US retailer Gap Inc will open its first franchise-operated Old Navy stores in the Philippines in 2014.

Gap will partner with Stores Specialists, which operates Gap brand and Banana Republic stores there, to open up to four Old Navy stores in 2014.

The stores will feature the same store environment that the brand has become known for in the US and will offer men’s, women’s, kid’s and baby apparel and accessories.

“With a steadily growing retail market, the Philippines represents a great opportunity for Old Navy and an important step in the brand’s international expansion,” said Sonia Syngal, senior VP of Old Navy international.

“Consumers have a great interest in the iconic American brand Old Navy, and we look forward to making current American fashion essentials accessible for every family.”

Earlier this year, the company announced its plans to begin franchising Old Navy stores internationally.

Franchising Old Navy stores is a key step in the company’s international expansion as it works to grow its share of the global retail apparel market, it says.

Old Navy currently operates over 1000 stores in the US, Canada and Japan and recently announced plans to open stores in China in the first half of 2014.