Gap Inc. Opens First Banana Republic Flagship in France00:00 EST Thursday, December 08, 2011 PARIS (Business Wire) -- Today,Gap Inc. announced the opening of its first Banana Republic store in France. The flagship store is located in Paris on Avenue des Champs Élysées, one of the most popular international shopping destinations in the world. Known for its affordable luxury and modern versatile style, the 1,482 square meters (15,952 square feet) space will house the brand's women's and men's collections and represents the most contemporary expression of the brand globally. “We are thrilled to open our first Banana Republic store in France – a brand-building flagship in Paris - and reach yet another important milestone for our international growth strategy,” said Stephen Sunnucks, president, International, Gap Inc. “With a growing base of loyal customers across Europe, both in our stores and online, we're confident that shoppers in Paris will have a strong appetite for Banana Republic's proposition of affordable luxury, as we open at this special time in the lead up to the holiday shopping period.” The flagship store is part of Gap Inc.'s ongoing strategy to bring its distinct portfolio of brands, which includes Banana Republic, to new markets around the world. In 2010, the company opened its first Banana Republic store in Milan, Italy and also made Banana Republic products available to European customers online through the launch of its dedicated e-commerce site (www.bananarepublic.eu), which now services 21 European countries. Earlier this year, Gap Inc. opened its first Banana Republic franchise store in Moscow, Russia. As of today, there are around 600 Banana Republic stores throughout North America, Asia, Europe and the Middle East through Gap Inc.'s company operated and franchise stores. Product: Since its founding in 1978, Banana Republic has established itself as a brand offering a range of stylish, versatile wardrobe solutions delivering elevated design and luxurious fabrications at approachable prices to customers around the world. The Paris flagship will offer the brand's covetable, uncomplicated style that works from day to night with men's and women's ready-to-wear apparel, accessories, and personal care products, including Monogram – a collection of wardrobe builders and statement makers that represent the very best of Banana Republic. Each item is created in limited quantities using the finest fabrics, most refined techniques and meticulous attention to detail. Customer Service: To create the ultimate shopping experience, the Paris store will host trained personal stylists who customers can book appointments with to obtain free styling advice. These appointments will be tailored to individual needs with alterations also provided and can be booked in person or over the phone. In addition, to accommodate customers from around the world, Banana Republic Paris store employees are fluent in over 15 languages collectively. Store Design: The two floor space has been renovated to combine contemporary and traditional elements that evoke the brand's essence. The store's unique architecture and rich materials are inspired by French heritage and connect back to America through an exhibition of iconic imagery curated by Michael Hoppen. Many of the building's original architectural details have been retained and updated; the contemporary white and black diamond marble floors combined with limestone, sweeping marble feature staircase and an old era style lift offering elegant access to the main shopping area lit by a Charles Edwards chandelier. French Art Deco antiques, sophisticated curved ebony paneling and black enamel detailing create the feeling of a residential environment while a series of neoclassical arches and vaults evoke a shopping promenade. Address: 22 Avenue des Champs Élysées, Paris, 75008 Website www.bananarepublic.eu Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than those that are purely historical are forward-looking statements. Words such as “expect,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “project,” and similar expressions also identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include statements regarding the following: International growth strategy Bringing Banana Republic to new markets around the world Appetite for Banana Republic in Paris Because these forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, there are important factors that could cause the company's actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. These factors include, without limitation, the following: The risk that changes in general economic conditions or consumer spending patterns will have a negative impact on the company's strategies; The highly competitive nature of the company's business internationally; The risk that the company or its franchisees will be unsuccessful in gauging fashion trends and changing consumer preferences; The risk that the company's efforts to expand internationally may not be successful and could impair the value of its brands; The risk that the company's franchisees will be unable to successfully open, operate, and grow the company's franchised stores; The risk that the company or its franchisees will be unsuccessful in identifying, negotiating, and securing new store locations effectively; The risk that the company will be unsuccessful in implementing its strategic, operating and people initiatives; The risk that updates or changes to the company's information technology (“IT”) systems may disrupt its operations; The risk that acts or omissions by the company's third-party vendors, including a failure to comply with the company's code of vendor conduct, could have a negative impact on its reputation or operations; The risk that the company will not be successful in defending various proceedings, lawsuits, disputes, claims, and audits; and The risk that changes in the regulatory or administrative landscape could adversely affect the company's financial condition, strategies, and results of operations. Additional information regarding factors that could cause results to differ can be found in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 29, 2011, as well as its subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. These forward-looking statements are based on information as of December 8, 2011. The company assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise its forward-looking statements even if experience or future changes make it clear that any projected results expressed or implied therein will not be realized. About Banana Republic Banana Republic is a global accessible luxury brand that delivers modern, soulful and effortless style. Banana Republic's lifestyle collections are characterized by elevated design and luxurious fabrications at approachable prices. Banana Republic collections include apparel, handbags, jewelry, fragrance and eyewear. Banana Republic, a division of San Francisco-based, Gap Inc. (NYSE: GPS), can be found at over 600 retail locations in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Japan, Italy, BananaRepublic.com, BananaRepublic.can, BananaRepublic.eu, or (888) BR-STYLE. In addition, Banana Republic is expanding its international presence with franchise agreements in Asia, Europe and the Middle East. About Gap Inc. Gap Inc. is a leading global specialty retailer offering clothing, accessories, and personal care products for men, women, children, and babies under the Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy, Piperlime, and Athleta brands. Fiscal year 2010 net sales were $14.7 billion. Gap Inc. products are available for purchase in over 90 countries worldwide through about 3,100 company-operated stores, about 200 franchise stores, and e-commerce sites. For more information, please visit www.gapinc.com. Gap Inc. Media RelationsCatherine Rhoades, 415-427-2807press@gap.com