The American companies "Banana Republic" and "Gap", do
not intend to open a branch in Israel. Contrary to what was
publicized, the companies' spokesperson denied this
intention and even protested the publicity in Israel. It
appears that the two companies have no intention of
introducing activity in Israel at this point. According to
publicity, the two were to grant a franchise to Shekem
Gallery to establish their stores as stores-within-the-store
in the Shekem Gallery.
A spokesperson for Shekem stated that Shekem received the
license from "Banana Republic" and "Gap" to open "corner",
in other words departments, of Banana Republic and Gap
products in Shekem Gallery stores in Israel. The corners
will open September 1. Sources in Shekem noted that the
publicity in the media was without their consent. Their
press release announced only that Shekem received an
exclusive franchise to market Gap and Banana Republic
products in Israel.