Mind The Gap.

Far be it from me to challenge the authority of an important member of our commerce infrastructure, but I felt it was my civic duty to question a questionable policy of my local Gap.

I recently visited the moderate priced clothier to bask in the rays of their summer sale. Joined by my friend Darren and wife Susana, we were seen entering the establishment Thursday evening. Deciding to capture the wacky moment for posterity, I proceeded to take a "snap-shot" of Darren among a particularly leggy section of the women's department. We were busted. So, so busted.

An employee informed me, "You can't take pictures here."

"Why?" - Bad move.

"Store policy. You aren't allowed to take pictures in the store"

"What's the policy?"

"Not that you care, but we'll get fired, so pictures aren't allowed. Why were you taking pictures anyway?"

He had a point. Was he keen to my nefarious plan to bootleg outgoing Gap styles in a variety of colors in order to make a profit? Could my camera, and the shooting therewith truly have been the end of his employment? Was it worth the risk?

I understand that stores in the past might have been concerned about people stealing their designs. Heck, I ripped off this table design. But when you place the designs on the web, available to anyone with a 14.4 modem, I hardly see how stopping me in my general merriment from shooting a important memory would prevent widespread black market capris.

I encountered the same problem as a West Elm in DUMBO, Where again, I asked "why?" To tell you the truth, they don't expect to be challenged. It was interesting to see him come back after taking a step away. The policy is the gospel, The Gospel According to Retail.

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