Worldwide clothing and accessories retailer Gap has announced its re-entry into the South African market through a distribution partnership with Hyvec Group.
The partnership will introduce the brand to customers through Gap-branded stores in South Africa and Mauritius, beginning with the launch of Gap’s first freestanding store in Johannesburg.
Gap opened its first store on November 26 in the Mall of Africa with the brand’s Summer and Fall collections for men, women, kids, toddlers and infants.
The store will offer a wide variety of elevated essentials including denim, t-shirts and hoodies as well as the brand’s signature logo products for the whole family.
“Since we exited the market in 2017, it has been a priority to evaluate future partnerships for Gap in South Africa and to restore confidence in our loyal Gap customer base. By partnering with Hyvec Group, we are opening an exciting chapter in our growth strategy and are incredibly energized about what the future holds,” said Roy Hunt, SVP of Inc. Franchise & Strategic Alliances.
Hyvec Group plans to carry out a sustained national growth plan with additional store openings in South Africa, as well as the Bagatelle Mall in Mauritius.
Earlier this year, Kanye West inked a 10-year deal with Gap to deliver a co-branded line of apparel to the market in 2021.
Under West’s creative direction, the YEEZY design studio will develop the new Yeezy Gap apparel to deliver modern, elevated basics for men, women, and kids at accessible price points, and will be made available at Gap stores and on its website. Additionally, West’s design vision will extend to unique YEEZY Gap expressions in Gap stores and digital channels over time.
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