Finally, we've got some good news for the high street because one of its most recognisable shops is back: Gap. After closing all of its stores (81 across the UK and Ireland) in 2021, the retailer best known for its logoed hoodies and reliable denim is back with its first shop-within-a-shop in Next, Oxford Street.
This Gap-branded store marks a major milestone in reestablishing the retailer's bricks-and-mortar presence in the UK - and is a big step in the joint venture between the two companies, with more shops-within-a-shop expected in other branches of Next.
Since last year - when 1,000 jobs were lost due to store closures in the UK and Ireland - Gap has managed to make in-roads with Gen Z (on TikTok, posts tagged with #gaphoodies have racked up 11.1 million views). The brand also still has form for working with some seriously cool people in its campaigns. This spring saw the stellar line-up of Dapper Dan, Kai-Isaiah Jamal, Shalom Harlow, and a host of other creatives, coming together to radiate, 'the profound joy that comes with the freedom of being your true self - your best self'.
And then there's the much-anticipated collection between Yeezy Gap, the brand's cult collaboration with Ye, and Demna, the creative director of Balenciaga. Yeezy Gap Engineered by Balenciaga is guaranteed to be a sell-out, with its first drop of products available to pre-order now.
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Whatever memories you have of Gap - whether it's buying your first pair of 'grown-up' jeans or a prized piece from its collab with Sarah Jessica Parker (who else remembers those cardigans and fedoras?!) - it's a great day for the high street.