Gap brand has strong global awareness and a large, active customer base. Gap believe in its international power and are committed to growing the reach of Gap’s brand of Modern American Optimism across the 40+ countries where we operate.
As part of their Power Plan 2023, they began a strategic review of company-operated Gap businesses in Europe to maximize the opportunities for our brand in these key international markets. Through this process, GAP determined that the most effective way to grow business in Europe would be through strong local franchise partners capable of engaging consumers with excellent customer experiences across powerful omni platforms that can extend Gap’s reach in each market.
GAP announced plans to amplify European business through a partnership in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. They are partnering with NEXT Plc for Gap business in the UK & Ireland, giving them the benefit of their extensive omni platform and their e-commerce expertise as the UK’s number one online clothing retailer.
Beginning in 2022, GAP companies are entering a joint venture franchise partnership to manage our growing e-commerce business, including Gap.co.uk and Gap product on the NEXT website, as well as Gap-branded Shop-in-Shops at flagship NEXT locations and extensive click-and-collect options for online customers.
They are happy to report they are also making progress in their EU markets. As GAP previously announced, in France they are looking to partner with Hermione People and Brands, who would own and operate the Gap stores in the market and build their franchise operations there. Pending regulatory approval, they plan to transfer 21 French stores and the majority of Gap France employees to Hermione People and Brands in October 2021. In Italy, GAP is in exclusive negotiations with a partner to take over company-operated Gap stores there.
Once again, they want to thank their European colleagues whose hard work has helped build the powerful brand they have today. Because of Gap’s solid foundation, they can now amplify their reach through strategic partnerships that will make them even stronger and able to continue to deliver incredible products and experiences to customers in Europe and around the world.
