London 27 August 2010 – As the company continues to expand internationally and online in 2010, Gap Inc. today launched its dedicated European e-commerce site for Gap and Banana Republic (www.gap.eu and www.bananarepublic.eu). Following the initial launch for UK consumers, the company plans to offer shipping to customers in an additional nine countries this fall, including Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Republic of Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Spain and Sweden.
Stephen Sunnucks, President, Gap Inc. Europe, commented: “I’m thrilled to launch gap.eu and bananarepublic.eu. We put a lot of research and time into building a dedicated UK e-commerce platform. We established a local distribution center to enable us to offer an exceptional customer experience within the UK and establish the foundation to expand online shopping to more European countries this fall.”
The sites will provide a faster, easier shopping experience for customers, with reliable, convenient, local shipping where there are no hidden charges or fees. Key features include:
- Dedicated UK e-commerce site for Gap and Banana Republic.
- Gap Inc.’s innovative “Universality” platform brings its brands together with easy navigation and a universal shopping cart.
- Customers can seamlessly shop Gap, GapKids, babyGap and Banana Republic with one shopping basket, one checkout and one shipping box.
- Fast, reliable shipping from within the UK.
- No hidden charges or fees.
- Free, easy returns – free returns either in-store or online.
- Free shipping on purchase of £50 or more.
- Safe, secure e-commerce experience.
During the second quarter of 2010, Gap Inc. expanded its e-commerce reach from one country to 55 through international shipping. This is in addition to the dedicated e-commerce sites launched earlier this week in Canada and today in the UK. By the end of the year, the company expects to have stores in China, Italy and Australia, which combined with its expanding online and franchise operations, will reach customers in a total of about 80 countries.
Founded in San Francisco in 1969 by Doris and Don Fisher, the brand’s original intent was to make it easier for every customer to find a great fitting pair of jeans, with an easy-to-shop store experience. This philosophy lives on at gap.eu where customers can find cool, effortless style, for every occasion in modern life, for all the family - simple, easy to wear pieces that form the foundation of any wardrobe. Building on 40 years of denim experience, gap.eu launches with the new range of 1969 Premium Jeans - delivering superior fit, finishes and detail at a truly affordable price point.
Bananarepublic.eu launches with the Fall 2010 collection offering a range of great versatile wardrobe solutions, delivering elevated design and luxurious fabrications at approachable prices - covetable, uncomplicated style that works from day to night. The launch of bananarepublic.eu also means that for the first time customers nationwide in the UK can shop the brand.
Universality was launched in the US in 2008 after Gap Inc. accomplished a complete overhaul of its web sites which put in place a critical foundation that has allowed for continued enhanced functionality and a state-of-the-art shopping environment for customers. Sales for Gap Inc. Direct have grown from $595 million in 2005 to $1.1 billion in 2009.
For a full list of the countries where Gap Inc. ships, please visit Gap.com, BananaRepublic.com, OldNavy.com, Piperlime.com and Athleta.com
For more information contact:
Europe:
Jess Christie
+44 20 7149 1491
jess_christie@gap.com
United States:
Daniel Rubin
415 427 4370
press@gap.com
About Gap Inc.
Gap Inc. is a leading global specialty retailer offering clothing, accessories, and personal care products for men, women, children, and babies under the Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy, Piperlime, and Athleta brands. Fiscal 2009 sales were $14.2 billion. Gap Inc. operates about 3,100 stores in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Ireland, and Japan. In addition, Gap Inc. is expanding its international presence with franchise agreements in Asia, Australia, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East. For more information, please visit www.gapinc.com.
Don’t miss out on the latest Gap Inc. news! Sign-up to get email alerts about news on Gap Inc. and our brands.