# Banana Republic (apparel), LLC

> Banana Republic is Gap Inc.’s global premium lifestyle and apparel brand, founded in 1978 in San Francisco and positioned around high-quality, expertly crafted collections for the modern explorer, sold online and through company-operated and franchise locations worldwide.

Company page on Leadbay: https://mad-max.leadbay.ai/company/bananarepublic.gap.com · loaded 2026-10-30

## At a glance

- Website: https://bananarepublic.gap.com
- Team based in: San Francisco (Leadbay's record and 2 more)
- Incorporated: California (no. 200403410110) (register)
- Registry: California Secretary of State 200403410110
- Founders: Mel Ziegler, Patricia Gwilliam Ziegler
- Industry: Retail
- Employees: 7833 (employees and founders, investors not counted; bananarepublic.gap.com and 1 more)
- Backed by: Gap Inc.
- Seen in its site's code: Next.js (/_next/static/) (read 2026-10-30)
- Email: jobs@gap.com
- Address: 2 FOLSOM STREET
SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94105

## What it sells, to whom

- Banana Republic is Gap Inc.’s global premium lifestyle and apparel brand, founded in 1978 in San Francisco and positioned around high-quality, expertly crafted collections for the modern explorer, sold online and through company-operated and franchise locations worldwide. ([gapinc.com](https://www.gapinc.com/en-us/about/banana-republic), [sec.gov](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/39911/000162828026018573/gap-20260131.htm), [gapinc.com](https://www.gapinc.com/en-us/articles/2026/05/gap-inc-appoints-donald-kohler-as-banana-republic-))

## Products and services

- Women’s and men’s apparel ([gapinc.com](https://www.gapinc.com/en-us/about/banana-republic), [bananarepublic.gap.com](https://bananarepublic.gap.com/), [bloomberg.com](https://www.bloomberg.com/profile/company/0125538D:US))
- Clothing including denim, khakis, T-shirts, fashion apparel, winter wear, and tailoring ([gapinc.com](https://www.gapinc.com/en-us/about/banana-republic), [bananarepublic.gap.com](https://bananarepublic.gap.com/), [bloomberg.com](https://www.bloomberg.com/profile/company/0125538D:US))
- Shoes and handbags ([gapinc.com](https://www.gapinc.com/en-us/about/banana-republic), [bananarepublic.gap.com](https://bananarepublic.gap.com/), [bloomberg.com](https://www.bloomberg.com/profile/company/0125538D:US))
- Belts, jewelry, eyewear, and other accessories ([gapinc.com](https://www.gapinc.com/en-us/about/banana-republic), [bananarepublic.gap.com](https://bananarepublic.gap.com/), [bloomberg.com](https://www.bloomberg.com/profile/company/0125538D:US))
- Fragrances and personal-care products ([gapinc.com](https://www.gapinc.com/en-us/about/banana-republic), [bananarepublic.gap.com](https://bananarepublic.gap.com/), [bloomberg.com](https://www.bloomberg.com/profile/company/0125538D:US))
- Banana Republic Factory merchandise ([gapinc.com](https://www.gapinc.com/en-us/about/banana-republic), [bananarepublic.gap.com](https://bananarepublic.gap.com/), [bloomberg.com](https://www.bloomberg.com/profile/company/0125538D:US))
- Limited-edition and heritage/archive collections ([gapinc.com](https://www.gapinc.com/en-us/about/banana-republic), [bananarepublic.gap.com](https://bananarepublic.gap.com/), [bloomberg.com](https://www.bloomberg.com/profile/company/0125538D:US))

## Customers and markets

- **Customers**: Worldwide consumers shopping for premium/upscale apparel, accessories, and related lifestyle products for men, women, teens, and children; customers purchase through online, company-operated, franchise, and Banana Republic Factory channels. ([bloomberg.com](https://www.bloomberg.com/profile/company/0125538D:US), [sec.gov](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/39911/000162828026018573/gap-20260131.htm))
- **Markets**: Core North American market, especially the United States and Canada, served through company-operated stores, e-commerce and franchise/third-party channels. ([gapinc.com](https://www.gapinc.com/en-us/articles/2026/08/chalhoub-group-and-gap-inc-announce-strategic-part), [sec.gov](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/39911/000162828026018573/R32.htm), [gapinc-prod-a6bndyfubmc5d9ey.z03.azurefd.net](https://gapinc-prod-a6bndyfubmc5d9ey.z03.azurefd.net/gapmedia/gapcorporatesite/media/images/about/gap-inc/global_footprint_q1_2026.pdf))
- **Markets**: Asia remains an active company-operated market; Gap Inc. reported 40 Banana Republic Asia stores at January 31, 2026. ([gapinc.com](https://www.gapinc.com/en-us/articles/2026/08/chalhoub-group-and-gap-inc-announce-strategic-part), [sec.gov](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/39911/000162828026018573/R32.htm), [gapinc-prod-a6bndyfubmc5d9ey.z03.azurefd.net](https://gapinc-prod-a6bndyfubmc5d9ey.z03.azurefd.net/gapmedia/gapcorporatesite/media/images/about/gap-inc/global_footprint_q1_2026.pdf))

## Team

- Donald Kohler, President & CEO
- Mel Ziegler, Founder
- Patricia Gwilliam Ziegler, Founder
- Jemma Cassidy, Chief Product Officer
- Meena Anvary, SVP, Global Chief Marketing Officer
- Cristy Maggio, VP, Head of Stores
- Katherine Watts Fitzgibbon, Vice President, Head of Women's Merchandising

Backed by: Gap Inc.

## Where to find more

- [This page in Markdown, for agents](https://mad-max.leadbay.ai/company/bananarepublic.gap.com.md)

## Decision makers

- [Donald Kohler](https://mad-max.leadbay.ai/person/donald-kohler--bananarepublic.gap.com.md), President & CEO
- [Mel Ziegler](https://mad-max.leadbay.ai/person/mel-ziegler--bananarepublic.gap.com.md), Founder
- [Patricia Gwilliam Ziegler](https://mad-max.leadbay.ai/person/patricia-gwilliam-ziegler--bananarepublic.gap.com.md), Founder
- [Jemma Cassidy](https://mad-max.leadbay.ai/person/jemma-cassidy--bananarepublic.gap.com.md), Chief Product Officer
- [Meena Anvary](https://mad-max.leadbay.ai/person/meena-anvary--bananarepublic.gap.com.md), SVP, Global Chief Marketing Officer
- [Cristy Maggio](https://mad-max.leadbay.ai/person/cristy-maggio--bananarepublic.gap.com.md), VP, Head of Stores
- [Katherine Watts Fitzgibbon](https://mad-max.leadbay.ai/person/katherine-watts-fitzgibbon--bananarepublic.gap.com.md), Vice President, Head of Women's Merchandising

Work emails and direct phones come with a Leadbay account: https://wow.leadbay.ai/?register=true

Where it comes from: 11 sites read (bananarepublic.gap.com, gapinc.com, sec.gov, bloomberg.com, pitchbook.com, puck.news, en.wikipedia.org, forbes.com, …).

## Best angle

2026-10-01 · Traffic: Site visits up 28% in 3 months, 58,237 a month (1 source)

## Signals: what happened

- 2026-10-01 · Traffic: Site visits up 28% in 3 months, 58,237 a month (1 source: [A company database](https://bananarepublic.gap.com/))
- 2026-05-19 · Product: Gap Inc. announced Donald Kohler would become Banana Republic Global Brand President and CEO in July 2026, based in San Francisco (3 sources: [gapinc.com](https://www.gapinc.com/en-us/articles/2026/05/gap-inc-appoints-donald-kohler-as-banana-republic-), [gapinc.com](https://www.gapinc.com/en-us/articles/2026/04/banana-republic-launches-archive-reissue-collectio), [sec.gov](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/39911/000162828026018573/gap-20260131.htm))
- 2026-04-13 · Partnership: Banana Republic announced a 20-piece Archive Reissue capsule collection in partnership with The Explorers Club, launching April 14, 2026 (3 sources: [gapinc.com](https://www.gapinc.com/en-us/articles/2026/05/gap-inc-appoints-donald-kohler-as-banana-republic-), [gapinc.com](https://www.gapinc.com/en-us/articles/2026/04/banana-republic-launches-archive-reissue-collectio), [sec.gov](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/39911/000162828026018573/gap-20260131.htm))

## Working on now

- Heritage-led premium apparel and storytelling: the 27-piece ZANKOV holiday capsule launched October 20, 2026, spanning menswear, womenswear and accessories.
- Recent collaboration pipeline: 36-piece La Ligne fall collection and the Archive Reissue capsule with The Explorers Club.
- International expansion through Gap Inc.'s Chalhoub Group partnership, with phased online launches in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait in 2026 and physical stores planned across the GCC in 2027.
- Digital/AI retail transformation across Gap Inc.'s brands, including Banana Republic, using Google Cloud technologies for product creation, pricing, personalization and employee enablement.

From: [Banana Republic and Zankov Holiday Capsule Celebrating Heritage , Craftsmanship, and a Timeless Wardrobe | Banana Republic](https://www.gapinc.com/en-us/articles/2026/10/banana-republic-and-zankov-holiday-capsule-celebra), [Newsroom | Gap Inc.](https://gapinc-prod.azurewebsites.net/en-us/news), [Banana Republic and La Ligne Announce Fall Collaboration Celebrating a Modern Approach to Style | Banana Republic](https://www.gapinc.com/en-us/articles/2026/09/banana-republic-and-la-ligne-announce-fall-collabo), [Banana Republic Launches Archive Reissue Collection in Partnership with The Explorers Club | Banana Republic](https://www.gapinc.com/en-us/articles/2026/04/banana-republic-launches-archive-reissue-collectio), [Chalhoub Group and Gap Inc. Announce Strategic Partnership to Expand Gap, Banana Republic and Athleta Across the GCC | Gap Inc.](https://www.gapinc.com/en-us/articles/2026/08/chalhoub-group-and-gap-inc-announce-strategic-part), [Gap Inc. Sets Out to Reimagine Retail Powered by Google Cloud’s AI  | Gap Inc.](https://www.gapinc.com/en-us/articles/2025/10/gap-inc-sets-out-to-reimagine-retail-powered-by-go)

## Summary

Banana Republic is an American upscale lifestyle retailer specializing in apparel, accessories, shoes, and fragrances [1][2][3]. It targets an affluent, older customer base, though it is actively working to attract younger demographics [4]. Founded in 1978 by Mel and Patricia Ziegler as a travel-themed outfitter, the company was acquired by Gap Inc. in 1983 and is currently owned by the parent firm [1][5][3]. Key competitors include retailers like J.Crew, Madewell, Zara, and Everlane [4][3]. Recent developments include the September 2026 launch of a collaboration with La Ligne and the September 2025 introduction of Banana Republic Archive, which features vintage pieces and the integration of the acquired digital archive Abandoned Republic [6][7]. CEO Richard Dickson is currently leading the brand as it focuses on returning to design fundamentals like high-quality khakis, sweaters, and tailoring [4][8].

[1]: https://www.gapinc.com/en-us/about/banana-republic "Banana Republic | Gap Inc."
[2]: https://www.gapinc.com/en-us/articles/2022/02/banana-republic-expands-into-new-categories-with-b "Banana Republic Expands Into New Categories With Baby & Athletics Collections | Banana Republic"
[3]: https://pitchbook.com/profiles/company/327455-83 "Banana Republic 2026 Company Profile: Valuation, Investors, Acquisition | PitchBook"
[4]: https://puck.news/fashion/2026/4/can-banana-republic-find-its-identity-again "There’s Always Money in the Banana Stand | Puck"
[5]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Banana_Republic "Banana Republic"
[6]: https://www.gapinc.com/en-us/articles/2025/10/introducing-banana-republic-archive,-a-new-destina "Introducing Banana Republic Archive, a New Destination for Vintage Pieces | Banana Republic"
[7]: https://www.gapinc.com/en-us/articles/2026/09/banana-republic-and-la-ligne-announce-fall-collabo "Banana Republic and La Ligne Announce Fall Collaboration Celebrating a Modern Approach to Style | Banana Republic"
[8]: https://www.forbes.com/sites/pamdanziger/2024/05/06/banana-republic-ceo-departs-signaling-a-return-to-fashion-fundamentals-after-misstep-into-home/ "Banana Republic CEO Departs, Signaling A Return To Fashion ‘Fundamentals’ After Misstep Into Home"

## Sources

- [Banana Republic (apparel), LLC's website](https://bananarepublic.gap.com)
- [Company record, via Exa](https://bananarepublic.gap.com/)
- [Banana Republic and Zankov Holiday Capsule Celebrating Heritage , Craftsmanship, and a Timeless Wardrobe | Banana Republic](https://www.gapinc.com/en-us/articles/2026/10/banana-republic-and-zankov-holiday-capsule-celebra)
- [Newsroom | Gap Inc.](https://gapinc-prod.azurewebsites.net/en-us/news)
- [Banana Republic Launches Archive Reissue Collection in Partnership with The Explorers Club | Banana Republic](https://www.gapinc.com/en-us/articles/2026/04/banana-republic-launches-archive-reissue-collectio)
- [Chalhoub Group and Gap Inc. Announce Strategic Partnership to Expand Gap, Banana Republic and Athleta Across the GCC | Gap Inc.](https://www.gapinc.com/en-us/articles/2026/08/chalhoub-group-and-gap-inc-announce-strategic-part)
- [Gap Inc. Sets Out to Reimagine Retail Powered by Google Cloud’s AI  | Gap Inc.](https://www.gapinc.com/en-us/articles/2025/10/gap-inc-sets-out-to-reimagine-retail-powered-by-go)
- [Banana Republic History – Abandoned Republic](https://bananarepublic.gap.com/static_content/onesitecategory/components/mfe/banana/history/banana-republic-history-2/)
- [History | Gap Inc.](https://www.gapinc.com/en-us/about/history)