Gap co-founder Doris Fisher dies aged 94

Doris Fisher, who co-founded Gap Inc., passed away on Saturday at the age of 94. In 1969, she and her husband Don established the first Gap store in San Francisco after Don faced challenges in finding well-fitting jeans. The name of the company was inspired by the concept of the generation gap. Gap has since grown to encompass brands like Banana Republic, Old Navy, and Athleta, with approximately 3,570 locations globally and annual revenues reaching $15 billion. Until 2003, Fisher played a key role as a merchandiser, influencing the brand's aesthetic. Gap's CEO Richard Dickson praised her as a "path-breaking entrepreneur." An advocate for arts and education, her net worth was estimated at $1.7 billion. Don Fisher passed away in 2009, while their three sons continue to engage in business and charitable activities. Although Gap shut down its UK and Ireland stores in 2021, it formed a partnership with Next and reopened three standalone outlets in the UK by late 2024.