The History of Gap

In 1969, Don and Doris Fisher opened the first Gap store in San Francisco, California. At first, the store only sold two items — Levi’s jeans for men and record tapes. In 1970, they opened a second store and added Levi’s jeans for women to the merchandise line. In 1974, Gap stores began selling Gap-label products and in 1978, Gap’s in-house label for jeans and corduroys debuted. In 1984, Gap introduced the now-iconic Pocket-T in 21 colors; Michael J. Fox wore one a year later during his performance in Back to the Future. The first GapKids store opened in 1986 and in 1987, Gap expanded internationally by opening several stores in London. The now-famous blue square Gap logo debuted in 1988. In 1990, babyGap debuted in the GapKids store at Laurel Village in San Francisco. In 1991, Gap announced that Levi’s products would no longer be sold at its stores. In 1992, supermodels appeared on the cover of Vogue wearing Gap white denim jeans and woven shirts. A few years later, Gap Outlet stores began opening. Today, Gap remains a beloved American clothing retailer.