US clothing company Gap made its Irish debut yesterday with the opening of a new store in the basement of Arnotts of Henry Street Dublin.
Occupying 7,500 square feet, the US giant's president of Gap Europe, Stephen Sunnucks, told The Irish Times that Ireland could be "a really important market for us".
"It is fast growing and it is a young vibrant country. Who knows where our collaboration with Arnotts could lead?"
Known for its street smart and clean-cut casual clothing, Gap began as a jeans company in l969 when US real estate developer Donald Fisher couldn't find a pair to fit him properly. Today the company operates some 3,000 stores worldwide under the brands Gap, Old Navy, Banana Republic and most recently Forth & Towne.
Europe is increasingly perceived as an important market for the firm which has seen sales slump and stores close in the US.
A London based design team has been created to cater specifically for the European market and Irish customers will notice a clear distinction between its casual American sportswear classics, and more fashion forward items in keeping with European taste.
The season's skinny black pants and neat double breasted cardigan jackets for women are already almost sold out in UK stores.
In November Gap will launch a range of dresses in collaboration with French designer Roland Mouret, now based in the US, whose hourglass dresses became a widely copied trend last year. His collection will also include two red dresses for the Aids campaign pioneered by Bono and will go on sale in selected company stores in Europe.
Meanwhile, customers in Dublin will find nine different fits of jeans for men and l5 for women at prices from €38 to €68. Cashmere and merino knits for men and women are on sale for between €50 and €100.
In general the store has slick jackets and coats and an ambiance of casual cool, whether for five or thirty-five-year-olds.