Gap storefront in Seattle (iStock photo / carterdayne
If nothing else, it’s been a good year for global brands in the Czech Republic: Primark is due to open its first shop in the Czech capital this fall, a Levis flagship opened in Old Town this past July, and this week saw the highly-anticipated opening of airport-kiosk staple Cinnabon at Galerie Harfa. Now coming soon, bootcuts and v-necks from an American icon.
Czech server Mediar is reporting that Gap Inc. has entered into a distribution partnership with Czech company CS Retail 1969 from the CS Apparel Group. The venture is set to bring The Gap to the Czech Republic and Slovakia, through branded stores.
According to the report, an e-shop focused primarily on The Gap Logo and denim collections will launch operations as early as September; in addition, Gap will establish wholesale representation for the Czech and Slovak markets.
In terms of timing, The Gap released a statement saying, “The wholesale channel and exclusive retail stores will be gradually open from the end of 2020. The portfolio will be complemented by limited collections such as sustainable products known from Gap stores around the world.”
CS Retail 1969 which owns and operates more than a hundred stores throughout the Czech Republic, will be the exclusive distributor of the Gap brand for the Czech and Slovak markets.
The company’s CEO Jan Fahoun told the Czech server, “We see both markets as a very interesting opportunity.” He goes on to say that the company will be able to offer an omnichannel shopping experience new and existing customers who may have only purchased Gap products abroad.
“The basis will be a fast and trouble-free shopping experience, regardless of whether the customer visits our store physically or remotely,” says Fahoun. No word as to where the physical stores will be located yet.
Established in San Francisco in 1969 as a denim and record shop, today Gap operates 1,643 stores globally. It includes Banana Republic, Old Navy, and several other flagship brands among its portfolio.
The company recently announced the closures of hundreds of stores due to the financial repercussions of the coronavirus pandemic. Plagued by labor issues in the past, the iconic retailer has been making efforts to put the brand on a more sustainable path.