Gap brands to strongly resonate with Italian customers, Mr Sunnucks

26 Feb '10

3 min read

Building off its strong financial performance in 2009, Gap Inc. announced that it would enter the Italian market in 2010 as one of its long term growth investments. Expanding on the international appeal of its London and Paris stores, the company plans to open Gap and Banana Republic flagship stores next door to each other in Milan's leading shopping area on the Corso Vittorio Emanuele in late 2010 with additional openings in other Italian cities such as Rome to follow in 2011. As a globally renowned fashion and tourist centre, Milan offers a strong initial market for both brands.

“As we continue to expand our global presence and deliver our customers great product, we are excited to enter another market that's also one of the top five apparel markets in the world,” said Stephen Sunnucks, President Europe and International Franchise at Gap Inc. “With loyal shoppers already in London and Paris, we think Gap Inc.'s brands will strongly resonate with Italian customers.”

Each of the stores will be wholly owned and operated by Gap Inc. leveraging the company's existing European teams and distribution infrastructure. The 25,500 square foot Gap flagship store in Milan will span three floors, and house collections from Gap, GapKids, babyGap, GapBody, and GapMaternity. Since opening its first store in San Francisco in 1969, today there are about 3,100 Gap Inc. stores across the world, with more than 170 Gap brand stores in Europe. Gap's style is rooted in simple, easy to wear pieces that form the foundation of any wardrobe – the jean, the khaki, and the pocket tee. The brand epitomizes casual cool which transcends trend making it easy for people to express their personal style.

Founded in 1978, Banana Republic has established itself as a brand that offers a range of great versatile wardrobe solutions, delivering elevated design and luxurious fabrications at approachable prices. The 17,500 square foot Banana Republic flagship store in Milan will house the women's and men's ready-to-wear collections, accessories and personal care products. In renovating this flagship space, Banana Republic will retain the building's rich history while combining contemporary and traditional elements to evoke the brand's essence of affordable modern luxury. Banana Republic aims to create the best of city style, that attitudinally works across all hub cities – from New York, to Tokyo, to London and now, to Milan.

The company also announced plans to bring an online shopping site for Gap and Banana Republic to the United Kingdom, which will also serve online shoppers in nine other European countries, including Italy.

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