9 July 2011, 06:00 a.m.

San Francisco–based Gap Inc. opens its first Gap store in Egypt in July and, in October, will open Gap and Banana Republic stores in Morocco.

The company has been selling its products to African consumers since last year through its international online shipping provider. The new Egyptian and Moroccan stores represent a chance to bring the Gap “store experience” to the African market. Both stores are the result of franchise agreements.

The stores will house Gap, GapKids and babyGap collections and Banana Republic’s accessible luxury clothes and accessories for men and women.

In Egypt, the agreement is through the Fawaz Al Hokair Group, which is opening a Gap store in the Mall of Arabia in Cairo first, then two more Gap stores in Cairo in October. Aksal Group has the franchise in Morocco and will open Gap and Banana Republic stores at the new Morocco Mall in Casablanca.

“We are thrilled to be taking another important step in our franchise business and global expansion strategy by bringing our store experience to consumers in Africa for the first time,” said Stephen Sunnucks, president of International, Gap Inc. “The rapidly growing consumer base in North Africa provides an ideal environment to introduce both Gap and Banana Republic to the continent.” 

In the last five years, Gap has expanded its franchise store base to more than 180 stores in 29 countries. The company plans to have 400 franchise stores by 2014.

Gap History

Gap was founded in 1969, in San Francisco, California by Doris and Don Fisher. Their goal was to make it easier for customers to find a great fitting pair of jeans and an easy-to-shop store experience.  

Gap recently introduced 1969 Premium Jeans. Building on 40 years of denim experience, Gap reinvented the premium denim category by delivering superior fit, finishes and detail.  

Gap delivers quality items in denim, khaki and knits in great styles and colors.

Banana Republic History

Banana Republic was founded in 1978, as a travel and safari company. The name as well as the original store aesthetic was intended to reflect this spirit of travel. When Gap Inc. acquired the company in 1983, the company retained the brand name.

Today Banana Republic offers a range of great versatile wardrobe solutions - covetable, uncomplicated style that works from day to night. Characterized by elevated design, luxurious fabrications and approachable prices, the collections include apparel, handbags, jewelry, fragrance and eyewear.