A Brief History of Banana Republic

  Banana Republic is an international clothing and accessories brand. It was originally founded in 1978 by Mel and Patricia Ziegler in Mill Valley, California as a two-store safari and travel themed clothing company. In 1983, Gap, Inc. acquired the company and began to transform the Banana Republic image into one of higher quality, design, and class. Banana Republic has since become one of the country’s most well known mainstream luxury clothing retailers for men and women. 

  Throughout it’s 35 years as a company, Banana Republic has opened up over 700 retail locations worldwide, throughout both their specialty and outlet channels. They also have a growing presence online, with their website reaching and shipping to over 75 countries worldwide. Their global footprint is expanding, with recent locations opening up throughout Europe and Asia.

  Not to mention, Banana Republic embraces technology and uses it as a tool to succeed in its market. The company has a strong social media presence, similar to all the Gap, Inc. brands. Banana Republic also recently launched “Reserve-In-Store,” an online concierge service that allows customers to reserve items through their website that can be picked up and purchased in store.This has helped set the company apart from competitors and demonstrates the company's ability to adapt to new technological changes.

  With the company now having expanded its product (Banana Republic produces footwear, personal care products, casual attire, and even house ware), online presence, and its store locations throughout the world, it is quickly becoming a strong international competitor in the fashion market. Their constant innovation, devotion to customer needs and service, and their top quality product will lead them to future success. 

The Original Banana Republic, 1978

A current Banana Republic store

Banana Republic's most recent Global Footprint Map

Sources :

Banana Republic. Gap, Inc. Web. 1 Feb. 2014. <http://bananarepublic.gap.com/>.

"Banana Republic." Gap, Inc. n.d. Web. 1 Feb. 2014. 

      <http://www.gapinc.com/content/gapinc/html/aboutus/ourbrands/BananaRepublic.html>. 

Schawbel, Dan. "The True Story Behind the Banana Republic Brand." Forbes. 2 Oct. 2012. Web. 1 Feb. 2014. 

      <http://www.forbes.com/sites/danschawbel/2012/10/02/the-true-story-behind-the-banana-republic-brand/>.