Banana Republic flagship to debut in Paris in December

San Francisco -- Gap announced Monday that it will open its first Banana Republic store in France in Paris in early December. The 15,952-sq.-ft. store will be located on Avenue des Champs Élysées, one of the most popular international shopping destinations in the world.



“Following the success of our London and Milan openings, we are delighted to bring Banana Republic to Paris and take another exciting step in our international growth strategy,” said Stephen Sunnucks, president, International, Gap.



The new store features architecture and materials inspired by the heritage of France but with connections back to America with an exhibition of iconic imagery curated by Michael Hoppen. Many of the building’s original architectural details have been retained and updated; the contemporary white and black diamond marble floors combined with limestone, sweeping marble feature staircase and an old era style lift accessing the main shopping area lit by a Charles Edwards chandelier. French Art Deco antiques, curved ebony paneling and black enamel detailing create the feeling of a residential environment while a series of neoclassical arches and vaults evoke a shopping promenade.



Last year, the company opened its first Banana Republic store in Italy in Milan. In 2010, the company also made Banana Republic products available to European customers online by launching a dedicated e-commerce site.