Gap is expanding its footprint across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) through Chalhoub Group to launch its brands – Gap, Banana Republic, and Athleta – in the region.

Eric Chan, Gap’s chief business and strategy officer, said the partnership will leverage Chalhoub Group’s regional retail and e-commerce expertise to reach a wider audience.

“Gap was built on the idea of bringing modern American style to people everywhere, and this partnership with Chalhoub Group allows us to do that in one of the world’s most dynamic and fast-growing retail regions,” Chan said.

The rollout will take place in phases, beginning with online launches across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait, followed by the opening of physical stores next year.

David Vercruysse, president of managed companies at Chalhoub Group, said the retailer sees significant long-term growth potential for the brands in the region.

“We are ready to kick off this new chapter of growth in the GCC, with new projects together already planned for the second half of the year,” he said.

Gap is an American brand known its casual apparel and denim, its subsidiaries are Banana Republic which targets the premium lifestyle segment, and Athleta for women’s activewear and performance apparel.

Established in 1955, Chalhoub Group has built a portfolio of more than 10 owned brands and manages the distribution and marketing of more than 400 international brands.

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