Gap all set to hit India fashion market in partnership with Arvind Lifestyle

The Gap, Inc., an American multinational clothing and accessories retail giant in partnership with domestic textile company Arvind Lifestyle Brands is all set to enter the Indian fashion market with its first store in Delhi this May. Oliver Kaye has been appointed as the business head of the division dealing with the American brand.

Besides, this will be Kaye’s second stint in India as he was appointed as the head of Calvin Klein India in 2008 and held the post for a month short of two years.

J Suresh, managing director and CEO of Arvind Lifestyle Brands and Arvind Retail said that they primarily zeroed in on Kaye because of his rich international experience in retail and his earlier stint in India made it more compelling for us to have him lead the Gap division. They have multiple divisions under Arvind Lifestyle. Gap will be another division, for which they have recently appointed Kaye as business head and general manager who will be operating out of Bengaluru.

Arvind Lifestyle is looking at opening 40 franchise-operated Gap stores in the first few years. Gap stores will offer clothes for all sections including men, women, kids and babies from the very first store in Delhi from the first day. The pricing is based on what is right for India.

Today, Gap operates six of the most recognized apparel brands in the world – Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy, Piperlime, Athleta and Intermix in more than 90 countries worldwide through about 3,300 company-operated stores, almost 400 franchise stores, and e-commerce sites