SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Continuing the tradition of giving shoppers a jump start on the Black Friday holiday, Gap Inc. today announced that nearly 1,000 stores across its brands will open on Thanksgiving in the U.S.
“Our customers have given us terrific feedback about the option of getting a head start on their shopping on Thanksgiving Day”
Eighty percent of the Old Navy stores in America will open, along with stores from the Gap, Banana Republic, Gap Outlet, and Banana Republic Factory divisions. In addition, all eight Athleta stores will be open, and the newest Gap Inc. brand will open its ninth store, in Minneapolis, on Black Friday.
“Our customers have given us terrific feedback about the option of getting a head start on their shopping on Thanksgiving Day,” said Tom Wyatt, president of Old Navy. “It’s a fun environment for the whole family, and a welcome excursion for those looking to get ahead or take a break from the holiday festivities. This is a win-win for our brand and our shoppers alike.”
In addition, Gap Inc. has announced the launch of Shop Yourself Social, the company’s first cross-branded campaign designed to help shoppers cut through the online and social media deal frenzy and find the best deals on gifts they would love to give (or get) this holiday season. The campaign’s site, www.ShopYourselfSocial.com, offers real-time tips and tricks to get the most out of social shopping as well as convenient access to all five Gap Inc. brands’ social networking channels. Visitors to the site can find the latest feeds and information on each brand’s store openings, events and promotions, including:
According to the National Retail Federation’s 2011 Holiday Consumer Intentions and Actions Survey, more than half (52.6 percent) of smartphone owners say they will use their devices to research products this holiday season. In response to this demand, Gap Inc. this year is offering two mobile shopping options for customers on-the-go.
Working with Visa, the company announced it has expanded its Gap Mobile4U program, to deliver offers and promotions for Banana Republic (BR mobile 4U), and Old Navy (Old Navy 4U) in addition to Gap brands – delivering personalized offers triggered in real time for the holidays and throughout the year. Customers who opt into the service will receive tailored discounts and promotions via SMS text messages when qualifying transactions are made with enrolled Visa accounts. Sent directly to their mobile devices, customers simply redeem their special offers by presenting the text message at select Gap, Banana Republic and Old Navy stores nationwide. Customers can sign up to receive offers for the brands of their choice at www.visa.com/gapmobile4u.
Earlier this year, Gap Inc. launched a new and improved mobile optimized shopping experience for iPhone and Android. Mobile shoppers can take advantage of an easy shopping experience, even while waiting in line.
“Our mobile optimized sites were created so our customers could have real-time access to the same service, experience and product promotions that they would have on the website,” said Toby Lenk, president of Gap Inc. Direct. “We’re excited that our customers will have access to our newly optimized site this holiday, and we’ll do everything in our power to fulfill their holiday shopping needs.”
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 2010 net sales were $14.7 billion. Gap Inc. products are available for purchase in over 90 countries worldwide through about 3,100 company-operated stores, about 200 franchise stores, and e-commerce sites. For more information, please visit www.gapinc.com.
Contacts
Gap Inc.
Investor Relations:
Mike Jenkins
415-427-4454
investor_relations@gap.com
Media Relations:
Liz Nunan, 415-427-5537
press@gap.com
Gap Inc. is a leading global retailer offering clothing, accessories, and personal care products for men, women, and children under the Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy, Athleta, and Intermix brands.