Gap Inc. Franchise Launches Dedicated Canadian Online Shopping Site For Gap, Old Navy And Banana Republic
Innovative feature named 'Universality' allows Canadian customers to shop all three brands with one checkout, and free online or in store returns
August 25, 2010 // Franchising.com // Toronto, ON – As the company continues to expand internationally, Gap Inc., today launched its dedicated Canadian e-commerce site for Gap, Banana Republic and Old Navy stores (www.gapcanada.ca, www.bananarepublic.ca and www.oldnavy.ca) making it easier for busy women and men to shop for stylish clothing and accessories, from on-trend casual wear to modern suiting and back to school essentials for themselves or their family any time day or night.
"Canadians are increasingly seeking effective online retail options and we have made significant investments to build a dedicated e-commerce site in English and French to meet these needs," Toby Lenk, President of Gap Inc. Direct, the company's e-commerce division said. "Customers can now shop Gap, GapKids, babyGap, Banana Republic and Old Navy online with ease with one checkout, free returns and no hidden fees."
Rather than shipping orders from its fulfillment centres in the United States, Gap Inc. built a dedicated, in-country fulfillment centre in Bolton, Ontario, to make sure customers have better service and faster, reliable in-country shipping. Customers will not have to pay import and customs duties on any order and should receive faster shipments as they will not be delayed at customs. They can also take advantage of gift wrapping. Online orders are shipped by Canada Post.
Key features of the Gap Inc. three-in-one (gapcanada.ca, bananarepublic.ca and oldnavy.ca) online store include:
- Dedicated Canadian e-commerce site for Gap, Banana Republic and Old Navy (in English and French).
- Gap Inc.'s innovative "Universality" platform brings its brands together with global navigation and a universal shopping cart.
- Customers can seamlessly shop Gap, GapKids, babyGap, Banana Republic and Old Navy online with one shopping basket, one checkout and one shipping box.
- Fast, reliable shipping from Canada to Canada.
- No hidden charges or fees.
- Free, easy returns – free returns either in-store or online.
- Free shipping on purchases $50 or more until October 31, 2010.
- Safe, secure e-commerce experience.
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. Since that time, sales for Gap Inc. Direct have grown from $595 million in 2005 to $1.1 billion in 2009.
During the second quarter of 2010, Gap Inc. expanded its e-commerce reach from one country to 55 through international shipping, making Old Navy available for the first time to customers outside of North America. This is in addition to the dedicated e-commerce sites launching today in Canada and during this month in the United Kingdom. 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.
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.
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