this account closed for good and make sure they correct their erroneous report to the credit bureaus. I am convinced none of this was an accident, and reading the complaints of others who have had similar experiences, and the company should be investigated for fraud. My advice: DO NOT OPEN A CREDIT ACCOUNT WITH THIS COMPANY UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES.

I attempted to return dress shirts to a Banana Republic store in Indianapolis, IN within two weeks of purchasing them. The shirts had never been worn and had the original tags on them. The CSR at the store refused to accept the return, saying that the shirts were too wrinkled for him to resell. This was shocking since the shirts had not even been removed once from the bag; the CSR on the original date of sale had crammed them into the bag which resulted in the wrinkling.

In writing to Banana Republic's complaint email, they said my only option was to go to another Banana Republic store and have another manager evaluate the merchandise. Considering that option would mean I would have to drive 150 miles each way, that is not feasible. They have offered no apology and keep repeating their return policy in their responses.

Needless to say, I have canceled my BR Luxe credit card (which means I have purchased a lot of clothing from them in the past) and will never again buy any merchandise from any of their affiliated retailers.

Banana Republic sent me an email on informing me that my order with them would be delivered using [protected]@Home . Two days after the latest delivery date shown on BR's email I still have no delivery. I called Banana Republic to find that it had in fact been delivered to a "James in Flat 2" THREE DAYS AGO! I'm certainly not James and I live in completely different block to Flat 2! I do not know a James in my block or in any other block and do not recall leaving instructions for my parcel to be left with a neighbour.

Shockingly this is not the first time I have had something intended for me left at a random neighbour's flat. I had absolutely no idea until the lady kindly rang my buzzer the evening of the delivery to give me my parcel. I did not know her at all as she lived in a completely different block and had no access to mine! The behaviour of couriers is lazy, fraudulent and shocking. Why would they 1) leave the parcel with someone else and 2) accept a signature that is clearly not the intended recipient.

I have contacted DHL but am as yet to hear from them. Doubt it. Lazy, fraudulent scums.

I should have kept my Banana Republic Card and never switched over to the Visa card being managed by GE Capital. Nothing but issues and problems, including an inability of their customer service to link or look into the transactions that I had on my previous Banana Card to troubleshoot a double charge. Having the CSR on the opposite end stating "she thinks" this is where that erronious charge must have come from, didn't exactly make me feel confident that the folks on the other end managing my money knew what they were doing.

Dealing with a call center never helps - the CSR's were rude and condescending and when I asked to speak to a manager, they actually refused and told me there was nothing they could do to help find out what the charge was. WOW - talk about lack of customer service. I used to charge all my expenses on this card, but after this experience, no more. NO value to me using this Visa issued by Banana for any other purchases other than Banana Republic purchases - it's really too bad they made me switch from the regular Banana Republic card thinking there'd be value, since it's been nothing but hassle dealing with the credit company in charge. You will get calls at all hours of the day from their credit arm harassing you for payment if you're a few days late. Certainly not pleasant to deal with and has literally turned me off of using this card and charging ANYTHING. When I asked the process to cancle the Visa switch back to a regular card, the CSR said, you'll have to reapply and go thru that process - no thanks.

Banana Republic should be aware that their brand and image of an easy company to deal with is being tarnished by their credit card call center. I used to love shopping for their points and dollars back - now that perk's not even worth it for me since I'd rather avoid dealing with their credit card company.

Dear All! Reading all previous comments, it seems that I'm at the right website to voice my credit concern with Banana Republic's online payment. And hopefully, the company should take it seriously and solve it as soon as possible before missing more clients. FYI - I don't buy anything from them after the disaster experience I would like to share with you right now.

I had a purchase of $42.11 on Gap in July 2010 using Banana's credit card. As a diligent customer (also with Ann Taylor, J. Jill, Talbot) and get used to Banana's credit system, I did my payment online as usual. In September, I checked my personal bank account and figured out that my payment with Banana wasn't gone through. I then checked my Banana and figured out that I didn't! Thought that it was my mistake for not being carefully for the last bill. I did make my payment, including $25 late fee charge right away. To make sure that I did it right this time, two days later I accessed the website again, and it said that the payment went through. But in October, I received a 888- phone call and then a message said that I didn't pay my bill with Banana. When I called customer services number, requested them to provide me information on when was the last time I accessed the system (I know that customer service / or Banana's outsourced call center company is able to check this information on its system), their staff could not answer and tried to persuade me that I didn't make my payment! Together with my 2-month late fee, now I owed Banana the total amount of $89.40.

Disappointed, surprised and even angry with myself for the silly mistake, I requested their staff to send paper billing statement. Meanwhile, I went to Banana's online system again to do it at that night with the full amount of $89.4 in hope that I can get rid of this inconvenient experience right away. The system received my payment, acknowledged. To make sure 100%, or even 200% this time ;((, I checked the website continuously every day for a week. The system still showed my payment went through, however, it also I owed the company the same amount of $89.4 for my next billing cycle! Done! I knew for sure that the system was messed up.

I called the customer service number right away after figuring out this and asked them what the problem is. So funny in their system, they didn't see my payment of $89.4. When I explained everything to their staff, they showed negative response that forced me to request to speak to upper manager. With my persistence of asking to speak to upper manager, that staff after 10 minutes of keeping saying that there was no manager (!?) finally got me through his manager. After telling him again the story, the manager told me that he could help me make payment online without the fee (?) (In fact, customer could call and ask their staff directly to make payment if they agreed to pay a certain % on billing value for that service). I was at the highest level of disappointment in Banana's credit system when they try to rip off customers at any occasion by having unreliable online payment system and unprofessional customer service staff.

The story didn't end! I still had my reward coupon of $20 that I would like to redeem on Black Friday this year. When I brought it up to pay for my accessory, the store cashier let me know that I could not use the reward coupon without my Banana credit card (which I have never wanted after all). The funniest thing that, when I decided to use that, I was also informed that the system said that my credit card was terminated some time agoooo!
My good impression about Banana Republic and their brand totally collapsed on that day! While I quite know that customers should separate the service and experience of Banana Republic outlets with those of the Banana’s credit company, I am really not satisfied with the way the company manage their brand, their services in the whole package under Banana Republic’s Brand Name. Good bye” Banana” Services!

I was at a Banana Republic Factory Outlet Store in Cyress, Texas today and had the worst shopping experience in my whole life. The store was a mess, and the Employees were very rude and disrespectful. When I was checking out, the Cashier treated me horribly. Not only she gave me dirty looks, but she spoke to me in a very disrespectful manner. She made me feel like I did something wrong and stupid. So, I went and complained to the Store Manager. She apologized.The Store Manager went directly to the Cashier and spoke to her, but I felt like they were talking about me in a disrespectful way. After they spoke, the Cashier gave me a look like she wanted to kill me. I didn't do anything wrong. I was just trying to buy Clothes from them. As I was getting ready to leave, most of the Cashiers were giving me dirty looks. I felt very humiliated and discriminated. I've been shopping all day at the Oulet Stores; such as, Armani, Coach, Ann Taylor, and Fifth Avenue. All of the other Stores Employees were very friendly, professional, helpful, and made me feel welcome. I will never shop at any Banana Republic again. This experience will keep me away from their Stores for the rest of my life. I feel that the Employees negative attitude comes from lack of training by upper Management. I will spread the word to all of my Friends, Family, and Clients about my shopping experience at Banana Republic today.

I am a long time customer and many dollar customer of Banana Republic. I REALLY like their styles in clothing and they fit me will. HOWEVER, the fabric pulled away at the pocket of my THIRD pair of jeans from BR after the second or third time I wore them. Unfortunately for me, I did not wear these jeans too often and the defect was only visible at the 5 month mark since purchase.

The time element for me to run around to the store, then to be told to call the toll-free customer service number for support; where then the toll-free service rep said to go to the store; then at the store to be rejected again for being past the 30 day mark; then call the toll-free again who said "any workmanship issue over any time is replaced;" then go to the store to be told it WASN'T a defect by the store (after an previous subtle acknowledgement that it was indeed)...took a long time!

Wasn't a defect...huh. I am not overweight, the fabric is obviously pulling away on its own while wearing normally (a.k.a. not torn), the label tag strings are still attached, no wear-n-tear, they look nearly new...huh...not a defect.

In the end, I was blown off big time. BR showed zero interest in supporting. The toll-free guy told me to go to other stores until one of them helped me. Nice. I like driving around complaining about jeans, because I have nothing better to do with my life! I just want to quickly buy something from a company that stands behind their work...not one that lets my behind be unwillingly exposed. I don't even care if I get this pair replaced anymore, nor do I want a credit. Keep your scammed dollars BR! I have several jeans and life will go on. But, this pair of jeans was crap. I am angry and insulted at the inference that somehow I'm responsible.

If I could stand in front of the store for days showing every customer my jeans so they could at least be warned and make up their own mind by seeing my pair; that would be a good thing. I probably won't be wearing the defective pair in front of the store, but that would make a great point. It's fine if you purchase poor quality jeans from a major discount store...there are expectations. I paid, what I consider, a higher dollar for the look and quality of these jeans and I expected more. My kids wreak havoc for years in cheap discount store jeans, but these, you can't sit down in for fear of separating the fabric! I am shocked at the support and I'm too busy in life to spend any more time whining about jeans to this blog, but more so to wasting time with a useless dance with Banana Recraplic.

I have a credit card from BR that I will soon cancel. I will take my clothing shopping elsewhere. I am done whining...please heed my advice...If you like the look of BR clothes, buy that look elsewhere unless you are getting a deal! It's your risk...that guarantee is at the mercy of one person's opinion and YOU ARE NOT that person, nor will that person listen to you, because..."That's policy!"

Every time I stop by at this location is always mess in sale section. HUUUUge mess. Clothes on floor, wrong sizing, different style hangers on same items, etc, etc, etc. It is not just discusting, it is simply not safe. Once, very nice and professionally looking sale support associate apologized for the mess, tried to pick up some clothes from the floor same time helping me to find a jacket, but was called to somewhere else. Seems like, even sales people feel sorry, but no managers.

The managers, who are responsible for merchandise presentation in this store, should do a better job. This is not an organized store. Comparable to other BR stores around, particularly dowtown location, Bellevue store is much worse.

Just wondering who is hiring unprofessional and not detail-oriented managers?