Today the first Gap store opens in Israel in Jerusalem’s Mamilla shopping promenade. It’s not quite the first time Gap clothing has been available here: years ago there was a small Gap rail in the corner of the Mashbir department store in Ra’anana that contained a few rather sad remnants from previous seasons. By contrast, the Jerusalem store measures more than 900 square metres and will contain 20,000 items from the new autumn collection for women, men, children and babies.
Friday’s Yedioth Ahronoth listed prices from the entire range from which it’s clear that Gap clothes will cost more in Israel than they do elsewhere. I’m a Gap fan, but it seems to me the chain will have to be very competitive price-wise. Zara has just opened its nineteenth store in Israel, and the first two H & M stores are due to open next spring. These stores, together with homegrown varieties such as Castro and Fox, offer similar casual clothing to Gap at more reasonable prices.
Still, I’m looking forward to checking out Gap’s reduced items next time I’m in Jerusalem.