Gap co-founder Doris Fisher dies aged 94

Doris Fisher, who co-founded the global clothing retailer Gap with her husband Don in 1969, has died at the age of 94 [1]. The company she helped build now operates about 3,570 stores worldwide [1]. The first Gap store opened in San Francisco after a frustrating shopping experience when Don Fisher could not find a pair of jeans that fit [1]. Doris Fisher reportedly named the company, hoping to appeal to younger shoppers by referencing the generation gap [1]. While her husband served as CEO and chairman, Doris Fisher was the company's merchandiser until 2003, establishing its style and image [1]. Gap president and CEO Richard Dickson said she was "a full partner in Gap Inc.'s founding and a path-breaking entrepreneur at a time when that was highly unusual for women" [1]. The business expanded to include the Banana Republic, Old Navy, and Athleta brands, with annual sales of about $15bn [1]. Fisher died on Saturday, "passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family," according to the company [1]. At the time of her death, her net worth was $1.7bn [1]. The Fishers' three sons remain involved in the family's business and philanthropic interests [1]. Don Fisher died in 2009 [1]. Gap became famous for its jeans, khakis, and hoodies, pioneering a store layout organized by size and style [1]. Consumer expert Kate Hardcastle said Fisher helped build a brand around "removing doubt" for customers [1]. The company closed all its UK and Ireland shops in 2021 but returned to the UK market through a joint venture with retailer Next last year [1].