I like Banana Republic. But I won't shop there much...too expensive for my tastes. Bako gets all excited when another high-end chain comes to town? Thats a good thing I guess, as long as there is a market for their services or products.

Funny, I thought Banana Republic was a clothing store. You make it sound like a restaurant.

Its a national chain like the restaurants he mentions Pete.

I'm glad to see it come. Will it be going into a portion of the old Robinson's/May location? Or another spot in the mall?

Banana Republic will be next to Victoria's Secret not far from center court.  There's nothing new on the former Robinsons-May space.

Banana Republic, The Gap and Old Navy are all owned by the same company. Same clothes with BR being the most expensive and ON being the least. Ahhhh us Bakersfieldians are not just that bright.

BR's clothes are better than ON's.  I love Banana Republic and have been waiting for one to open here since I moved here two years ago.

I shop online at Banana Republic, so the addition to the Valley Plaza is great news to me.  You can hardly compare Old Navy to Banana Republic, so the idea that we're not so bright is absurd.  I thought I heard on the news a few nights ago, that along with the CSUB high rise condo and hotel project, there was going to be a Nordstrom.  Is this true?

Marshall Fields would be nice.....it's an upscale Target (also same owners).  Still, I would love to see an IKEA...I know we've mentioned this recently...

I think it is a great idea that Banana Republic is coming!  I know it is a bit more expensive, but there is a big chunk of our community that likes and is willing to purchase these items.  For instance, I ALWAYS here girls bragging about how they spent $150 on a pair of "Seven" jeans or how they went to Abercrombie and got a shirt for $68.  I personally wouldn't shop in that manner- but the point is, is that there are people who do!  Who knows, this might be good for our community--- meaning all of the "higher class" (if you will) restaraunts and clothing coming to Bakersfield.  What does this mean?  Well, I know for a fact us women love to go to L.A to go shopping.... why?.... well becuase of the stores of course!  Now, we are getting them here, in our own backyard and this means that we do not have to waist the gas nor sit in the traffic to find the "perfect outfit".  This also means that Bakersfield will start earning a more "credit" as a city... people will want to come here from the outskirts to shop instead of driving an extra 100 miles to L.A.  On a more personal level~ this may even draw families closer together.  It might sound crazy, but I know my dad never wanted to go to L.A with me to shop... but now that we have the stores here, familes can make this an outing::: go to the mall, eat dinner, go to a movie.  Almost sounds sweet.  Furthermore, I think that this should be a trend (with Banana Republic coming).  We really need to focus on filtering out the "old" and bringing in the "new".  For the most part, our mall stores are not the best and do not attract the best people... maybe (and go with me on this) this will help end the trend of "gangs" and thieves hanging out there for the fact that higher end retail can afford GOOD security equipment.  Just my thoughts.

Ooooooooh. Another store that doesn't carry clothes in my size. I'm not that out of shape, but there are even some big and tall shops that don't carry stuff to fit my length! I feel like such an outcast in the mall.

Ooooooooooo....The ghetto mall is getting BR!!!  I rather see this mall abandoned to the gangsta and hoodlum then build a nice mall with Nordstrom, Saks 5th, crate & barrell, Apple, Macy, Bloomingdale, and valet parking at the NW side of town.

We need an Ikea and a Fry's. Period. The only two "chain" stores we need, now that Tower is dead. End of story. If we get enough people together, we can go to LA and take one of theirs. Who's with me?!?!

First of all..... there are way too many teeny bopper surfer dude stores at the mall. Need more retailers for Middle Class working adults. Us professionals can't wear flip flops and bathing suits in the classroom. Second, I would really love to see  a NY & Co. It seems like everywhere else has this store, but Bakersfield. WHY???? 

Shop, you went back almost TWO YEARS to find this outdated piece to comment on?  Why?  Why not start a current blog that addresses store that are in the mall NOW?

How on earth did you locate this one?  I'm really curious.