Gap offers shipping to 55 countries

Gap offers shipping to 55 countries    Apparel retailer Gap Inc. said it will offer international shipping on its e-commerce site to 55 countries, including Australia, Brazil and Mexico, and by year end will make online shopping available in up to 65 countries.
   The new service will mark the first time Gap's Old Navy label will be available to customers outside North America. Also for the first time customers outside the United States can shop online and have items shipped from the Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy, Piperlime and Athleta e-commerce sites, the San Francisco-based company said.
   'Online is an efficient way to reach new international customers and test the waters for our brands,' said Toby Lenk, president of Gap Inc. Direct, the company's e-commerce division, in a statement.   
   'We've put together an aggressive program to grow our e-commerce business from one country to sixty-five countries this year while continuing to make the shopping experience easier and more convenient,' he added. 'We believe that the technology has evolved to the point where we can meet international demand and deliver an outstanding experience.'
   Gap is creating 'in-country fulfillment and launching dedicated e-commerce sites' later this month for Canada and the United Kingdom, countries where it has an established store and customer base.    In addition, Gap will offer international shipping on its U.S. e-commerce site because it offers an efficient way to reach a wide variety of countries.      
   The retailer partnered with New York-based FiftyOne, an international e-commerce firm, to facilitate online sales to overseas customers. FiftyOne provides access to many countries and the ability to process up to 43 different currencies.
   During online ordering and checkout, overseas customers get a guaranteed order total up front in their own currency, including international duty, tax, and delivery costs, with a guaranteed exchange rate. Gaps said no hidden costs or surprise fees showing up later after the product is shipped. FiftyOne ships the items to the customers from its facilities and provides an estimated delivery time and global tracking number.
   Also earlier this year, Gap partnered with Shanghai Yi Shang Network Information Co., an e-commerce firm in China, to offer Chinese customers the opportunity to shop for Gap products online this fall.
   Gap operates about 3,100 stores in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Ireland, and Japan. In addition, Gap has expanded its international presence with franchise agreements in Asia, Australia, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East.