Gap to launch Factory stores in Canada

US fashion retailer Gap has expanded its outlet business into Canada for the first time, in an effort to reach value-conscious customers in a new market.

The outlet division stores will trade under the fascias Banana Republic Factory and Gap Factory in the Canadian market.

The first stores will be based in Vaughan Mills Mall, Ontario.

Banana Republic Factory stores will offer affordable womens- and menswear for work and weekend looks, while Gap Factory will offer American classic clothing and accessories for women, men, children and babies.

Art Peck, president of Gap Outlet and executive vice-president of corporate strategy and operations, said: "Our focus is on improving our core brands, while we also identified growth opportunities in our international and online business. Bringing our outlet brands to Canada is the perfect next step."

The outlet division started in 1994 and has grown to several hundred Banana Republic Factory and Gap Outlet stores in the US, UK and Japan.

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