Content about Gap Inc.

Go offline, young man: That appears to be the mantra of e-commerce merchants these days.

As competition in the world of online retailing heats up — with Amazon's ever-burgeoning dominance posing the biggest threat — more pure-players are taking the brick-and-mortar plunge. It's a reminder, many experts say, of the strong appeal of the in-store experience — even when stacked up against the convenience of online shopping.

San Francisco -- Gap Inc. offered further proof that its turnaround has taken hold, reporting a 61% increase in fourth quarter profit amid strong same-store sales growth across its banners. The results end a strong year for the chain, which also said it was increasing its dividend by 20%.

San Francisco -- In a development that will take it into the growing global luxury market, Gap Inc. announced Thursday it has acquired women’s apparel retailer Intermix Holdco for approximately $130 million in cash. The transaction was completed Dec. 31.

San Francisco -- Gap Inc. raised its outlook for the year after reporting better-than-expected net income for the third quarter on growing sales. It was the latest sign that the long beleaguered chain may be finally entering a turnaround.

For the three months ended Oct. 27, the company said it earned $308 million, compared with $193 million in the year

San Francisco — Gap Inc. is bringing several of its divisions under the leadership of one executive in order to fuel long-term growth.

With the start of the 2013 fiscal year, the company will bring together its North American, international, online, outlet and franchise divisions under a single global executive for each of its Gap, Banana Republic and Old Navy brands. In addition, the company will form a new Innovation and Digital Strategy team to further its leadership position in this area.

New York -- Apparel retailers and department stores reported monthly revenue results for September that were mixed, as Gap Inc. and Limited Brands posted gains that beat Wall Street estimates, while Macy's and Kohl’s missed expectations.

However, many analysts said spending was fairly strong for the month.

New York -- Michael Francis, who was ousted as president of J.C. Penney Co. in June, is going to Gap Inc., according to Ad Age.

Francis will serve as a marketing creative advisor for Gap, and join the chain in the advisory role on Sept. 16, the report said.

New York -- Gap Inc.’s Piperlime banner has opened its first full-scale retail location -- at 121 Wooster St. in the SoHo neighborhood of New York City.

"We are thrilled to be celebrating the opening of our first Piperlime store today in SoHo," said Jennifer Gosselin, senior VP and general manager of Piperlime. "

The new 4,000-sq.-ft. store is styled as a boutique and features trend vignettes, as well as in-store kiosks that provide shoppers access to piperlime.com products.

San Francisco -- Gap Inc. reported Thursday that net income for the quarter ended July 28 surged 29% to $243 million, prompting the retailer to raise its guidance for full-year 2012.

Sales increased 6% to $3.58 billion, compared with $3.39 billion for the second quarter last year. Same-store sales rose 4%.

“Our continued focus on product and store execution are helping to drive positive momentum and we’re committed to sustaining solid performance for the remainder of the year,”said Glenn Murphy, chairman and CEO.

San Francisco -- Gap Inc. said Thursday that profit for the quarter ended April 28 was flat compared with the year-ago period, but its results beat Wall Street forecasts and prompted the retailer to raise its outlook for the year.

Gap reported a profit of $233 million for the first quarter. Revenue rose 6% to $3.49 billion, beating analysts’ estimated $3.46 billion in revenue, and same-store sales rose 4%.

San Francisco -- Gap Inc. announced Monday that it has appointed former H&M global sales head Stefan Larsson as the new president of Old Navy, effective the end of October.

Larsson replaces Tom Wyatt, who left the company in February.

The move is expected to pay dividends for Gap as it preps to open its first overseas Old Navy store – in Japan – this July.

Austin, Texas -- Target Corp., Costco Wholesale Corp., Safeway, Gap Inc. and Whole Foods Market are among 15 retailers recognized on the Ethisphere Institute's 2012 "World's Most Ethical Companies" list. The other retailers honored were Starbucks Coffee Co., Patagonia, Wegmans, Marks and Spencer, Best Buy, eBay, Timberland, Office Max, Petco, and Ten Thousand Villages.