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A couple of weeks ago, the Gap began sending me emails promoting their new maternity line. One email is fine. It lets me know about their new product. Two is kind of annoying. But the third email upset me. And I know don't think the emails will stop at just three. Why does the Gap think I want to purchase maternity clothes? At no time have I done anything to cause the Gap to think that I am pregnant, or even planning to be pregnant. I haven't even purchased clothes at babyGap for my nephew or any other baby. Most people probably just delete these messages without a second thought. The Gap marketing team is probably just sending these messages to all women of childbearing age. But...
As someone who recently come to the conclusion that she will probably never get pregnant naturally, I find these emails to be unnecessarily cruel. I know that I am too sensitive these days. I cry easily at TV shows with fertility storylines, babies, and young families. I get upset when I see pregnant teenagers in the grocery store. Don't worry, I'm in therapy. I am working through these confusing emotions, but infertility is not unique to me. I may not be a spokesperson for the infertility movement, but I would like to ask the Gap to reconsider this campaign. Women experiencing conception difficulties may already feel alone, left out, and isolated. Everywhere I go, whether it be a restaurant or Facebook, I see babies and pregnant women. I don't want to also receive email reminders of what I'm missing out on.
To the Gap Corporation, I do have one suggestion: promotional flyers at ob/gyn offices. Pregnant women are a captive audience in the waiting and examining rooms. Some of them may not already be Gap customers, and might need some new clothes. If pharmaceutical companies can plaster their ads all over doctor's offices, why can't a clothing company?
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