Gap to open stores in Serbia and Ukraine

San Francisco -- Gap plans to open stores in Serbia and Ukraine later this year as its continues to expand its international operations.



The chain said Friday that it signed new deals with existing franchise partners that will put Gap stores in Belgrade and Kiev.



According to Stephen Sunnucks, the company's international president, the Ukraine is the fastest-growing retail market in Eastern Europe, while Serbia has many young customers who enjoy shopping.



Gap has been making an international push, expanding from two to 24 countries throughout Asia, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East and Australia over the past five years. The retailer, which has about 180 franchise stores, plans to increase the total to 400 by fiscal 2015.