Gap moves international operations to London
Wednesday, 20 April 2011
Gap is to return to London in a bid to unify its international operations. Our of London Gap will seize global business opportunities by bringing together its company-operated and franchise stores across Europe, the Middle East, North Africa,
Asia Pacific and South America. Stephen Sunnucks, CEO of Gap International, is responsible for 530 stores across 30 countries, including eight of the world’s top 10 apparel retail markets.“O
ur successful openings in China and Italy have given us further evidence that we have a strong game plan for entering and expanding into International markets through a unique combination of online, specialty retail, outlet and franchise stores,” said Glenn Murphy, chairman and CEO of Gap Inc. “Bringing our four International business units under the leadership of a proven global retail executive like Stephen Sunnucks allows us to leverage resources, operate consistently, and grow the business at an accelerated rate.”Sunnucks added, “As we’ve expanded into new countries and introduced additional brands from our portfolio, our distinctively American aesthetic has resonated very well, everywhere from Milan to Shanghai to Sydney. We have the flexibility to adapt our formats for each market so that we can gain a larger share of the $1.4 trillion global apparel retail market.”
In addition to bringing together its International operations, the company also announced that John Ermatinger, currently president of Gap Inc.’s Asia Pacific Region, will take on a new role establishing Old Navy International. Ermatinger begins the new role in June, with the objective of opening Old Navy in Japan by the end of 2012. Gap Inc. started shipping products to over 90 countries in 2010, and Old Navy is the top performing Gap Inc. brand in 50 of those 90 countries, demonstrating the appeal of the brand outside North America.
“The Old Navy brand is well known globally for offering customers value, fashion, and a fun shopping experience for the entire family. We now have the International infrastructure in place to launch Old Navy in a cost effective manner in new markets through our range of channels,” added Murphy.
Today’s announcement builds on the company’s recent formation of a Gap Global Creative Center in New York, aimed at improving performance and executing one global design vision for Gap brand around the world.
Image: Gap SS11
