Gap Coming to India Through Reliance Retail Partnership

Indian retail giant Reliance Retail Limited is bringing American fashion brand Gap to India through a long-term franchise agreement, according to a Wednesday (July 6) press release.

The partnership makes Reliance the official retailer for Gap across all channels in India.

Reliance will use a mix of exclusive brand stores, multi-brand store expressions and digital commerce platforms to introduce Gap’s latest fashion offerings to shoppers across India, the release says, noting the goal is to leverage Gap’s position as a leading casual lifestyle brand since 1969.

“Gap continues to build on its heritage grounded in denim and connect with customers online and in company-operated and franchise retail locations globally,” the press release says. “With a strong vision of doing more than selling clothes, Gap shapes culture, championing a uniquely radical and optimistic sense of American style by bridging the gap between individuals, generations and cultures.”

“At Reliance Retail, we pride ourselves in bringing the latest and best to our customers and we are happy to announce the addition of iconic American brand, Gap to our fashion and lifestyle portfolio,” said Akhilesh Prasad, CEO, Fashion & Lifestyle, Reliance Retail Ltd, in the press release.

“We believe that Reliance and Gap complement each other in their vision to bring industry-leading fashion products and retail experiences to their consumers,” he said.

The partnership will bring Gap’s “youthful, optimistic fashion for men, women and kids” to shoppers across India, per the press release.

“We look forward to growing the Gap business across key international markets,” said Adrienne Gernand, Managing Director of International, Global Licensing and Wholesale at Gap Inc., in the press release.

“Partnering with regional experts, like Reliance Retail in India, allows us to deliver our relevant, purpose-driven brand to customers around the globe, while continuing to diversify our business portfolio through our partner-based model,” she said.

Related: Gap Unveils Demit Omphroy and DOGAMÍ NFTs

In June, Gap unveiled its third collection of limited-edition non-fungible tokens (NFTs) in partnership with artist and former professional soccer player Demit Omphroy, expanding a collaboration that also includes a graphic T-shirt collection sold at Gap stores.

The Gap x Demit graphic Ts are part of the brand’s Artist Series and feature Omphroy’s art, which “depicts life through vibrant colors and an expressionistic style.”