Gap makes return to high street with Next shop-in-shop
Gap has made a return to the UK high street with the opening of the first Gap-branded shop-in-shop within Next’s biggest West End store on London’s Oxford Street.
The move marks the first stage in a joint venture franchise relationship which will manage Gap’s ecommerce business and Gap-branded shop-in-shops at Next locations. This forms part of plans to re-establish the US clothing retailer’s bricks-and-mortar presence in the UK and Ireland.
Spanning 4,000 square feet, the Gap offering is the largest branded shop within the store. Customers can shop from a range of everyday essentials including denim, fleece, khakis, shirting and logo items for women, men and kids. The space also features a customisation shop offering embroidery, badging and monogramming services.
Work is also underway to migrate Gap’s ecommerce business to the Next’s platform as well as integrate operational capabilities including a click-and-collect service, next-day delivery, and a variety of customer service options.
Jon Jeffrey, managing director of the joint venture, said: “I am so excited at the coming together of these two iconic businesses to relaunch the Gap brand in the UK and Ireland, and in particular I’m thrilled at the opportunity to bring Gap’s Modern, American Optimism to our customers at our new London store at 120 Oxford Street.”
Adrienne Gernand, managing director of international, global licensing and wholesale at Gap, added: “We look forward to continue growing the Gap business in the UK through our joint venture with Next Plc. Partnering with market leading, omni-channel retailers like NEXT Plc allows us to amplify and deliver our relevant, purpose-driven brand to meet our customers in the UK and Ireland – and with greater speed, agility, and customer services than ever before.”
