Gap Inc. (San Francisco) will open five franchise-operated Old Navy stores in the Philippines in 2014.
Old Navy is partnering with fashion brand operator Stores Specialists Inc. (Makati, the Philippines), a subsidiary of Rustan Group of Cos. (Manila), Philippine high-end department store operator. Store Specialists already operates Gap and Banana Republic stores in the country.
The first two stores will open in Manila this month, one in the heart of Manila’s fashion and shopping district, Bonifacio High Street, and the other in the Glorietta mall. The rest are scheduled for the Manila area in the second half of the year.
“The Philippines is a natural fit for Old Navy as the country has a strong and growing economy, and consumers in the market are interested in iconic American apparel brands,” said Blair Dunn, gm, Old Navy Franchise. “Through local partners, we have immediate access to a deep understanding of the marketplace and consumer needs.”