Gap Goes to Africa
San Francisco–based Gap Inc. opens its first Gap store in Egypt this month 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.
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.
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.
