Aspirational retail. Interesting twist on merchandising at Banana Republic. This Washington Post reporter wonders why a Banana Republic store would stocka $600 bomber jacket -- well out of the price range of the typical customer who visits one of those stores.

"It helps create the atmosphere of an upscale specialty store," said Slater, a former retail buyer, who said he used the same strategy of "decorating" stores with a few eye-catching, but ultimately low-selling, items.

"If our customers see 'aspirational' items on the runway, on TV, in magazines, we want them to be able to purchase an item like that at an affordable price in our stores," said Banana Republic's McCollum.

The key word being "aspirational." It is a neat trick of retail psychology, knowing that customers will feel a lot snappier in those gray flannel and white broadcloth shirts if they know they were hanging next to that oh-so-luxe jacket. Even if they would never actually take home the oh-so-luxe jacket. Call it style by association.

Is there any aspirational merchandise displayed in your store window?