After Abercombie & Fitch opened its flagship there in September, the Champs Elysées avenue is now getting ready to welcome another US fashion giant. The Gap group has just announced plans to open its first Banana Republic store in France in early December 2011.

Banana Republic's new Parisian store will offer its Monogram range

The American group’s new store, opening at number 22 on the avenue, will make use of two floors and a total area of 1,500 square metres to showcase its upscale lifestyle collections at affordable prices for both men and women. Created in the United States in 1978, the brand is hoping to attract Parisians and tourists into the new store by its unique architecture. According to the group, “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 offering elegant access to the main shopping area lit by a Charles Edwards chandelier.” Banana Republic is also hoping to attract customers with its in-store alterations service, but above all by allowing people to book appointments with a trained personal stylist. In Paris, the brand is going to offer its women’s and men’s ready-to-wear collections as well as accessories, personal care products and even its Monogram range.

On January 29th 2011, Banana Republic operated 600 points of sale across the world, of which 576 were found in North America. The new Parisian flagship opening is another step taken in the international growth strategy of the Gap group, which reported weakened financial results at the beginning of fiscal 2011. The company recently made Banana Republic products also available to European customers online by launching a dedicated e-commerce site (www.bananarepublic.eu).