Don Fisher, founder of Gap, dies at 81

In San Francisco, Don Fisher has lost his battle with cancer at the age of 81.

In 1969, Fisher and his wife, Doris opened the first Gap store on Ocean Ave. in San Francisco, Ca. The inspiration for the store: Don couldn't find a pair of jeans that fit. So he and Doris invested $63,000 and hired football players from UC Berkeley as their first salespeople. The brand became popular, and the rest is history.

The Gap brand now includes The Gap, Gap Outlet, Gap Kids, Baby Gap, Gap Body, Gap Generation, Banana Republic, Old Navy, Piperlime, & Athleta. Their brands are worldwide and they employ more than 134,000 employees and had sales last year of $14.5 Billion.

Though Mr. Fisher had resigned as chief executive in 1994, and as chairman in 2004, he stayed on as a director until his death. He is survived by his wife, Doris, 3 sons, 10 grandchildren and 2 brothers.

Photo courtesty of gapinc.com

Crazy8 Coming to the UK via Adams Kids Stores...

UK children's clothing retailer Adams Kids has had a long, public battle to stay alive. In 2007, landlords seized the company's stock to cover unpaid rent. In 2008, they were on a short list of suspected High Street retailers to go under. Now, in 2009, news comes that they are converting 2 of thier stores into Crazy8s in the fall.

Representatives of both Gymboree and Adams Kids are denying reports that the two stores are to test the concept before Gymbo offers a complete take over, but the implications are there. Gymboree is known for being agressive in their store openings, but it is understandable that they would want to be a little more conservative in this venture. Gymboree has previously pulled completely out of the UK and Ireland markets due to poor sales. This time around, the attempt is not with the tried and true Gymboree brand, but with Crazy8- a label that doesn't yet have footing in the US.

One thing is for certain- American children's retailers are targeting the UK. It was only last month that Gap announced an agressive push into the UK market with both retail and outlet stores. Prior to that, Gap also inked a deal with Asos to provide their merchandise to the UK. Best of luck to both retailers.

Happy Shopping!

-The FMC Team

BREAKING NEWS: Stella McCarney joins with Gap for exclusive children's line

FMC has learned that Stella McCarney, daughter of famed Beatle Paul McCartney and world famous fashion designer has officially teamed up with Gap to create a line of childrens clothing later this year. The collection will be avaliable online and in only select BabyGap and GapKids stores worldwide.

McCartney has said that she has long wanted to create a line for children. She went on to say "I believe that kid's clothing should be more accessibly priced, which is particularly important at the moment, given the current climate".

To see some of McCartney's work in women's fashion (and to pick up a few pieces) you can view her site: http://www.stellamccartney.com/

Gap, Pumpkin Patch Recalling Coats

The consumer product and safety commission announced recalls this week of coats made by both Gap and Pumpkin Patch. Approximately 23,000 Gap toggled coats were recalled after it was found that the toggle buttons could detatch and pose a choking hazzard to small children. The coats were sold in Gap, Gap Kids and Baby Gap between October 2008 and April 2009. Coats came in 4 colors (Rose, Pink, Blue and Mojave) and sold up to size 24 months.  Consumers are asked to take the coats to any Gap branded store for a full refund. Additionally, a 20% off coupon will be given for all returns prior to August 31st of this year.

As mentioned above, Pumpkin Patch is also recalling coats. The chain is recalling approximately 800 hooded raincoats in sizes 2 through 10 sold between July 2008 and February 2009.  The drawstring on the hood is believed to pose a strangulation danger to children, though no incidents have been reported. Consumers are asked to either remove the drawstring or contact Pumpkin Patch for a full refund. 

 

Gap Opening at Dundrum Town Centre

Dundrum Town Centre, Irelands largest shopping complex has announced this week that Gap is among 7 new retailers to join thier lineup. The new stores are expected to create more than 100 jobs. 

FMC Opens Forums and the first Gap SKUs are UP!

What could be better than a place to get all the latest SKUs and an archive of past lines? A place where you can get all that AND a forum to boot! FashionMomCafe wants to invite you into our forums to chat about upcoming lines and make friendships with other women just as obsessed as you!

Registration is free so come check us out! http://www.fashionmomcafe.com/fmcforums or click on the FMC Forums box at the top of our main page!

Additionally, as we promised recently, we've begun to add early 2008 boy's lines from Gap! Check out the Gap page for more details!

As always, happy shopping!
-The FMC Team

The Big Sale Weekend...and some news about Janie & Jack Easter release date

As we've seen the last few months, tough economic times bring great deals for shoppers. The volume of fantastic sales this week is near overwhelming. There really is something from each brand and for every budget. Here is a quick rundown:

Gymboree is offering an extra 20% all previously reduced merchandise (not including Baby Sale items). Baby Sale is also still going on with price points of $10 and $20 for lines in Baby Girl, Baby Boy and Layette.

Crazy8 is also running a Baby Sale, but with lower price points ($4.99; $9.99 and $15.99). Their President's Day Sale boasts markdowns as low as $3.99 all weekend.

Janie & Jack is offering 20% off all sale items this weekend.

Gap is running a promotion of Buy 1 Get 1 Half Off on all denim. That sale is expected to last through next week.

Old Navy is running their Kids, Baby & Maternity sale with discounts up to 40% off. Maternity Sale is online only. Sweeten the deal with free shipping when you use the code: BABYMAT. Going in store? Ask at the registers for the Valentine cards for kids- When your child colors the one to Old Navy and returns it, they will be given a $5 off coupon!

Pumpkin Patch is promoting an additional 20% off clearance items as well as a Valentine Sweepstakes in store! Fill out the sweepstakes by February 16th for a chance to win a $100 gift card.

Naartjie is doing their Kid's Cash promotion- Purchase $50 worth of merchandise and get $20 off another $50 purchase during their redemption period. The online store has free shipping on orders over $75, but you should try a store if you have one close to you- They just did AMAZING markdowns on all clearanced Spring Transition items!

Jacadi stores are not having a President's Day Sale, but they are offering an additional 20% off of already half priced winter merchandise.

The Children's Place is in their last week of the Monster Sale where previously reduced merchandise has been priced at price points of $4.99 and $5.99. However, staff this weekend is packaging up the merchandise and sending it to the outlets, so if you're going to go, go now!

Speaking of Outlets, The Children's Place Outlet is offering a sale of $4.99 for selected big boy and big girl items and $2.99 and $3.99 on baby items.

Gap Outlet is still holding their $10, $15 and $20 sale through the weekend. Expect the Baby Sale next Friday, the 20th with discounts of 20-40% off baby merchandise.

Gymboree Outlet has done some new markdowns on Spring 1 and older. New lines are coming into store Monday and will be including Aviator and Ice Cream Social. These lines WILL be included in the current Baby Sale which ends on the 22nd.

Janie & Jack Outlet is not offering a President's Day Sale, but they still have Season Finale merchandise available.

Finally, we have a release date for the beautiful Janie & Jack Easter lines everyone's been checking out on FMC for weeks. Those lines will be in store on Monday, February 23rd.

Happy shopping!
-The FMC Team

Gap to go (RED) February 9th

Thanks to our friends at prnewswire, FashionMomCafe has found that Gap will be launching new designs in the (product)RED line on February 9th. According to the release, mens & womens shirts will be available for $28 each and designed by emerging artists.

Other companies taking part in (product)RED include Dell, Apple, Windows, Converse, Emporio Armani, Susan Hanover Designs, Hallmark, Starbucks, and Girl.