GAP focuses on owning shopping experience of the future

“We have the world’s best collection of American brands coupled with a strong economic model and runway for global growth,” said Glenn Murphy, chairman and chief executive officer, Gap Inc. “As the retail landscape evolves, we continue to deliver on our omni-channel roadmap and focus on owning the shopping experience of the future.

“We have a strong financial track record and we remain focused in our approach to drive value – by driving revenue growth with healthy merchandise margins and leveraging expenses to expand operating margin, as measured on a full year basis”

The company will discuss its plans to continue driving online growth by leveraging technology and innovation combined with top talent to deliver new digital capabilities to customers and make further progress in mobile, personalization and loyalty programs.

Building upon its current omni-channel suite – including reserve in store, find in store and ship from store – later this year, the company will be testing its new order in store capability, which allows customers instant access to expanded product offerings online. Further, the company is announcing the expansion of its reserve in store service to all Gap stores in the United States by the end of the second quarter, enabling online and mobile shoppers to now reserve items at more than 1,000 Gap and Banana Republic store locations.

In addition to its industry-leading omni-channel capabilities, the company will reaffirm its intention to fuel growth and gain share in the $1.4 trillion global apparel market. Murphy and company executives will discuss plans to grow through expansion in Asia, as well as in its global outlet, online and franchise channels. The company also is excited about the long-term potential of its fast-growing Athleta brand.

Building on Old Navy’s recent debut in mainland China and Gap’s growing store base in the world’s second largest apparel market, the company will highlight China as its largest growth initiative where it expects sales to reach $1 billion in three years.

Gap Inc. leaders also will discuss progress against its move to a seamless inventory model and a more responsive global supply chain, both designed to fulfill customer demand with increased speed and flexibility, while unlocking revenue and gross margin potential.

“In the next five years, we plan to leverage our scale to drive our strategic initiatives – including global growth plans, omni-channel strategies, a seamless inventory model and fully responsive supply chain. We expect these initiatives to contribute meaningfully to our revenue growth and operating profit,” Murphy added.