Gap Co-Founder Doris Fisher Dies at 93

Doris Fisher, co-founder of Gap Inc., died Saturday. She was 93. Gap said she passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family. No cause of death was given.

Fisher and her husband Don opened the first Gap store in San Francisco in 1969. The move followed a frustrating shopping trip when Don could not find jeans that fit. Doris came up with the name, referring to the generation gap to attract younger customers.

The company grew to include Banana Republic, Old Navy and Athleta. It now runs about 3,570 stores worldwide with annual sales of about $15 billion.

Don Fisher served as chief executive and later chairman. Doris worked as merchandiser until 2003, setting the brand's style and image.

Gap President and CEO Richard Dickson said, "Doris was a full partner in Gap Inc.'s founding and a path-breaking entrepreneur at a time when that was highly unusual for women."

He added, "She understood first-hand the value of self-expression, diversity, and inclusion. And she worked tirelessly to ensure that Gap Inc. always did more than sell clothes."

Forbes listed Fisher's net worth at $1.7 billion at her death.

Gap became known for jeans, khakis, white T-shirts and hoodies. It organized stores by size and style, a new idea then.

The brand succeeded by offering straightforward choices that built customer confidence. Fisher helped create that approach: removing doubt in retail.

Gap stores now span the world. It closed all UK and Ireland locations in 2021 amid struggles to match cheaper competitors.