Gap Inc Franchise News

Let the Voting Begin! Community to Choose the Next Faces of BabyGap and GapKids
SAN FRANCISCO, May 21, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- After a coast-to-coast search to find the brightest babies and kids, Gap revealed the 20 finalists now competing to be the winners of its sixth annual North American Casting Call contest.
Starting today through May 25, residents of the United States and Canada will decide which four children – one girl and one boy for babyGap and one girl and one boy for GapKids – will be featured in a Gap marketing campaign this fall. People can vote once a day every day by visiting www.gap.com/castingcall, Gap's Facebook page, or the Gap Casting Call app for iPhone and Android.
"As part of the submission process this year, we asked parents to tell us how their child brightens up the world and we were moved by their thoughtful and heartfelt responses," said Art Peck, president of Gap North America...

SAN FRANCISCO - (BUSINESS WIRE) - Gap Inc. (NYSE:GPS) today announced that its Board of Directors authorized a quarterly dividend of $0.125 per share payable on or after July 24, 2012 to shareholders of record at the close of business on July 3, 2012.
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 year 2011 net sales were $14.5 billion. Gap Inc. products are available for purchase in over 90 countries worldwide through about 3,000 company-operated stores, about 200 franchise stores, and e-commerce sites. For more information, please visit www...

New Collection Offers a "T" for Everyone; Digital Experience Offers Creative Ways to Upcycle Old T-Shirts into Fashionable Accessories
NEW YORK, May 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Using the t-shirt as a medium for self-expression, Gap's new global marketing campaign captures how summer's favorite wardrobe staple is an effortless way to convey individual style. Emphasizing lush fabrics and updated figure-flattering fits in an optimistic range of colors and silhouettes, Be Your Own T highlights the three distinct categories of the new T collection—The Now Tees, The Essential Tees, and The G Tees— as well as other t-shirt-inspired styles including dresses, skirts, tanks and rompers.
"Be Your Own T expresses the qualities that make each one of us unique through the lens of a 'T,'" said Seth Farbman, Gap's Global Chief Marketing Officer...

Guides First Quarter EPS with Range of $0.44 to $0.46
SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Gap Inc. (NYSE: GPS) today reported that net sales for the first quarter of fiscal 2012 increased 6 percent compared with last year, and April 2012 net sales were flat compared with last year.
Net sales for the first quarter, which ended April 28, 2012, increased 6 percent to $3.49 billion compared with $3.30 billion for the first quarter last year. The company’s first quarter comparable sales, which include the associated comparable online sales, were up 4 percent compared with a 3 percent decrease in the first quarter last year.
“We delivered a solid first quarter as spring product continued to do well across all brands,” said Glenn Murphy, chairman and chief executive officer of Gap Inc...

Seasoned Apparel Executive from H&M, Stefan Larsson, To Grow Old Navy’s Domestic And International Business
SAN FRANCISCO - (BUSINESS WIRE) - Completing a global search that began in February, Gap Inc. (NYSE: GPS) today announced that Stefan Larsson, a veteran of nearly 15 years with the successful fashion retailer H&M, will become the first global brand president for Old Navy. Larsson will join the company by October. The announcement comes as Gap Inc. prepares to open its first Old Navy store outside North America, in Japan, in July.
“Stefan is a rising star within apparel retail, with proven experience in the value sector. He’s tackled some of the most complex challenges in our industry and has a deep appreciation for the need to balance great product and operational excellence,” said Glenn Murphy, chairman and CEO of Gap Inc...

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Gap Inc. (NYSE: GPS) today reported that March 2012 net sales increased 10 percent compared with last year.
Net sales for the five-week period ended March 31, 2012 were $1.46 billion compared with net sales of $1.33 billion for the five-week period ended April 2, 2011. The company’s comparable sales for March 2012, which include the associated comparable online sales, were up 8 percent compared with a 10 percent decrease for March 2011.
“We delivered solid sales performance in March and are pleased with customer response to product across all brands,” said Glenn Murphy, chairman and chief executive officer of Gap Inc.
Comparable sales for March 2012, including the associated comparable online sales, were as follows:

Gap North America: positive 9 percent versus negative 9 percent last year
Banana Republic North America: positive 5 percent versus negative 8 percent last year
Old Navy North America: positive 11 percent versus negative 12 percent last year
International: positive 2 percent versus negative 9 percent last year

April Sales
The company will report April sales on May 3, 2012...

Be the Smile that Changes Everything with Gap's Sixth Annual Casting Call Contest
SAN FRANCISCO, April 2, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Does your baby's giggle light up the room? Does your toddler say the cutest things? Does your child like to be a big helper? GapKids and babyGap clothes are brighter than ever as Gap begins its coast-to-coast search today for the brightest babies (ages four and under) and kids (ages five to 12) with its sixth annual North American Casting Call contest.
This year, as part of the submission process, Gap is asking parents to upload a photo of their child as well as a brief description of how their child brightens up the world. Being "bright" can mean anything—from a simple smile that brings joy to someone's day to a community service project that makes a difference...

Company Also Adds Lebanon, Georgia, and Azerbaijan to Global Growth Plans For 2012
SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Continuing to execute on its global expansion strategy, Gap Inc. (NYSE: GPS) announced today the opening of two new locations in South Africa under its strategic alliances channel.
“South Africa is the natural next step for expanding our presence on the continent. The country has a thriving economy and high Gap brand awareness, so we believe there is tremendous opportunity for us in the market.”
“We are excited to bring Gap’s casual American style and store experience to more customers in South Africa,” said Stefan Laban, managing director of strategic alliances for Gap Inc. “South Africa is the natural next step for expanding our presence on the continent...

SAN FRANCISCO, March 15, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Today Athleta, the women's sports and active lifestyle apparel brand owned by Gap Inc. (NYSE: GPS), announced its official 2012 sponsorship of the USA Women's Water Polo Team. Starting now through the rest of the year, the brand will provide the team with dry-land workout and active lifestyle apparel to help ensure the team is well equipped with high quality, technical athletic wear as they prepare for the London 2012 Olympic Games and beyond.
The partnership kicks off with a celebratory event tonight at the Athleta store at The Grove in Los Angeles. The entire USA Women's Water Polo Team, captained by the most decorated athlete in the world of women's water polo, Brenda Villa, will make a public appearance where fans can meet the women and share their personal best wishes for a triumphant Olympics...

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Gap Inc. (NYSE:GPS) today reported that February 2012 net sales increased 6 percent compared with last year.
“We’re pleased we delivered positive comps across our North America businesses during February and that customers responded well to our spring product”
Net sales for the four-week period ended February 25, 2012 were $874 million compared with net sales of $821 million for the four-week period ended February 26, 2011. The company’s comparable sales for February 2012, which include the associated comparable online sales, were up 4 percent compared with a 3 percent decrease for February 2011.
“We’re pleased we delivered positive comps across our North America businesses during February and that customers responded well to our spring product,” said Glenn Murphy, chairman and chief executive officer of Gap Inc...

Company Unveils Stores in Panamá, With Plans to Expand in Colombia, Uruguay, and Peru.
SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Continuing to execute on its international growth strategy, today, Gap Inc. (NYSE:GPS) announced its further expansion in Latin America. Leveraging its franchise model, the company has opened its first stores in Panamá and plans to introduce its brands to three additional Latin American countries: Colombia, Uruguay, and Peru.
“With a high rate of tourism and a rapidly growing demand for international retail brands, Panamá provides an ideal environment in which to introduce Gap and Banana Republic”
As part of its existing agreement with Superior Retail Inc., Gap Inc. has opened two stores - a Gap and Banana Republic - side by side, in the Albrook Mall in Panamá City – the largest mall in Panamá...

Nike vet assumes creative advisor role at Old Navy; Former Uniqlo executive named to lead International merchandising for Gap
SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As a sign of its commitment to bring on additional creative and product talent at the company, Gap Inc. (NYSE:GPS) today announced the appointment of two global apparel industry leaders: Jill Stanton in a newly-created role as creative advisor for Old Navy and Liz Meltzer as Senior Vice President of Gap International Merchandising.
“On the heels of Tracy Gardner coming back to Gap, we are thrilled that Jill Stanton will bring her talent and proven business experience as creative advisor to Old Navy to help us deliver consistently great product.”
“Boosting our already-strong creative talent is a key focus in 2012,” said Glenn Murphy, Chairman and CEO of Gap Inc...

Gap Partners with GQ and Designers for Opportunity to Create Limited-Edition Collection
NEW YORK, Feb. 23, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- GQ announced today the sixth annual Best New Menswear Designers in America. The project, established in 2007, has worked to advance and bring attention to up-and-coming American menswear designers. This year's group includes six highly regarded designers that were selected by GQ editor-in-chief Jim Nelson and creative director Jim Moore, along with the fashion editors of the magazine. As part of the program, all the designers will be featured in the April 2012 issue of GQ and will be given an opportunity to work with Gap to create a limited-edition collection.
"The talent pool of American men's fashion keeps getting deeper, with exciting and highly creative new designers breaking out all the time," said Nelson...

Innovative Digital Experience Brings Product to Life in a Fresh Way
NEW YORK, Feb. 14, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Reflecting a strong, optimistic point of view, Gap's new global marketing campaign celebrates the vibrancy of its spring product while expressing some of the many interpretations of what it means to "Be Bright" in the modern world — from how a person approaches life and expresses their individuality, to how color can evoke a mood or shape an outlook. Launching with its Spring 2012 collection, which is rooted in colored denim and khakis, this is the first creative expression of "Be Bright," which will show up in various ways in each market globally going forward.
"Be Bright speaks to what has always been the heart and soul of Gap—casual American style that's relevant for today and rooted in optimism," said Seth Farbman, Gap's Global Chief Marketing Officer...

Company Guides Q4 Earnings Per Share of $0.41 to $0.42, Above Consensus of $0.35.
SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Gap Inc. (NYSE: GPS) today reported that January 2012 net sales decreased 1 percent compared with last year.
“As we transition to a new year, our teams are focused on making the necessary steps to improve our business performance in 2012.”
Net sales for the four-week period ended January 28, 2012 were $833 million compared with net sales of $843 million for the four-week period ended January 29, 2011. The company’s comparable sales for January 2012, which include the associated comparable online sales, were down 4 percent compared with a 3 percent increase for January 2011.
In addition, the company reported that net sales for the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2011, which ended January 28, 2012, decreased 2 percent to $4...

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Gap Inc. today announced that Tom Wyatt, president of its Old Navy brand, has resigned in order to take a position at another company outside of the apparel retail business, effective February 3, 2012. The company has named two senior executives at Old Navy to lead the division, reporting to Gap Inc. Chairman and CEO Glenn Murphy, while a formal search for a new brand president is under way.
“We wish him the very best as he embarks upon this new phase of his career.”
“Tom Wyatt has been a passionate advocate for Old Navy over the past four years, and strengthened the brand by focusing on its core customers and unique value proposition,” said Glenn Murphy, chairman and CEO of Gap Inc...

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Gap Inc. (NYSE:GPS) today reported that December 2011 net sales decreased 1 percent compared with last year.
“We expected December to be highly promotional, and while we competed aggressively across our brands, our performance was below our expectations”
Net sales for the five-week period ended December 31, 2011 were $1.98 billion compared with net sales of $2.01 billion for the five-week period ended January 1, 2011. The company’s comparable sales for December 2011, which include the associated comparable online sales, were down 4 percent compared with a 2 percent decrease for December 2010.
“We expected December to be highly promotional, and while we competed aggressively across our brands, our performance was below our expectations,” said Glenn Murphy, chairman and CEO of Gap Inc...

Customers in Paris can now Shop Affordable Luxury Offering on Avenue Des Champs Elysées
PARIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today, Gap Inc. announced the opening of its first Banana Republic store in France. The flagship store is located in Paris on Avenue des Champs Élysées, one of the most popular international shopping destinations in the world. Known for its affordable luxury and modern versatile style, the 1,482 square meters (15,952 square feet) space will house the brand’s women’s and men’s collections and represents the most contemporary expression of the brand globally.
“With a growing base of loyal customers across Europe, both in our stores and online, we’re confident that shoppers in Paris will have a strong appetite for Banana Republic’s proposition of affordable luxury, as we open at this special time in the lead up to the holiday shopping period...

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE) Dec. 01, 2011--Gap Inc. (NYSE:GPS) today reported that November 2011 net sales decreased 3 percent compared with last year.
“Our brands stand ready to compete at every opportunity to win customers over – in stores and online.”
Net sales for the four-week period ended November 26, 2011 were $1.47 billion compared with net sales of $1.51 billion for the four-week period ended November 27, 2010. The company’s comparable sales for November 2011, which include the associated comparable online sales, were down 5 percent compared with a 5 percent increase for November 2010.
“This is just the start of the holiday selling season and we expect December to remain fiercely competitive and highly promotional," said Glenn Murphy, chairman and chief executive officer of Gap Inc...

Opening Celebrates First Anniversary for Gap in Greater China
HONG KONG--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Gap Inc. (NYSE:GPS) today announced the launch of its first flagship store in Hong Kong. The store will be Gap's ninth in the Greater China region as the company continues to expand the international reach of its brands through its franchise, online and company-operated channels.
“We’re very optimistic about our entry into Hong Kong and believe it’s a natural next step for our expansion strategy in China, especially given its international relevance as a gateway to the fashion world.”
The new store spans more than 15,000 square feet over four floors on the sought-after Queens Road in Hong Kong’s burgeoning Central District...