Gap Apparel Launches New Brand Forth & Towne

SAN FRANCISCO, April 21 /PRNewswire-PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Gap Inc. (NYSE: GPS) revealed today that the company’s brand name reflects the new concept of Women's apparel retail sales. Towne. Forth & Towne is the latest concept in the Gap clothing line. Other brands include Gap, Banana Republic and Old Navy.

Paul Pressler, president and chief executive officer of Gap Apparel, said at the investment information briefing: “Forth & Towne brand focuses on women over 35 years of age. Its launch is a once for Gap clothing. Important long-term development opportunities."

The Forth & Towne brand will land in four fallout trials in Chicago and one trial sale in New York in the fall of 2005. The brand will offer a variety of sizes and varieties designed to fit different body sizes and occasions.

Gary Muto, president of Forth & Towne explained: “We named the brand we founded as Forth & Towne because we wanted to evoke the sense of place that people associate with a unique shopping location. Forth in Forth & Towne This brand is our fourth brand, and Towne conveys a sense of community, which is what we want to bring to our customers when they buy our clothing.”

Gap Apparel announced on September 15, 2004 that its latest brand will provide fashionable clothing and accessories for women over the age of 35. As a rapidly growing population, these women’s apparel spending power accounts for about 39% of total female apparel expenditures.