American fashion brand Gap has signed a long-term franchise deal with India’s Reliance Retail after parting way with its previous local partner Arvind Fashions in 2020.
Under the new partnership, Gap’s products will be distributed by Reliance Retail through a mix of exclusive brand stores, multi-brand store expressions and digital commerce platforms.
“Partnering with regional experts, like Reliance Retail in India, allows us to deliver our relevant, purpose-driven brand to customers around the globe, while continuing to diversify our business portfolio through our partner-based model,” said Adrienne Gernand, MD of international, global Licensing and wholesale at Gap.
The franchise agreement comes just days after its sister company, Reliance Brands, announced its first foray into the F&B sector under the partnership with the UK coffee chain Pret A Manger. The partnership with Gap is expected to further increase Reliance Retail’s influence in India’s booming fashion market.
Reliance Retail is a subsidiary of Reliance Retail Venture Ltd (RRVL), which owns a portfolio of fashion and lifestyle brands, including Abraham & Thakore and Clovia recently. RRVL recorded a consolidated turnover of US$26.3 billion and $931 million in net profit for the year to March 31.
