More than the clothes we create, Gap Inc. is defined by its people. Our dedicated, eclectic, passionate culture is driven by pros, with personality. Say hello, get to know us, and take a closer look at what (and who) we’re made of. Meet some of the many people who make Gap Inc. great. #WeAreGapInc
If you know Gap Inc., you know we’re proud of our San Francisco roots. But we’re also extremely proud of the fact that we’re a global retailer with offices all over the world, including with our friends up north in Canada. With Canada’s 150th birthday coming up, we’re celebrating our Canadian family and one of its superstars, Communications Director Heather Hopkins.
A longtime Gap Inc. employee, she started working at her local Gap store and eventually made her way to Canada HQ. Her time in stores was a formative one that she credits with much of her experience that led her to where she is now. “For many of us during that time working in stores (in the early 90’s), what we weren’t aware of then, but are now, is that we were going through Retail University.”
But this super stylish Canadian is much more than her #WeTheNorth roots and her love of our brands. She’s a charismatic breath of fresh air who can’t help but grab your attention, which is one of the reasons she’s such a great storyteller. (And she can rock a pair of thick-rimmed glasses like no one else.) Meet Heather.
WHAT DO YOU DO FOR GAP INC.?
I’m a storyteller. Together with the team, we keep our brands and product top of mind and relevant with Canadian customers, influencers and media. Stories are what connect us – and when they’re authentic and real, the story resonates.
WHAT INSPIRES YOU?
Inspiration is everywhere; it’s just a matter of being present – wherever you are. My team and global business partners inspire me every day, and my sons remind me to always look to discover what’s around you.
STYLE PERSONALITY
Relaxed and simple. I’m a fan of a timeless silhouette and refreshing proportions. I admit it – I have a uniform.
GO-TO OUTFIT
Always on repeat – jeans, wovens and t-shirts.
ALL-TIME FAVORITE PIECE OF CLOTHING
A jacket of my Dad’s, and a clutch that was my Grandmother’s.
LAST PURCHASE
My husband and I finally agreed on a light fixture…it only took two years to find one that we both agreed on!
WHAT YOU’VE LEARNED FROM CUSTOMERS
Listen, understand and stay connected to our customers through authentic engagement and experiences they can relate to. I think an example of this was the response to Gap 90’s Archive Re-Issue collection.
FAVORITE GAP INC. MOMENT
I’ve had the privilege to work with the brands both at agency level and at Canadian headquarters. I’ll never forget launching Old Navy in Canada. We opened 10-plus stores in one day. It was wildly fun, and the response from Canadians was something I’ll never forget.
FIRST JOB
Summer camp counselor.
EPIPHANY MOMENT
It was the early 90’s, Gap had recently opened in Canada and was in full market expansion mode. I was in University and worked at the Gap at the local mall. Canadians had fallen for the Gap and the brand was leading the Canadian retail industry in more ways than just connecting products to customers. As a true iconic brand, in everything it did, Gap was setting a retail ‘curriculum’ in the Canadian retail industry, and impacting the industry like no other brand had done before. I knew then that my career would be surrounded by our brands. Today, global retailers continue to look to our Gap Inc. brands as examples of how to successfully launch brands in new markets. Most importantly, the connection Canadians have to the brands runs deep, and is equally rich with loyalty.
ALWAYS PUTS YOU IN A GOOD MOOD
Handwritten notes, and laughter - a lot of it.
THEME SONG
I don’t have just one, and this would change daily.
SOMETHING PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU
Sports has always been an important part of my family’s life and I was fortunate to play basketball at the provincial level in Canada.
WHAT MAKES YOUR JOB UNIQUE?
We’re fortunate to work with each of the brands, share best practices with global business partners, and support the portfolio business across the region.
Discover more #WeAreGapInc profiles.
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