Gap Inc.
September 30, 2008
Rockville, MD - Sept. 30, 2008 – Banana Republic and Goodwill Industries are giving customers a chance to get ready for the holiday season and make a little room in their closets and hearts at the same time. Customers who donate their gently-worn sweaters or coats at any Banana Republic in the U.S. and Canada from October 16 through October 26 will receive a 30 percent discount on all regular priced Banana Republic merchandise for the same time period - some exclusions apply, see stores for details.
Donated items will be sold in Goodwill retail stores and the revenues will help fund Goodwill job training programs and support services for people with disabilities, those who lack education or job experience and other job seekers. In 2007, more than one million people benefited from Goodwill’s programs.
“The tremendous success of last year’s campaign encouraged us to continue this collaboration with Goodwill Industries,” says Chris Nicklo, Vice President of Marketing for Banana Republic. “This year, customers can get a jump start on the giving season by donating sweaters and coats to a great cause and once again join us in giving back to the local communities where we do business.”
“By donating to Goodwill, people are making an investment in their communities,” says Jim Gibbons, President and CEO of Goodwill Industries International. “Each donated sweater or coat will help us earn the funding we need to provide vital employment and support services for those who need it most.”
Banana Republic is committed to giving back to local communities across the country. This initiative is part of the company’s broader philanthropic approach, “Give Where You Live”, which encourages customers and employees to help make stronger, more livable communities. Banana Republic plans to expand this program with other partners in the future.
This is the second year that Banana Republic and Goodwill Industries are partnering together. Last year, the partnership generated more than 110,000 sweater donations and an estimated $438,000 in revenues to support Goodwill’s employment programs provided by local Goodwill agencies.
About Banana Republic
Banana Republic is a global accessible luxury brand that delivers the best in city style. Characterized by elevated design and luxurious fabrications, the Banana Republic lifestyle collections include apparel, handbags, jewelry, fragrance and eyewear. Banana Republic, a division of San Francisco-based, Gap Inc., can be found at over 500 retail locations in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and Japan, BananaRepublic.com, or (888) BR-STYLE.
About Goodwill Industries
Goodwill Industries International is a network of 184 community-based, independent member organizations in the United States, Canada, and 14 other countries. Each organization provides education and career services, job placement opportunities and post-employment support for people facing economic challenges including people with disabilities, those who lack education or job experience, low-wage workers and other job seekers. To pay for its programs, Goodwill sells donated clothes and other household items in more than 2,200 retail stores, and online at www.shopgoodwill.com. In 2007, 1.1 million people benefited from Goodwill’s career services. Goodwill Industries International reported $3.2 (b) billion in revenues, and channels 84 percent of its revenues directly into its programs and services. To find your local Goodwill, use the online zip code locator at www.goodwill.org, or call (800) 664-6577.
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