Doris Fisher, co-founder of global fashion retailer GAP, has died at the age of 94, the company confirmed on Monday.
In a statement, the company said she passed away peacefully while surrounded by her family. No cause of death or exact date was disclosed.
Paying tribute, GAP’s President and CEO Richard Dickson described Fisher as a defining figure in the company’s history, noting her lasting influence on its culture and identity. He said she stood out for her originality and her commitment to values such as self-expression, inclusion, and diversity, which he credited as central to the brand’s development.
Fisher co-founded the company in 1969 alongside her late husband, Donald Fisher, opening the first GAP store in San Francisco, United States. The business began with a focus on simple, affordable clothing such as jeans, T-shirts, and sweatshirts, helping to shape a more casual approach to American fashion.
Her idea for the brand name, derived from the term “generation gap,” reflected the company’s goal of appealing to younger consumers.
From its early days, GAP expanded rapidly by prioritising organised store layouts and accessible shopping experiences, a strategy that helped define its retail identity. The company later grew into a global fashion group, acquiring brands such as Banana Republic and Old Navy.
Today, GAP operates thousands of stores worldwide, spanning company-owned and franchise locations.
Dickson added that Fisher consistently pushed for innovation and new ideas, saying much of the company’s culture was shaped by her vision and approach to retail.
She is survived by her three sons: Robert, William, and John.
