The Second Coming of Khaki

New York Times, August 20, 2008 — ON Monday afternoon, as the ballyhooed new designs of Gap’s fall collection by Patrick Robinson began appearing at its store on Fifth Avenue and 54th Street, a line of customers stretched well around the corner — at Abercrombie & Fitch, that is, two blocks away.Fashion magazines have heralded the recent arrival of Mr. Robinson at Gap in reverential tones (he is actually called a “megabrand messiah” in the September issue of Elle), and the windows announce in big block letters that a “New Shape” is in store.

TV Ads 'a Waste of Money' for the Back-in-Black Gap†

40% Jump in Profits Indicates Merchandising Initiatives Are Paying Off

Advertising Age, May 26, 2008 — By shunning TV, Gap looks to turn itself around. The brand once known for its peppy, elaborate commercials has struggled in recent years to attract consumers in an increasingly competitive retail environment. But now that it's shelved TV advertising — the brand has been off the airwaves for several quarters — and is focusing on merchandising initiatives, Gap seems to be on the right financial track.

Gap Tests New Designs to Pull Out of Dive†

Wall Street Journal, April 25, 2007 — Gap Inc. clothes will grace the cover of Vogue's May issue for the first time in more than a decade, highlighting its partnership with up-and-coming fashion designers. Gap? And Vogue? Sounds like a stretch, but industry watchers applaud the splashy debut of the San Francisco company's latest collection of women's bow-detailed blouses, trapeze mini-dresses and tie-neck shirts with puffed sleeves.

Gap Chief Offers Harsh Diagnosis†

Fisher Faults Past Of Poor Leadership, Strategic Missteps

Wall Street Journal, March 2, 2007 — Gap Inc. interim Chief Executive Robert Fisher said it will take time for the retailer to recover from what he diagnosed as bad leadership, misguided efforts to centralize some creative tasks and a vague definition of its target customers.

Gap shutting down Forth & Towne chain

Reuters, February 26, 2007 — Retailer Gap Inc. (NYSE:GPS - news), seeking to focus on problems at its two main apparel chains, said on Monday it would shut down its newest chain, Forth & Towne, a move that will affect about 550 employees. The company expects pretax expenses of $40 million for the closure of the 19 Forth & Towne stores in 10 U.S. markets. The expenses will be recognized over the first and second quarters.

Mommy Blogs: A Marketer's Dream†

Growing Number of Well-Produced Sites Put Advertisers in Touch With an Affluent, Loyal Demo

Advertising Age, February 26, 2007 — Looking for a word-of-mouth network run by tech-savvy media pros who work cheap and have a direct line to a demographic that spends more than $2 trillion a year? Marketers, behold: blogging mommies.

Paul Pressler's Fall From The Gap

Hailed on his arrival, the former CEO is now viewed as "the wrong guy at the wrong time"

BusinessWeek, February 26, 2007 — When Paul S. Pressler arrived as the chief executive officer of Gap Inc. (GPS ) in the fall of 2002, he was exactly what the board wanted--or at least what it thought it wanted. The polished, good-looking Disney veteran was a hard-nosed operations wizard, not a dreamy fashion junkie. He seemed to be just the man to restore discipline to the floundering company.

Gap Is in Need of a Niche

New York Times, January 27, 2007 — In the fall of 2004, Gap put on a splashy ad campaign called, “How do you wear it?” with Lenny Kravtiz and Sarah Jessica Parker. It featured the pair dancing in customized Gap jeans — his with metal studs down the seam; hers with a waist-to-cuff velvet ribbon.

Amex 'pulls' consumers to push its plastic†

Financial Times, January 31, 2006 — Against that backdrop, the Irish rock star's idea about a credit card for the caring struck a commercial chord.