Gap Inc.#International presence

In 1969, Don Fisher, a California commercial real estate broker specializing in retail store location, enlisted the help of his friend, Walter Haas Jr., President of Levi Strauss & Co. Fisher was inspired by the sudden success of 'The Tower of Shoes' in an old Quonset hut in a non-retail industrial area of Sacramento, California,{{cite book|last1=Robinson|first1=Bud|title=Guaranteed to Shrink, Wrinkle, and Fade|date=November 30, 2010|publisher=self-published|location=AMAZON Books|isbn=978-0615434230|pages=Chapter 11 pps.54–58|edition=First}}{{cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/companies/gap/ |title=Gap Profile on Forbes |work=forbes.com |access-date =March 26, 2015}} that drew crowds by advertising that no matter what brand, style or size of shoes a woman could want it was at The Tower of Shoes. And knowing that even Macy's, the biggest Levi's customer, was constantly running out of the best selling Levi's sizes, and colors, Fisher asked Haas to let him copy The Tower of Shoes' business model and apply it to Levi's products. Haas referred Fisher to Bud Robinson, his Director of Advertising, for what Haas assumed would be a quick refusal; but instead Robinson and Fisher carefully worked out a legal test plan for what was to become the Gap (named by Don's wife Doris Fisher). The name was a reference to the "generation gap".{{Cite book|last1=Fernie|first1=John|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=TRrPCgAAQBAJ&pg=PA9|title=Fashion Logistics: Insights into the Fashion Retail Supply Chain|last2=Grant|first2=David B.|date=2015-11-03|publisher=Kogan Page|isbn=978-0-7494-7297-9|language=en}}

Fisher agreed to stock only Levi's apparel in every style and size, all grouped by size, and Levi's guaranteed the Gap to be never out of stock by overnight replenishment from Levi's San Jose, California warehouse. And finally, Robinson offered to pay 50% of the Gap's radio advertising upfront and avoided antitrust laws by offering the same marketing package to any store that agreed to sell nothing but Levi's products.

Fisher opened the first Gap store near City College on Ocean Avenue in Ingleside, San Francisco on August 21, 1969; its only merchandise consisted of Levi's and LP records to attract teen customers.

In 1970, Gap opened its second store in San Jose. In 1971, Gap established its corporate headquarters in Burlingame, California with four employees. By 1973, the company had over 25 locations and had expanded into the East Coast market with a store in the Echelon Mall in Voorhees, New Jersey. In 1974, Gap began to sell private label merchandise.{{cite web |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/larrylight/2020/09/17/gap-democratization-is-a-powerful-marketing-idea/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200919115906/https://www.forbes.com/sites/larrylight/2020/09/17/gap-democratization-is-a-powerful-marketing-idea/ |archive-date=September 19, 2020 |title=Gap: Democratization Is A Powerful Marketing Idea |last=Light |first=Larry |work=Forbes |date=September 17, 2020 |access-date=August 27, 2021 |url-status=live}}

In the 1990s, Gap assumed an upscale identity and revamped its inventory under the direction of Mickey Drexler.{{cite news| url=https://dealbook.nytimes.com/2010/11/23/in-j-crew-buyout-an-effort-to-gain-a-retail-visionary/ | work=The New York Times | first=Evelyn M. | last=Rusli | title=In J. Crew Buyout, an Effort to Gain a Retail Visionary | date=November 23, 2010}} However, Drexler was removed from his position after 19 years in 2002 after over-expansion, a 29-month slump in sales, and tensions with the Fisher family. Drexler refused to sign a non-compete agreement and eventually became CEO of J. Crew. One month after his departure, merchandise that he had ordered was responsible for a strong rebound in sales.Paumgarten, Nick. [https://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2010/09/20/100920fa_fact_paumgarten The Merchant]. The New Yorker. September 20, 2010.Gordon, Meryl. [https://nymag.com/nymetro/news/bizfinance/biz/features/10489/ Mickey Drexler’s Redemption]. The New Yorker. May 21, 2005.{{cite news| url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/ericjackson/2011/12/02/what-mickey-drexler-learned-from-steve-jobs/ | work=Forbes | first=Eric | last=Jackson | title= What Mickey Drexler Learned from Steve Jobs | date=December 2, 2011}} Robert J. Fisher recruited Paul Pressler as the new CEO; he was credited with closing under-performing locations and paying off debt. However, his focus groups failed to recover the company's leadership in its market.

File:New Gap logo.svg

In 2007, Gap announced that it would "focus [its] efforts on recruiting a chief executive officer who has deep retailing and merchandising experience ideally in apparel, understands the creative process and can effectively execute strategies in large, complex environments while maintaining strong financial discipline". That January, Pressler resigned after two disappointing holiday sales seasons and was succeeded by Robert J. Fisher on an interim basis.{{cite web|url=http://images.businessweek.com/ss/06/12/1207_bestleaders/source/34.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061214175322/http://images.businessweek.com/ss/06/12/1207_bestleaders/source/34.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=December 14, 2006 |title=Best (and Worst) Leaders | BusinessWeek |publisher=Images.businessweek.com |access-date=March 3, 2013}}{{cite web|url=http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/07_09/b4023067.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070222221610/http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/07_09/b4023067.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 22, 2007 |title=Paul Pressler's Fall From The Gap |publisher=Businessweek |access-date=March 3, 2013}}{{cite web|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna16758122 |title=Gap CEO resigns after poor holiday season – Business – US business |work=NBC News |date=January 22, 2007 |access-date=March 3, 2013}} He began working with the company in 1980 and joined the board in 1990, and would later assume several senior executive positions, including president of Banana Republic and the Gap units."[http://www.marketwatch.com/News/Story/gap-ceo-resigns-after-weak/story.aspx?guid=%7BF4E30DA3%2D706E%2D434E%2D899D%2D3EC06A7E72FD%7D CEO Pressler's out at Gap Inc.]" MarketWatch The board's search committee was led by Adrian Bellamy, chairman of The Body Shop International and included founder Donald Fisher. On February 2, Marka Hansen, the former head of the Banana Republic division, replaced Cynthia Harriss as the leader of the Gap division. The executive president for marketing and merchandising Jack Calhoun became interim president of Banana Republic."[http://www.marketwatch.com/News/Story/gap-replaces-chief-namesake-division/story.aspx?guid=%7B0AE82753%2D7F7C%2D4817%2DBEC4%2D4ADAC4BD6EC7%7D Gap flagship brand to be run by company veteran]" MarketWatch In May, Old Navy laid off approximately 300 managers in lower volume locations to help streamline costs. That July, Glenn Murphy, previously CEO of Shoppers Drug Mart in Canada, was announced as the new CEO of Gap, Inc. New lead designers were also brought on board to help define a fashionable image, including Patrick Robinson for Gap Adult, Simon Kneen for Banana Republic, and Todd Oldham for Old Navy. Robinson was hired as chief designer in 2007, but was dismissed in May 2011 after sales failed to increase. However, he enjoyed commercial success in international markets.{{cite news| url=https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2011/may/05/gap-sacks-patrick-robinson-designer | location=London | work=The Guardian | first=Jess | last=Cartner-Morley | title=Gap sacks Patrick Robinson as chief designer | date=May 5, 2011}}{{cite news| url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748703859304576304914001708414 | work=The Wall Street Journal | first=Elizabeth | last=Holmes | title=Revolving Door Spins at Gap | date=May 6, 2011}}{{cite web|url=http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/08_33/b4096056664616.htm |title=A Fashion Guy Gets Gap Back to Basics |publisher=Businessweek |date=August 6, 2008 |access-date=March 3, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110523235330/http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/08_33/b4096056664616.htm |archive-date=May 23, 2011 }} In 2007, Ethisphere Magazine chose Gap from among thousands of companies evaluated as one of 100 "World's Most Ethical Companies".{{cite web|url=http://www.ethisphere.com/Ethisphere_Magazine_0207/WME-2007-Q2|title=2007 World’s Most Ethical Companies - Ethisphere Magazine|access-date=August 25, 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080706053058/http://www.ethisphere.com/Ethisphere_Magazine_0207/WME-2007-Q2|archive-date=July 6, 2008}}

In October 2011, Gap Inc. announced plans to close 189 US stores, nearly 21 percent, by the end of 2013; however, it also plans to expand its presence in China.{{cite news|title=Gap closing stores in US|url=http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2011/10/14/gap-closing-stores-us.html|access-date=October 15, 2011|newspaper=Jakarta Post|date=October 14, 2011|agency=Associated Press|archive-date=November 29, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111129065910/http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2011/10/14/gap-closing-stores-us.html|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|last=Mattioli|first=Dana|title=Gap to Slash Its Store Count|newspaper=The Wall Street Journal|date=October 14, 2011|page=B1}} The company announced it would open its first stores in Brazil in the Fall of 2013.{{cite web|url=http://rushprnews.com/2012/12/20/gap-inc-announces-plans-to-open-first-gap-stores-in-brazil |title=Gap Inc. Announces Plans to Open First Gap Stores in Brazil : RushPRNews – Newswire & Global Press Release Distribution |date=20 December 2012 |publisher=RushPRNews |access-date=March 3, 2013}}

In January 2015, Gap Inc. announced plans to close their subsidiary Piperlime in order to focus on their core brands. The first and only Piperlime store, based in SoHo, New York City, closed in April.{{Cite news|url = http://www.nydailynews.com/life-style/fashion/gap-piperlime-close-article-1.2089904|title = Gap's Piperlime shop to close|last = Engel|first = Meredith|date = January 23, 2015|work = New York Daily News|access-date = December 24, 2015}}

In September 2018, Gap Inc. began publicizing Hill City, a men's athletic apparel brand that launched in October 2018.{{Cite news|url=https://www.fastcompany.com/90238533/gap-inc-unveils-its-first-new-brand-in-more-than-a-decade|title=Gap Inc. unveils its first new brand in more than a decade|last=Segran|first=Elizabeth|date=September 20, 2018|work=Fast Company|access-date=September 22, 2018}}

In June 2020, Gap Inc. announced that it had made the decision to wind down its Hill City brand in the coming months.{{cite web |title=Gap Inc. To Close Men's Performance Brand, Hill City |url=https://www.gapinc.com/en-us/articles/2020/06/gap-inc-to-close-men-s-performance-brand,-hill-cit |website=Gap Inc. |access-date=5 September 2024 |date=4 June 2020}} Weeks later, the company announced its collaboration with Kanye West's Yeezy Brand: Yeezy Gap. The announcement of the company's 10-year long contract with the music icon turned fashion innovator saw Gap Inc. garner $34.9 million in media impact value.

In August 2020, the company announced that it, alongside its Banana Republic brand, would close over 225 store locations as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic response.{{cite web|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2020/08/28/business/gap-banana-republic-store-closures/|title=Gap is closing more than 200 stores this year|publisher=CNN Business|last=Valinsky|first=Jordan|date=August 28, 2020|access-date=August 29, 2020}} Less than two months later, the company announced that the total number of stores to be closed by 2024 was 350. (220 Gap stores and 130 Banana Republic stores.){{cite web|url=https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-3310d2e3eb876a29630c95cb4c712396|title=Gap Inc. exiting malls, to shutter 350 stores by 2024|publisher=AP News]|last=D'Innocenzio|first=Anne|date=October 22, 2020|access-date=September 25, 2022}} The original plan of the company was to close only 90 stores, however, they expanded the number as a consequence of the financial effects caused by the pandemic restrictions. Most of the stores closed were ones set in malls.

In November 2020, Gap Inc. partnered with Afterpay. This collaboration was planned to improve the digital shopping experience.{{Cite web|date=11 November 2020|title=Gap and Afterpay announce partnership|url=https://www.retailcustomerexperience.com/news/gap-and-afterpay-announce-partnership/|access-date=21 November 2020|website=Retail Customer Experience}}{{Cite web|last=Warren|first=Liz|date=12 November 2020|title=Afterpay Enters Its Largest Partnership To-Date with Gap Inc.|url=https://sourcingjournal.com/denim/denim-retail/gap-inc-afterpay-buy-now-pay-later-holiday-old-navy-244291/|access-date=21 November 2020|website=Sourcing Journal}}

In February 2021, Gap Inc. announced a $140 million investment to build an 850,000 square foot distribution center in Longview, Texas, because it forecasts that its online business will double over the next two years. The new center will be able to process one million packages per day once completed in 2022.{{cite news |last1=Thomas |first1=Lauren |title=Gap to invest $140 million to build Texas warehouse as online sales swell |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2021/02/24/gap-to-invest-140-million-into-texas-warehouse-as-online-sales-swell.html |access-date=25 February 2021 |publisher=CNBC |date=24 February 2021}} In August 2021, Gap acquired Drapr, an online tech application where customers can create 3D Avatars and virtually try on clothing.{{cite web |title=2021 In Review |url=https://sgbonline.com/2021-year-in-review-ma-accelerates-across-active-lifestyle-market/ |website=SGB Media |access-date=5 August 2024}}

In September 2021, Gap Inc. cut the ribbon for the $41.7 million facility expansion in Gallatin, TN. In addition to hiring 1,100 employees to meet the demands of market share growth and peak season, Gap partnered with [https://www.ahs1.com AHS] to implement an automated order fulfillment system.

In September 2022, the company announced it would end its partnership with Kanye West.{{cite news |last1=Pacheco |first1=Suzanne Kapner and Inti |title=Gap and Kanye West Are Ending Their Partnership |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/kanye-west-tells-gap-he-is-terminating-partnership-11663246801?mod=article_inline |access-date=20 September 2022 |work=The Wall Street Journal |date=15 September 2022}} Several days later, Gap announced it would cut some 500 corporate positions in its San Francisco and New York offices.{{cite news |last1=Kapner |first1=Suzanne |title=Gap Is Cutting 500 Corporate Jobs |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/gap-is-cutting-500-corporate-jobs-11663685456 |access-date=20 September 2022 |work=The Wall Street Journal |date=20 September 2022}} The firm also cut corporate jobs in Asia.{{cite news |last1=Rockeman |first1=Olivia |last2=Neuman |first2=Jeannette |title=Gap Is Cutting 500 Corporate Jobs During Profitability Crunch |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-09-20/gap-to-cut-500-corporate-jobs-amid-profitability-crunch?srnd=premium-europe&sref=CIpmV6x8 |access-date=20 September 2022 |work=Bloomberg |date=20 September 2022}} Gap announced that the layoffs were unrelated to the decision to end its partnership with West. Gap announced more layoffs in April 2023.{{cite news |last1=Rockeman |first1=Olivia |title=Gap Says Latest Job Cuts Will Eliminate About 1,800 Positions |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-04-27/gap-says-latest-job-cuts-will-eliminate-about-1-800-positions?srnd=premium&sref=CIpmV6x8 |access-date=27 April 2023 |work=Bloomberg.com |date=27 April 2023 |language=en}}

Gap Inc. has decided to completely leave Russia, as well as close all stores in the country, due to the unpopularity of the brand in Russia.{{Cite web|url=https://realty.ria.ru/20221102/gap-1828564262.html|title=Американский ритейлер Gap полностью уходит из России|website=realty.ria.ru|date=2022-11-02}}

In 2023, Gap launched a programme to support emerging designers in their early stages of development. The programme is sponsored by the company's internal initiative, Create With Audacity, providing space, tools and resources to develop talent. In partnership with ICON360, the non-profit arm of Harlem's Fashion Row Gap supports underrepresented Black designers in the industry, as well as fashion programmes at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).{{Cite web|language=en|url=https://www.businessoffashion.com/articles/workplace-talent/gap-inc-design-apprenticeship-program-icon360-harlems-fashion-row-hbcu/|title=Inside Gap Inc.'s Development Programme for Upcoming Design Talent|website=Business of Fashion|access-date=2024-03-13|archive-date=2023-03-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230324214313/https://www.businessoffashion.com/articles/workplace-talent/gap-inc-design-apprenticeship-program-icon360-harlems-fashion-row-hbcu/}}

In 2023, Gap partnered with Cargill, GSK, WaterAid and the Water Resilience Coalition to launch the Women + Water Collaborative to improve access to clean water and sanitation in India, starting in the Krishna and Godavari River basins. The Collaborative continues to build on the work of a previous initiative of USAID Gap Inc. Women + Water Alliance, which has empowered more than 2.4 million people to improve their access to water and sanitation in India between 2017 and 2023.{{Cite press release|language=en|url=https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2023/10/17/2761736/0/en/Gap-Inc-Cargill-and-GSK-Join-the-Water-Resilience-Coalition-and-WaterAid-to-Improve-Access-to-Water-in-India-as-Part-of-the-Coalition-s-2030-100-Basin-Plan.html|title=Gap Inc., Cargill, and GSK Join the Water Resilience Coalition and WaterAid to Improve Access to Water in India as Part of the Coalition's 2030 100-Basin Plan|website=GlobeNewswire|date=17 October 2023 |access-date=2024-03-13|archive-date=2023-10-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231021104351/https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2023/10/17/2761736/0/en/Gap-Inc-Cargill-and-GSK-Join-the-Water-Resilience-Coalition-and-WaterAid-to-Improve-Access-to-Water-in-India-as-Part-of-the-Coalition-s-2030-100-Basin-Plan.html}}

In May 2024, Gap introduced its limited collection in partnership with the Californian clothing brand, Dôen, celebrating sisterhood.{{Cite web |title=Gap unveils collaboration with Dôen |url=https://fashionunited.uk/news/fashion/gap-unveils-collaboration-with-doen/2024051575581 |access-date=15 May 2024 |website=Fashion United|date=15 May 2024 }}

On August 22, 2024, Gap changed its ticker symbol from "GPS" to "GAP". The "GAP" ticker symbol was previously used by A&P until it filed for bankruptcy in 2010.

Gap Inc. owns a trademark to its name, "Gap". The Gap's original trademark was a service mark for retail clothing store services. The application was filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office on February 29, 1972, by the Gap Stores; registration was granted on October 10, 1972. The first use of the trademark was on August 23, 1969, and expanded to commercial usage on October 17, 1969. A second application was filed by Gap Stores, Inc. on September 12, 1970, this time for a trademark filed for shirts. The first usage for shirts and clothing products was on June 25, 1974. Trademark registration was granted on December 28, 1976. Both the service mark and trademark are registered and owned by Gap (Apparel), LLC of San Francisco, California.{{Citation needed|date=February 2020}}

On October 4, 2010, in an effort to establish a contemporary presence, Gap introduced a new logo. It was designed with the Helvetica font and reduced the prominence of the brand's iconic blue box. After much public outcry, the company reverted to its previous "blue box" logo on October 11, after less than a week in use.{{cite news| url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/10/06/gap-logo-new_n_753009.html | work=Huffington Post | first=Hilary | last=Moss | title=Gap Gets A New Logo (PHOTOS, POLL) | date=October 6, 2010}}{{cite news| url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/10/12/gap-gets-rid-of-new-logo_n_759131.html | work=Huffington Post | first=Hilary | last=Moss | title=Gap Gets Rid Of New Logo | date=October 12, 2010}} Marka Hansen, the executive who oversaw the logo change, resigned February 1, 2011.{{cite news| url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-gap-idUSTRE71052V20110201?feedType=RSS&feedName=businessNews&rpc=23&sp=true | work=Reuters | title=Head of Gap brand out, outlet executive in line: source | date=February 1, 2011}}

File:Gap 1972 service mark.svg|August 21, 1969; October 5, 1970 – May 6, 1986

File:Gap logo.svg|September 6, 1986 – January 1, 2016

File:Gap logo in October 2010.svg|October 4–11, 2010

File:New Gap logo.svg|January 1, 2016–present

Banana Republic, a small safari-themed clothing retailer, was purchased by Gap in 1983 and was rebranded as an upscale clothing retailer in the late 1980s.

Old Navy was launched in 1994 as a value chain. On February 28, 2019, Gap Inc., announced that Old Navy will spin-off from the company, making Old Navy independent from Gap Inc.{{Cite web | url=https://corporate.gapinc.com/en-us/articles/2019/02/gap-inc-announces-plan-to-separate-into-two-indepe | title=Gap Inc. Announces Plan to Separate into Two Independent Publicly Traded Companies}} This was reversed on January 16, 2020, when Gap Inc. announced that the separation had been called off.{{Cite web | url=https://corporate.gapinc.com/en-us/articles/2020/01/gap-inc-no-longer-pursuing-separation-of-old-navy | title=Gap Inc. No Longer Pursuing Separation of Old Navy}}

Athleta was originally founded in 1998 as an independent company focused on women's athletic apparel. Gap acquired Athleta in 2008.{{cite news |last1=Rosenbloom |first1=Stephanie |title=Gap Acquires Athleta for $150 Million |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/23/business/23gap.html |access-date=15 April 2022 |work=The New York Times |date=22 September 2008}} Gap opened the first brick and mortar Athleta store in 2011.{{cite news |last1=Clifford |first1=Stephanie |title=Gap to Open San Francisco Store for Brand Born on the Web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/13/business/13athleta.html |access-date=15 April 2022 |work=The New York Times |date=13 January 2011}}

Forth & Towne, the company's fourth traditional retail concept, was launched on August 24, 2005, featuring apparel targeted toward women 35 years and older.{{Cite web |url=http://www.hoovers.com/free/news/detail.xhtml?ArticleID=NR20050422140.6.6_4c300015dceca80c&SourceType=NEWS |title=News - Hoover's |access-date=April 22, 2005 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061026165827/http://www.hoovers.com/free/news/detail.xhtml?ArticleID=NR20050422140.6.6_4c300015dceca80c&SourceType=NEWS |archive-date=October 26, 2006 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }} On February 26, 2007, after an 18-month trial period, it was discontinued. File:San Jose Gap store.jpg, San Jose, California]]

The Gap originally targeted the younger generation when it opened, with its name referring to the generation gap of the time.{{cite web|author=Morning Edition |url=https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=113265289 |title=Gap Inc. Co-Founder Donald Fisher Dies At 81 |publisher=NPR |date=September 28, 2009 |access-date=August 7, 2010}} It originally sold everything that Levi Strauss & Co made in every style, size, and color, and organized the stock by size. The Gap was the first of many shops that carried only Levi's. In 1973, Gap started making their own jeans as a way to differentiate themselves from department stores.{{Cite news|url=http://www.slate.com/articles/business/when_big_businesses_were_small/2013/10/there_s_a_gap_for_that_how_a_little_shop_in_san_francisco_became_a_retail.html|title=There's a Gap for That|last=Arnold-Ratliff|first=Katie|date=October 16, 2013|work=Slate|access-date=March 8, 2017|language=en-US|issn=1091-2339}} Gap's current marketing works to appeal to a broad demographic of customers, whereas Banana Republic presents a sophisticated image with a self expressing easygoing personality and Old Navy focuses "fun, fashion, and value" for families and younger customers. While the company has been criticized for blandness and uniformity in its selling environments, it maintains that it tailors its stores "to appeal to unique markets" by developing multiple formats and designs.{{cite book|url=http://www.bookrags.com/research/1960s-commerce-bbbb-04/gap-bbbb-04.html|title=Research 1960s: Commerce – Bowling, Beatniks, and Bell Bottoms|work=www.BookRags.com|access-date=May 30, 2015}} The domain www.gap.com attracts over 18 million visitors annually, according to a 2008 Compete.com survey.{{cite web |url=http://siteanalytics.compete.com/gap.com?metric=uv |title=Site Profile for gap.com (rank #238) | Compete |publisher=Siteanalytics.compete.com |access-date=August 7, 2010 |archive-date=December 6, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131206132044/https://siteanalytics.compete.com/gap.com/?metric=uv |url-status=dead }} In 2018, a Gap ad campaign featuring a young girl wearing a hijab has been stirring up controversy in France.{{cite web|author=Annabelle Timsit |url=https://qz.com/1354629/a-gap-ad-showing-a-girl-in-a-hijab-is-infuriating-french-politicians/ |title=A Gap ad with a girl in a hijab shows how differently the US and France view personal liberty |date=August 24, 2018 |access-date=September 12, 2019}}

File:GapHillcrestMall3.jpg]]

File:Gap store in the Westfield Sydney closing down sale December 2017.jpg]]

Including both company-owned and franchised stores, as of June 2018, there were Gap, Banana Republic, Athleta, Intermix, or Old Navy stores in 43 countries.{{cite web |title=Gap Inc.'s Global Footprint |url=http://www.gapinc.com/content/attachments/gapinc/GPSEarnings/Global%20Footprint.pdf |website=Gap Inc. |access-date=12 September 2018 |date=June 2018 |archive-date=8 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150908071110/http://www.gapinc.com/content/attachments/gapinc/GPSEarnings/Global%20Footprint.pdf |url-status=dead}} In January 2008, Gap signed a deal with Marinopoulos Group to open Gap and Banana Republic stores in Greece, Romania, Bulgaria, Cyprus, and Croatia.{{cite web|last=Shields |first=Amy |url=http://www.retail-week.com/News/2008/01/gap_signs_greek_franchise_partner.html |title=Gap signs Greek franchise partner | News |publisher=Retail Week |date=January 22, 2008 |access-date=August 7, 2010}} In February 2009, Elbit Imaging, Ltd. secured a franchise to open and operate Gap and Banana Republic stores in Israel.[http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/elbit-imaging-franchise-gap-banana/story.aspx?guid=%7B1E859BBF%2D5817%2D4971%2D8B87%2DE93CB35D74B8%7D&siteid=rss Elbit Imaging to franchise Gap, Banana Republic in Israel] By Robert Daniel, February 18, 2009 In August 2010, the company opened its first store in Melbourne, Australia at Chadstone Shopping Centre.{{cite web |last1=Mangubat |first1=Carlos |title=GAP opens in Australia |url=https://www.scout.com.au/Blog/GAP-opens-in-Australia |website=SCOUT |access-date=12 September 2018 |date=30 August 2010}}{{cite press release |date=March 24, 2010 |title=GAP Inc. Announces franchise agreement to bring gap brand to Australia |url=http://www.gapinc.com/content/gapinc/html/media/pressrelease/2010/med_pr_Australia03242010.html |location=San Francisco |publisher=Gap Inc. |access-date=2018-09-12 |archive-date=2018-09-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180913040034/http://www.gapinc.com/content/gapinc/html/media/pressrelease/2010/med_pr_Australia03242010.html |url-status=dead }} In September 2011, Komax opened the first Gap store in Chile, due to a franchise.{{cite news|title=Gap abrirá primera tienda en Chile e inicia desembarco en Sudamérica|url=http://latercera.com/noticia/negocios/2010/11/655-308173-9-gap-abrira-primera-tienda-en-chile-e-inicia-desembarco-en-sudamerica.shtml|access-date=April 2, 2011|newspaper=La Tercera|date=November 17, 2010|archive-date=January 17, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120117202030/http://www.latercera.com/noticia/negocios/2010/11/655-308173-9-gap-abrira-primera-tienda-en-chile-e-inicia-desembarco-en-sudamerica.shtml|url-status=dead}} In October 2011, the first GAP store opened in Warsaw, Poland,{{cite web|url=http://warszawa.gazeta.pl/warszawa/1,34862,10330330,Pierwszy_sklep_Gap_w_Polsce_powstanie_w_Warszawie.html |title=Pierwszy sklep Gap w Polsce powstanie w Warszawie |publisher=Warszawa.gazeta.pl |date=September 21, 2011 |access-date=March 3, 2013}} but shut it down and two other locations in Wrocław and Katowice in 2015. Gap now has a store in New Delhi, India which opened in May 2015. On February 20, 2016, Gap launched stores in Mumbai at Oberoi Mall and Infinity-2.

In May 2016, Gap Inc. announced it would shutter all Old Navy stores in Japan in response to poor Q1 performance for Old Navy and consistent losses across the organization.{{cite web|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/gap-to-close-old-navy-in-japan-withdraws-earnings-forecast-1463689009|title=Gap to Close Old Navy in Japan, Warns of Earnings Shortfall|first1=Maria|last1=Armental|first2=Khadeeja|last2=Safdar|date=May 19, 2016|access-date=August 25, 2017|website=Wsj.com}}

In 2017, Gap closed all seven of its stores in Israel.{{cite news |last1=Steinberg |first1=Jessica |title=The Gap will close in Israel, and it's not just because of its clothes |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/the-gap-will-close-in-israel-and-its-not-just-because-of-its-clothes/ |access-date=12 September 2018 |work=Times of Israel |date=12 January 2017}} In 2018, Gap closed all its stores in Australia.{{cite news|last1=Hatch|first1=Patrick|title=Gap stores to close in Australia after Oroton Group pulls pin|url=https://www.smh.com.au/business/retail/gap-stores-to-close-in-australia-after-oroton-group-pulls-pin-20170803-gxp3rt.html|access-date=30 December 2017|newspaper=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=4 August 2017}}

By May 2021, Gap operated company-owned stores in the United States, Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, France, India, Italy, the Czech Republic, Ireland, Japan, Philippines, China, and Taiwan {{as of|2021|05|lc=yes}}.{{cite web |title=Gap Inc. Company-Operated Store Count by Country |url=http://www.gapinc.com/content/dam/gapincsite/documents/Gap%20Inc.%20Company%20Owned%20Store%20Count%20by%20Country.pdf |website=Gap Inc. |access-date=12 September 2018 |date=2017 |archive-date=13 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180913040043/http://www.gapinc.com/content/dam/gapincsite/documents/Gap%20Inc.%20Company%20Owned%20Store%20Count%20by%20Country.pdf |url-status=dead }}

However, in June 2021, Gap confirmed plans to close all its 81 stores in the UK and Ireland and go online-only. The company said it would close all its stores "in a phased manner" between the end of August and the end of September. At the same time, Gap said it was in negotiations with another firm to take over all of its French stores. In Italy, Gap said it was in discussions with a partner for the potential acquisition of the stores there.{{cite news|last=|date=1 July 2021|title=Gap to close all 81 stores in UK and Ireland|newspaper=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-57670737}} In September 2021, Gap and British clothes retailer Next announced a joint venture that will see Next manage Gap's UK website and place Gap concessions in some stores. The deal preserves Gap's presence on the UK high street following the closure of its own stores.{{Cite news|date=2021-09-17|title=Next deal keeps Gap brand alive in the UK|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/business-58596532|access-date=2021-09-17}} In November 2022, Baozun announced it intended to purchase Gaps's China unit, and that it would continue to operate Gap stores in China and Taiwan as franchises.{{cite news |last1=Otto |first1=Ben |last2=Stumpf |first2=Dan |title=Gap Sells Its China Business After 12 Years |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/gap-sells-its-china-business-after-12-years-11667910478?mod=hp_listb_pos4 |access-date=8 November 2022 |work=The Wall Street Journal |date=8 November 2022}}

{{more citations needed|section|date=March 2013}}

In 2006, Gap took part in the Product Red campaign with the launch of a special RED collection, including a T-shirt manufactured in Lesotho from African cotton. The expanded Gap Product Red collection was released on October 13, 2006. 50 to 100 percent of the profits went to the Global Fund, depending on the item.{{cite web|title=GAP INTRODUCES INSPIRATIONAL MARKETING CAMPAIGN TO CELEBRATE FIRST ANNIVERSARY OF GLOBAL LAUNCH OF GAP (PRODUCT) RED|url=http://www.gapinc.com/content/gapinc/html/media/pressrelease/2007/med_pr_REDmarketing100307.html|website=GapInc.com|publisher=Gap Inc.|access-date=March 10, 2007|archive-date=August 25, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140825190545/http://www.gapinc.com/content/gapinc/html/media/pressrelease/2007/med_pr_REDmarketing100307.html|url-status=dead}} The company continued the products into 2007, especially in the lead up to Valentine's Day, using slogans such as "Admi(RED)" and "Desi(RED)". National Labor Committee for Worker and Human Rights activists criticized Gap's partnerships because Gap has historically been accused of sweatshop-like conditions.{{cite web|title=Achtung, Bono! Activists See Red|url=https://nymag.com/news/intelligencer/23175/|website=NYmag.com|date=20 October 2006 |access-date=October 27, 2007}} Product Red has contributed over $45 million to the Global Fund, more than any other private donation received to date. Other launch partners included American Express, Apple Inc., Converse, Hallmark, Emporio Armani, and Motorola.

{{Criticism section|date=June 2025}}

In 1999, news outlets reported instances sweatshop workers in Saipan not being paid for overtime work, being subjected to forced abortion, and being required to work in unsafe working conditions.{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/shirts-for-the-fashionable-at-a-price-paid-in-human-misery-on-us-soil-the-gap-workers-are-forced-to-1121362.html

|newspaper=The Independent|access-date=September 11, 2017|date=September 23, 1999|title=Shirts for the fashionable, at a price paid in human misery On US soil, the Gap workers are forced to have abortions|first=Fran|last=Abrams}} In 2003, a class action lawsuit against Gap and 21 other companies was started which ended when a settlement of $20 million was reached.{{cite news|url=http://www.msmagazine.com/spring2006/paradise_full.asp|access-date=September 11, 2017|date=Spring 2006|first=Rebecca|last=Clarren|title=Paradise Lost: Greed, Sex Slavery, Forced Abortions and Right-Wing Moralists|newspaper=Ms. Magazine|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170915133212/http://www.msmagazine.com/spring2006/paradise_full.asp|archive-date=September 15, 2017|url-status=dead}}

In May 2006, adult and child employees of Western Factory, a supplier in Irbid, Jordan, were found to have worked up to 109 hours per week and to have gone six months without being paid. Some employees claimed they had been raped by managers.{{Cite web|url=http://www.nlcnet.org/documents/Jordan_PDF_Web/04_Western.pdf|publisher=NLCNET|archive-url=https://wayback.archive-it.org/all/20080309041041/http://www.nlcnet.org/documents/Jordan_PDF_Web/04_Western.pdf|archive-date=March 9, 2008|title=Do Any of Us Really Want a "Bargain" Based on Trafficking of Young Women into Involuntary Servitude?|access-date=January 20, 2007|url-status=live}} The government of Jordan launched an investigation into the supplier and other textile factories and announced actions to prevent future abuses.{{cite journal |last1=Flanagan |first1=Mike |title=Jordan accepts abuse claims |journal=The Source |date=2006 |issue=4 |url=https://www.just-style.com/store/samples/clothesource_the_source_sample.pdf |access-date=2018-09-12 |archive-date=2020-09-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200906035345/https://www.just-style.com/store/samples/clothesource_the_source_sample.pdf |url-status=dead }} Walmart, who also sources from the supplier, confirmed "serious problems with working conditions" at Western Factory and other Jordanian suppliers. {{As of|May 2018}}, Gap had ceased their relationship with Western Factory.{{cite web |title=GAP INC. FACTORY LIST |url=https://www.gapincsustainability.com/sites/default/files/Gap%20Inc%20Factory%20List.pdf |website=Gap Inc. Global Sustainability |access-date=12 September 2018 |date=May 2018 |page=36 |archive-date=13 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180913040101/https://www.gapincsustainability.com/sites/default/files/Gap%20Inc%20Factory%20List.pdf |url-status=dead }}

On October 28, 2007, BBC footage showed child labor in Indian Gap factories.{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/7066019.stm | work=BBC News | title=Gap pulls 'child labour' clothing | date=October 28, 2007 | access-date=May 3, 2010}} The company denied knowledge of the happenings; it subsequently removed and destroyed the single piece of clothing in question, a smock blouse, from a British store. Gap promised to investigate breaches in its ethical policy.{{cite video | title = Gap accused of child labor | publisher = CBS News | date = October 29, 2007 | url = http://www.webcastr.com/videos/whats-hot/gap-accused-of-child-labor.html | access-date = February 21, 2008 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080207120123/http://www.webcastr.com/videos/whats-hot/gap-accused-of-child-labor.html | archive-date = February 7, 2008 | url-status = dead }}

On February 19, 2014, Glenn Murphy, then CEO of Gap Inc., announced that Gap would raise the minimum wages for its 65,000 U.S. store employees.{{cite web | url=http://www.wwd.com/retail-news/specialty-stores/gap-boosts-wages-7486344?src=nl/mornReport/20140220 | title=Gap Readies Minimum Wage Increase | publisher=WWD | date=February 10, 2014 | access-date=February 20, 2014 | author=Edelson, Sharon}}

In 2020, the Australian Strategic Policy Institute accused at least 82 major brands, including Gap Inc., of being connected to forced Uyghur labor in Xinjiang.{{cite web |url=https://www.aspi.org.au/report/uyghurs-sale |title=Uyghurs for sale |vauthors=Xu, VX, Cave, D, Leibold, D, Munro, K, Ruser, N |publisher=Australian Strategic Policy Institute |date=1 March 2020 |access-date=22 July 2022}}

In 2020, a partnership between Gap and the rapper Kanye West was announced as a part of a 10-year deal. However, West accused Gap of failing to honor terms of the deal and decided to end the partnership in September 2022.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/business-62918084 | title=Kanye West to end partnership with retailer Gap | publisher=BBC News |access-date=14 September 2022 }}

Gap reported Total CO2e emissions (Direct + Indirect) for the twelve months ending 31 December 2020 at 241 Kt (-123 /-33.8% y-o-y){{Cite web |title=Data -Gap Inc |url=https://www.gapinc.com/en-us/values/sustainability/data |access-date=2021-12-12 |archive-date=2021-12-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211212110456/https://www.gapinc.com/en-us/values/sustainability/data |url-status=dead }} and plans to reduce total emissions 90% by 2030 from a 2017 base year.{{Cite web |title=Gap Inc.'s Sustainability Report for 2020Q4 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211007123146/https://gapinc-prod.azureedge.net/gapmedia/gapcorporatesite/media/images/values/sustainability/2020/gap-inc-2020-report.pdf |url=https://gapinc-prod.azureedge.net/gapmedia/gapcorporatesite/media/images/values/sustainability/2020/gap-inc-2020-report.pdf|archive-date=October 7, 2021 }} [https://analytics.exerica.com/App/Name/Gap%20Inc./Climate%20Goal[Total%20CO2e%20emissions%20(Scope%201%20%2b%20Scope%202)]/2020Q4/0/2020Q4 Alt URL] This science-based target is aligned with Paris Agreement to limit global warming to 1.5 °C above pre-industrial levels.{{Cite web |title=Science Based Targets |url=https://sciencebasedtargets.org/companies-taking-action }}

The current leadership is:

• Richard Dickson, Chief Executive Officer, Gap Inc.{{Cite web|title=Gap Inc. Announces Art Peck to Step Down As Chief Executive Officer|url=https://gapinc.com/en-us/articles/2019/11/gap-inc-announces-art-peck-to-step-down-as-chief-e|access-date=2020-08-20|publisher=Gap Inc.|language=fr-fr}}
• Katrina O'Connell, Chief Financial Officer
• Mark Breitbard, President & CEO, Gap
• Chris Blakeslee, President and CEO, Athleta
• Haio Barbeito, Brand President & CEO, Old Navy
• Vacant, Brand President & CEO, Banana Republic
• Eric Chan, Chief Business & Strategy Officer
• Amy Thompson, Chief People Officer
• Julie Gruber, Chief Legal & Compliance Officer & Corporate Secretary
• Zac Posen, Creative Director, Gap, Inc. & Chief Creative Officer, Old Navy
• Sally Gilligan, Chief Supply Chain & Transformation Officer
• Sven Gerjets, Chief Digital & Technology Officer

Board {{as of|2024|06|lc=on}}:{{Cite web |title=Board of Directors |url=https://gapinc.com/en-us/about/leadership/board-of-directors |access-date=2022-07-12 |website=Gap Inc. |language=en-us}}

• Mayo A. Shattuck III (Chair of the Board)
• Salaam Coleman Smith
• Richard Dixon
• Lisa Donohue
• Robert J. Fisher
• William S. Fisher
• Tracy Gardner
• Kathryn A. Hall
• Amy Miles
• Chris O'Neill
• Tariq Shaukat

File:Gap, Briggate, Leeds (11th April 2011).jpg in Leeds, West Yorkshire]]

As of the end of Q3 2018, Gap Inc. had 3,688 company-operated or franchised stores in operation across 43 countries and had the ability to ship to 90 countries.{{cite web|url=http://gapinc.com/public/Media/Press_Releases/med_pr_DonFisher09272009.shtml|title=Media – Press Releases|publisher=Gap Inc.|url-status=dead|access-date=August 7, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090930070500/http://gapinc.com/public/Media/Press_Releases/med_pr_DonFisher09272009.shtml|archive-date=September 30, 2009|df=mdy-all}}{{cite web|url=http://www.gapinc.com/content/attachments/gapinc/GPSEarnings/Global%20Footprint.pdf|title=Gap Inc. Store Count by Brand|website=Gapinc.com|access-date=March 1, 2018|archive-date=September 8, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150908071110/http://www.gapinc.com/content/attachments/gapinc/GPSEarnings/Global%20Footprint.pdf|url-status=dead}} Stores in Brazil, Canada, China, France, Italy, Ireland, Japan, Mexico, UK, and US (including Puerto Rico) are company-owned; those outside of these countries are owned and operated by franchises.

In addition to previous store closures (such as the 2011–2013 closures in the U.S.), hundreds of stores were closed worldwide over several years, starting in 2020. (See {{section link||International presence}} section for details.) The table below is based on data from February 2024.{{Cite web |date=May 14, 2024 |title=Gap Inc Historical Global Footprint |url=https://gapinc-prod.azureedge.net/gapmedia/gapcorporatesite/media/images/investors/historical-store-count-and-square-footage-fy-04-q1-24.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240826175649/https://gapinc-prod.azureedge.net/gapmedia/gapcorporatesite/media/images/investors/historical-store-count-and-square-footage-fy-04-q1-24.pdf |archive-date=August 26, 2024 |access-date=August 26, 2024 |website=Gap Inc. }}

{{Portal|San Francisco Bay Area|Companies}}

• Bonds (clothing)
• H&M
• Forever 21
• Calvin Klein
• Hollister Co.

{{Reflist}}

{{Commons category-inline|Gap (clothing retailer)|Gap Inc.}}

• {{official website|https://www.gapinc.com}}

{{Finance links

| name = The Gap, Inc.

| symbol = GAP

| bloomberg = GAP:US

| reuters = GAP.N

| sec_cik = 39911

| yahoo = GAP

| google = GAP:NYSE

}}

{{Gap Inc.}}

{{S&P 400 companies}}

{{DJSI World}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Gap Inc.}}

01

Category:Clothing brands of the United States

Category:Children's clothing brands

Category:Children's clothing retailers

Category:Fashion accessory brands

Category:Jeans by brand

Category:Online clothing retailers of the United States

Category:Underwear brands

Category:Multinational companies headquartered in the United States

Category:Retail companies based in California

Category:Companies based in San Francisco

Category:Financial District, San Francisco

Category:American companies established in 1969

Category:Clothing companies established in 1969

Category:Retail companies established in 1969

Category:1969 establishments in California

Category:Companies listed on the New York Stock Exchange

Category:1970s fashion

Category:1980s fashion

Category:1990s fashion

Category:2000s fashion

Category:2010s fashion

Category:2020s fashion

Category:Australian companies disestablished in 2018

Category:2018 disestablishments in Israel

Category:Family-owned companies of the United States

Category:Companies in the S&P 400