Gap to open UK online shop

US retailer will set up European distribution hub to support web operation this year

Gap is investing in expanding business in Europe

US clothing retailer Gap is to launch its e-commerce operation in the UK later this year. The operation will sell Banana Republic merchandise as well as its own.

The distribution centre for the online shop will be based in the UK and will also cater for nine other European countries.

Last year, the brand started selling its products through online retailer Asos.

“We are now ready for our business to grow and move forward, as we aim to gain market share in North America and make a series of investments to bring our well-known brands to more customers around the world,” said Gap’s chairman and chief executive Glenn Murphy.

Last month, UK web retail growth rates have plunged to their lowest level on record, according to research from industry body the Interactive Media in Retail Group (IMRG).