Gap in British comeback — via a joint venture

Gap has returned to the British retail scene months after closing all of its company-operated stores in the U.K.

Gap opened a 4,000-sq.-ft. shop-in-shop in British fashion giant’s Next’s largest West End store on London’s Oxford Street. The opening is part of a joint venture that the U.S. company entered into with Next in September to grow the Gap business in the U.K. and Republic of Ireland. Next will manage Gap’s e-commerce business as well as Gap-branded shop-in-shops at Next locations.

Next operates roughly 500 stores in the U.K. and Ireland. It also has a fast-growing online marketplace that features about 700 fashion, home and beauty brands.

Gap Inc. announced last July that it was closing all 81 of its company-owned stores in the U.K. and Ireland. At the time, the company said that partnerships “are a strong and cost-effective way to amplify the brand in international markets.”  

“We look forward to continue growing the Gap business in the U.K. through our joint venture with Next Plc,” said Adrienne Gernand, managing director of international, global licensing and wholesale at Gap Inc. “Partnering with market leading, omnichannel retailers like Next Plc allows us to amplify and deliver our relevant, purpose-driven brand to meet our customers in the U.K. and Ireland—and with greater speed, agility, and customer services than ever before.”

Gap said its shop-in-shop at Next reflects the brand’s reinvented approach to retail in the U.K. with an open, modern and minimal design. The assortment includes curated collections of denim, fleece, khakis, shirting and iconic logo product for women, men and kids. A customization shop offers embroidery, badging and monogramming services. A comprehensive click-and-collect service, next-day delivery and a variety of customer service options will be offered starting later this year.

[Read More: CSA Exclusive: Gap Inc. exec talks about retailer’s supply chain transformation]