This month, Gap announced two significant launches in Europe including the migration of the UK’s e-commerce business to Next Total Platform and a standalone e-commerce website in France, fueling growth in the region and capitalizing on the opportunity to amplify the brand’s reach to deliver modern American style around the world. This news falls on the heels of the previously announced agreements with Next Plc in the United Kingdom and Ireland and with Hermione People and Brands in France to operate the company-operated business and grow Gap to its full potential within those markets.
In the UK, customers will have access to Gap’s full assortment of iconic product with the added benefit of NEXT’s strong operational capabilities and excellent customer service options, including a comprehensive click-and-collect service, free returns to 450 NEXT stores within the UK, next-day home delivery for £4.50 and free next-day delivery to NEXT or Gap stores. The launch of the new website is the second phase of the joint venture between the two companies, following the opening of the first Gap-branded shop-in-shop in NEXT's largest West End store on London’s Oxford Street in March. In addition, Gap announced that five Gap-branded shop-in-shops are set to open in locations across the UK by the end of 2022.
In France, Hermione People and Brands is now providing an omni-channel offering to customers in the market with the launch of their e-commerce channel, the first-ever Gap standalone website to launch in France. Customers can now shop on Gap-France.fr and at over 20 freestanding stores throughout the country.
“We are deeply committed to our customers in Europe, and know that it is a market with enormous potential for our brand,” said Adrienne Gernand, Managing Director of International, Global Licensing and Wholesale at Gap Inc. “The growth that we are unlocking through local partnerships with market leading retailers like Next Plc and Hermione People and Brands is allowing us to not only connect with new and existing customers, but to provide them with personalized, service-oriented experiences. Diversification of our business through channel growth and optimization is key to effectively meeting our customers’ needs and building and maintaining their loyalty.”
Gap’s Partner to Amplify strategy focuses on working with best-in-class companies who are experts in their space to drive market, category, and channel diversification, accelerate growth, and reach new and existing customers. The launch of these new channels in key European markets that are operated by regional experts allows the brand to offer a more personalized experience for the customer through powerful omni-channel platforms, localized and differentiated product assortments, and enhanced service and convenience.