Gap Inc.: global sales stabilise in September

By

Matthieu Guinebault

Published
Oct 9, 2015

The American apparel group reports 1.46 billion dollars in sales for September. The weak sales at Banana Republic were balanced out by stable numbers at Gap and an increase at Old Navy.

Overall, the group's comparable sales for September 2015 were down 1 percent versus flat last year. Comparable sales by global brand for September 2015 show that Gap was flat versus negative 3 percent last year; Banana Republic was negative 10 percent versus positive 2 percent last year; and Old Navy was positive 4 percent versus positive 1 percent last year. The company now expects its gross margin rate for the third quarter of fiscal year 2015 to be similar to the second quarter of fiscal year 2015.

"While September proved challenging, our leadership teams remain focused on taking the necessary steps to improve performance," said Sabrina Simmons, Chief Financial Officer, Gap Inc.

For its latest fiscal year closed at the end of January, Gap Inc. reported 14.5 billion euros in total sales. A progression of 5% thanks to Old Navy. In June, Gap announced that it would be closing a quarter of its stores in North America over the next few years, including 140 by the end of this year, and eliminating 250 jobs at its head office.