Athleta Makes East Coast Debut

Gap Inc.’s active lifestyle apparel brand Athlete has opened two retail locations in Manhattan’s Upper East and Upper West side neighborhoods, marking the brand’s entry into the East Coast market.

The San Francisco-based brand plans to open up to 50 stores by 2013. “Entering New York is a significant milestone for us as we aim to grow our share of the $31 billion women’s active wear market,” says Scott Key, senior vp and general manager of Athleta. “Thanks to our successful catalog business, we already know there’s a highly concentrated customer base in the New York metropolitan area and we’re excited to bring our loyal and new customers two beautiful stores where they can build strong, inspiring communities around the athletic pursuits they love.”

The new stores will offer shoppers Athleta’s collection of women’s active lifestyle apparel for yoga, running, swim, gym, hiking and skiing – designed by and for female athletes – as well as other products for both athletic and everyday pursuits.

The stores are located at 216 Columbus Avenue on the Upper West Side and 1517 3rd Avenue on the Upper East Side. Both stores feature modern, clean designs in keeping with the New York aesthetic and complement Athleta’s inspirational catalog imagery with sleek steel and warm wood trim at the cash wraps and in the dressing room seating areas.