Gap Inc. (San Francisco) has set its sights on Italy as the apparel retailer plans to enter Milan’s retail landscape with Gap and Banana Republic flagship stores opening side by side in Milan’s Corso Vittorio Emanuele. Additional locations in other Italian cities, including Rome, are expected to follow in 2011, as part of the company’s long-term growth investments.
“As we continue to expand our global presence and deliver our customers great product, we are excited to enter another market that’s also one of the top five apparel markets in the world,” says Stephen Sunnucks, president Europe and international franchise, Gap Inc. “With loyal shoppers already in London and Paris, we think Gap Inc.’s brands will strongly resonate with Italian customers.”
The 25,500-square-foot Gap flagship in Milan will span three floors, and house collections from Gap, GapKids, babyGap, GapBody and GapMaternity. The Banana Republic location will measure 17,500 square feet and house the women’s and men’s ready-to-wear collections, accessories and personal care products.
Gap Inc. operates more than 3000 stores in the U.S., U.K., Canada, France, Japan and Ireland, with more than 170 Gap brand stores in Europe. The company is also expanding its international presence through franchise agreements in Asia, Europe, Latin America and the Middle East.
The company also recently announced plans for an online shopping site for Gap and Banana Republic to the U.K. and nine other European countries, including Italy.