Gap Plans Big Push in Beauty/Accessories

Gap Inc. (San Francisco) has hired four high-profile executives to oversee a major expansion into the beauty and accessories markets. One of the first initiatives those execs will oversee is the installation of B&A shop-in-shops in the retailer’s Old Navy unit.

Named to oversee the initiative are:

* Deb Redmond, General Manager of Beauty. Redmond was previously at Nordstrom for two decades, where she held senior leadership roles including SVP Division Merchandise Manager for Beauty.
* Michele Parsons, General Manager of Accessories. Her career includes stints working on such brands as Kate Spade, Coach, J.Crew and Tommy Hilfiger.
* John Demsey and Reed Krakoff, Executive Directors of Beauty and Accessories. Demsey is former Executive Group President of Estée Lauder, while Krakoff has had worked on such brands Coach and Tiffany & Co., and Creative Chairman of John Hardy and Strategic Advisor for L Catterton.

“With the support of these newly hired, best-in-class industry leaders and their unparalleled expertise to guide and advise our beauty and accessories businesses, we’re well poised to not only expand our product offerings but establish these categories as promising growth engines for our portfolio,” said Gap President & CEO Richard Dickson. “I couldn’t be more excited about the journey ahead and the exceptional talent who will help guide the way.”

To grow its share of the $100 billion U.S. beauty and personal care market, Gap Inc. said it will launch its push into the sector first at Old Navy, including an initial expansion of the brand’s curated, family-friendly assortment this fall in 150 stores. Many of those will feature dedicated shop-in-shops.

Looking ahead, Gap will launch Beauty in 2026, further expanding the company’s portfolio of offerings, with more to come. Similarly, Gap Inc. will apply a deliberate, phased approach to the expansion of accessories, building on its existing presence in handbags, jewelry and leather goods.

Gap Inc. describes itself as the largest specialty apparel company in America, operating the Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic and Athleta brands.