Clothing retailer Gap outlined its growth strategy in an analyst’s briefing late last week and told investors that it plans to open a UK transactional website during 2010, with expansion into the online markets in the UK and Canada described as ‘top priorities’ for the firm’s Gap Inc Direct division:
Gap Inc. Direct has grown from US$595 million in sales in fiscal year 2005 to more than $1 billion in sales for fiscal year 2008, and continues to offer growth opportunities for the company.
In 2009, Gap Inc. Direct successfully integrated acquired active wear brand Athleta into its online platform. In addition, the company added contemporary apparel to its online shoe and handbag shop, Piperlime.
To more deeply engage with existing customers and allow potential customers to better understand clothing options and fits, Gap Inc. Direct recently added customer reviews across all of its brands’ e-commerce sites.
The division’s top priorities for 2010 focus on international expansion by offering customers in Canada and the United Kingdom the ability to shop online.
Gap is a notable absentee from the UK online retail scene, but its entry to the market has long been expected.
