US retailer responds to flagging sales
US fashion retailer Gap will reorganise its stores this autumn into four different sections based on merchandise categories and will update its fashions more frequently.

US Gap president Cynthia Harriss, speaking at an investor conference in New York yesterday, said that from next month, an in-store Denim shop will sell skirts and jeans in a greater variety of washes and fits.

An Activewear shop will focus on key items, such as sweatshirts and hoodies and a Clean shop will sell items including black trousers, khakis, skirts and woven tops.

The company is also planning to put a T-shirt shop at the front of stores during summer months, but the shops will rotate positions with the seasons, according to Harriss.

The new merchandise strategy is already reflected in the way the company has reorganised its merchant and design teams, which Harriss said will focus on 'constant innovations' that replenish fashions more often, as opposed to 'big seasonal flows'.

She also said Gap was open to the idea of collaborating with designers to bring in exclusive clothes lines.

As part of the initiative, the company is stepping up television and print campaigns featuring famous celebrities.