| Often when you think of trendy hip clothing | | | | In 1974 realizing the name recognition the |
| retailers you will think of Gap. The chain | | | | brand was developing the decision was made to |
| that is based in San Francisco, California | | | | start their own private label brands. By 1976 |
| was founded by Donald Fisher and Doris Fisher | | | | they were ready for their big coming out |
| in 1969. Today it operates over 3,000 stores | | | | party as the company was able to go public on |
| and employs over 150,000 people all over the | | | | both the New York and Pacific stock |
| world. In addition to its trademark brand it | | | | exchanges. Their initial public offering was |
| also owns and operates Banana Republic and | | | | for 1.2 million shares. |
| Old Navy stores as well. | | | | |
| | | | They have two other trademark brands that |
| When Donald and Doris Fisher opened that | | | | operate their own stores. Banana Republic |
| first store in 1969 they did so in a theatre | | | | which was bought in 1983 is an upscale line |
| located on Ocean Avenue in San Jose, | | | | of clothing but began as a catalog merchant |
| California. Early on it featured Levi's blue | | | | featuring safari themed clothes. The other |
| jeans, records and tapes. They were located | | | | one Old Navy was launched in 1994 and is |
| near San Francisco State University and were | | | | known as a value chain but with a specialty |
| trying to appeal to that younger hip | | | | flair. Together the three brands make up Gap |
| generation. Shortly after opening though they | | | | Inc. as it is known today. |
| decided to discontinue selling the records | | | | |
| and tapes and to concentrate on selling | | | | Over the years Gap Inc. has had its share of |
| clothes. | | | | problems. Everything from bad marketing and |
| | | | lack of focus to trademark disputes and labor |
| Gap saw a great deal of early success as they | | | | issues. But they continue to work through |
| were able to hit on what the younger | | | | these problems. Just imagine though the fact |
| generation wanted to wear at the time. This | | | | that a company with over 3,000 stores and |
| look consisted of blue jeans and white cotton | | | | 150,000 employees began as one store in an |
| t-shirts otherwise known as the "basic look". | | | | old theatre near a college. Donald Fisher and |
| By 1970 their store was doing a brisk $2 | | | | Doris Fisher had an idea and after finding |
| million a year in sales. They soon realized | | | | some success with that idea they were not |
| they would have to expand. And expand they | | | | afraid to run with it. Regardless of the |
| did. By 1973 they had grown to 25 stores and | | | | troubles of recent years they have left a |
| were able to open their first of soon to be | | | | legacy that will survive well into the |
| many east coast locations in Voorhees, New | | | | future. And giving others inspiration that |
| Jersey. | | | | they if those two can build something so |
| | | | great why can't we all. |