Gap Inc. unveils China expansion plans

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Apparel retailer Gap Inc. on Wednesday unveiled details of its entry into China, announcing plans to open four Gap brand stores this year and launch an e-commerce website.

The stores -- two in Beijing and two in Shanghai -- will feature a full range of Gap adult, GapKids and BabyGap products. The San Francisco-based company, parent to the Gap, Banana Republic and Old Navy brands, said the moves marked the start of a ‘long-term, multi-channel’ strategy in rapidly growing China.

‘After spending a lot of time listening to Chinese consumers and learning more about their shopping preferences, we’re excited at the prospect of meeting their fashion needs,’ Gap Inc. Chief Executive Glenn Murphy said in a statement.

Gap Inc. operates about 3,100 stores worldwide.

-- Andrea Chang