Banana Republic

Banana Republic
Company typeDivision of Gap
IndustryRetail
Founded1978; 46 years ago (1978)
Mill Valley, California, U.S.
FoundersMel Ziegler
Patricia Ziegler
HeadquartersSan Francisco, California, U.S.
Number of locations
700 (2017)
Area served
Worldwide
Key people
Sonia Syngal (CEO of parent Gap, Inc.)
Sandra Stangl (President & CEO)
ProductsClothing
ParentGap Inc. (1983–present)
Websitewww.BananaRepublic.com

Banana Republic is an American upscale clothing and accessories retailer owned by The Gap. It was founded in 1978 by Mel and Patricia Ziegler, who originally called the company "Banana Republic Travel & Safari Clothing Company". In 1983, Gap purchased the company, changed the name to "Banana Republic," and rebranded the stores to achieve a more upscale image.[1][2] In the 2020s, VP of design Nicole Wiesmann has re-envisioned the brand with ad editorial campaigns that evoke luxury brands, and higher-end garments that have been compared favorably with names such as Ralph Lauren and The Row.[3][4][5]

  1. ^ Moin, David (February 24, 2022). "A Repositioning Banana Republic Adds to the Mix". Women's Wear Daily.
  2. ^ "Major retailers launch upscale collections - Business - Retail". NBC News. 2008-04-20. Retrieved 2013-03-03.
  3. ^ McCall, Tyler (December 13, 2022). "Banana Republic Is In Its Viral Era — What's Contributing To Its Success". Refinery29.
  4. ^ Inside Banana Republic's Bid to Regain Relevance LAUREN SHERMAN and CATHALEEN CHEN, Business of Fashion, 21 September 2022
  5. ^ CHEN, CATHALEEN (7 September 2022). "How Banana Republic Became a Bright Spot in Gap Inc.'s Portfolio". Business of Fashion.