Gap’s sub-brand Old Navy will expand for the first time outside North America with a foray into Japan.

First Old Navy store in Japan will open doors on April 19 at DiverCity Tokyo Plaza, a 22-storey multi-purpose centre which houses leased office spaces, retail facilities and an event plaza which will also make its launch on the same day.

Gap, which operates three formats in Japan – Gap, Banana Republic and the Japan-only chain The Gap Generation – will promote its discount sub-brand Old Navy prior to its launch.

Old Navy will join another 153 fashion brands in the centre including American Eagle Outfitters, Forever 21, Berhska, Zara and Uniqlo.

Old Navy products will be priced closely to The Gap Generation which is positioned lower than Gap.

Since its launch in 1994, US-based Old Navy now has around 1000 stores in North America.

GB