Old Navy (company)

Old Navy is a brand of clothing and chain of stores that is owned by Gap Inc., which also owns the Gap and Banana Republic brands. Founded in 1969, Gap is a mid-scale specialty clothing retailer, while Banana Republic is a luxury clothing retailer which started in 1978.

Related Topics:
Gap Inc. - Banana Republic - 1969 - 1978

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Launched in 1994 as a value chain, the first Old Navy store was opened in California. Flagship stores are located in New York City, Bloomington, Minnesota, Seattle, Washington, San Francisco, California, and its largest store in Chicago, Illinois.

Related Topics:
1994 - California - New York City - Bloomington, Minnesota - Seattle, Washington - San Francisco, California - Chicago, Illinois

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The name "Old Navy" was chosen because originally the stores were supposed to emulate the look and feel of a traditional military surplus store. While this motif was quickly dropped, many stores retain a warehouse-like/urban decor.

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The clothing found in this chain is known to be trendy and fashionable, yet more affordable than its other Gap Inc. counterparts. Because of this, the Old Navy chain is extremely popular with teenagers, who tend to have limited budgets yet want to sport the latest fashions. Old Navy stocks clothes to suit just about everyone- their stores contain specialized sections for infants, boys, girls, men, and women, and within these categories contain styles for many occasions. In addition to clothing, Old Navy also sells a variety of accessories such as shoes, handbags, toys, hats, and sunglasses.

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Additionally, Old Navy informally bills itself as an all-American brand. The chain releases a shirt every summer emblazoned with an American flag. Each year's shirt features a slightly-altered flag graphic with the year listed below. In its Canadian stores, a similar shirt with the Canadian flag is sold.

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