RED- Intro

Michigan Avenue in Chicago
Caller:  Jordan

Jordan spoke with Natalie and asked if her store carries Gap RED products. She said they have some product RED items.  Jordan asked her what the big deal about RED was and she said that a percentage of the sale goes to help AIDS research. She was not sure what percent.  Natalie said:  "That's all I really know, we have a lot of stuff though."

Jordan called and asked whether their store carries Gap RED products.  She was informed that they do not carry any RED products.

Jordan spoke with Ashley and asked if her store carried Gap RED products.  She said that they have numerous RED products. Jordan asked her what the big deal about RED was, and Ashley said it was a really great program that helps people with AIDS in Africa.  Jordan asked her what kind of stuff they carried. She said they have a whole wall just devoted to RED-- with hats, shoes, scarves, sweaters, "all kinds of stuff."  Jordan asked her if it was more expensive, and was told it depends on what item you purchase.  Jordan said that there was no Gap store near here and asked if the items can be purchased online.  Ashley said that she thought the Gap website would have RED items for sale as well as any further information Jordan might want to know.  Ashley referred her to Gap.com and also mentioned to Google Gap RED with any further questions.

Alex spoke with Kathy and asked if her store carried Gap RED products.  She said yes and Alex said, “My sister wants a RED sweater for Christmas because it has something to do with charity, but I’m not sure what.”  Kathy said that proceeds go to charities in Africa.  Alex asked what charities were supported by RED.  Kathy replied:  “AIDS and stuff like that.”  Alex asked how the money got from the stores to actually help the causes they claim to help.  Kathy could not answer the question about the funding process, and she did not specify any further place Alex could look for more information.

Northbrook Court in Northbrook
Caller:  Alex

The first woman who answered the phone transferred Alex’s call to another salesperson.  Alex used her story that her sister wanted a RED sweater for Christmas because it helped charity, and asked whether Northbrook carried the products.  She responded that they have RED products and sweaters.  Alex asked what exactly Gap RED was.  The saleswoman answered:  “They give money to Africa.”  Alex asked why the money was given to Africa and the saleswoman said that it was for H.I. (leaving off the “V” but it was obvious what she meant).  When Alex began to ask another question, the saleswoman cut her off and said, “We have sweaters. I’ll transfer you to Women’s.”  Despite the fact Alex had not asked to be transferred, Michelle from the Women’s department answered.  Alex ran through her question again.  Michelle said she understood that RED donates money to AIDS in Africa.  Alex asked Michelle how the money got to Africa and then was put on hold while Michelle asked someone else.  After five minutes, Michelle answered that the proceeds go to Corporate Headquarters and then to the Global Funding.  Alex pressed further as to when RED came out and how long Gap had been partnered with the Global Funding.  Michelle said that it had been about ten years.  Michelle was informed by someone else near her that it had only been a few years.  Alex thanked for her for the help and said sarcastically, “It seems like Gap actually explains this stuff to you guys so you can help people like me.”  Michelle said that “Actually, they don’t train us on this because we just have a partnership in order to support a really good cause.”  Alex thanked her again.

Algonquin Commons in Algonquin
Caller:  Mel

Mel spoke with a saleswoman named Alana.  Mel told Alana she was doing a project on Gap RED for school and asked if Alana had a moment for a quick couple questions.  Alana said that was fine.  Mel asked if Algonquin Commons carried RED products and was informed that they do, but they are a smaller store so they do not carry a very extensive collection.  Mel asked if Alana could tell her more about what RED Is.  Alana said:  "Gap RED was started by Bono.  He does a lot of merchandise in conjunction with other companies like Armani and Motorola.  Half of proceeds go to his fund which goes to provide medications for people with AIDS in Africa."  Mel asked, “How do you know the money goes where it's supposed to?"  Alana responded that she thought it was done through headquarters who then distributes the proceeds to Bono’s fund.  Mel thanked her for the information and asked if the managers had explained the idea of Gap RED to the employees.  Alana said:  "Definitely.  We were all required to check out the website.  If you're looking for information on RED, our website has a ton of information about it."  Mel thanked her.

Geneva Commons in Geneva
Caller:  Mel

Mel asked the first saleswoman who answered if she had a few moments to answer a question or two about Gap RED.  Mel’s call was transferred to a manager named Theresa.  Mel asked if they sold RED products in their location and was informed that they carried some but not a very big selection.  Mel asked if she could explain exactly what RED was. Theresa replied: ”A portion of the products go to help raise money for women and children with AIDS in Africa." Mel asked if it was a significant portion of the proceeds that was sent to Africa.  Theresa said: “I think it's at least 30% but it might vary by item."  Mel asked Theresa how she could be sure the money was going where it was supposed to.  Alana replied: "I really don't know what's done with it once our headquarters sends the money out; I think it is distributed through a non-profit."  Mel then asked if the managers explained the concept of RED to the employees when it came out.  Theresa said that they absolutely did and they had had a little meeting.  Mel thanked her. 

Yorktown Shopping Center in Lombard

Caller: Crystal

Crystal talked to a sales woman named Britney. She told her she was doing some Christmas shopping and wanted to shop RED. Britney told her that they have a smaller selection of RED products. Crystal asked how much money went to the program and inquired about what exactly the money does. Britney said that 50% of RED profits go to AIDS research and that she thought some of the money went directly to people in Africa. Then Britney began a sales pitch for their products. 

Fox Valley Mall in Aurora
 Caller: Crystal

Crystal asked the sales woman if they had any RED products. She said they had very limited options, only a few winter items like hats and scarfs. Crystal asked where the money went and the sales woman told her that 50% of RED profits went to Africa but she didn't know how it got there. She, too, began too pitch the items.