Gap co-founder and retail pioneer dies aged 94
Doris Fisher, who was 94, opened the "pioneering" first store with her husband Don in 1969.
Coverage by Political Leaning
See how different sides of the spectrum reported this story
Key People
No people linked to this story
Locations
All Coverage
Doris Fisher, who was 94, opened the "pioneering" first store with her husband Don in 1969.
Doris Fisher, co-founder of The Gap Inc., passed away at age 94 on Saturday, surrounded by family. Alongside her late husband Don, she launched the first Gap store in San Francisco in 1969, aiming to bridge the 'generation gap' with accessible, casual fashion. The store initially sold only Levi's jeans and record tapes, but under their leadership, The Gap expanded into a global brand that includes Banana Republic and Old Navy, generating over $15 billion in global sales.
Doris Fisher, the co-founder of Gap Inc. and one of the most influential figures in modern American retail, has died at the age of 94. Her passing in San Francisco marks the end of an era defined not just by commercial success, but by a distinctive vision that helped reshape how Americans shop, dress and engage with brands. Fisher built her legacy alongside her husband, Donald G. Fisher, with whom she launched Gap in 1969 after he had struggled to find a pair of jeans that fitted properly. Acting on the sense that there may be a gap in the market, the couple opened their first store on Ocean Avenue, San Francisco, initially focused on denim and vinyl, targeting a younger, style-conscious consumer.
Doris Fisher, who co-founded the iconic clothing chain The Gap Inc. in 1969 with her late husband Don, has died aged 94, according to a statement by the company. A spokesperson for Gap announced on Monday that Fisher died on Saturday, surrounded by her family. The San Francisco-based company did not specify a cause of death. The couple co-founded The Gap after a frustrating ... couldn’t find a pair of jeans that ... men’s Levi’s jeans and record tapes were the ... , but the brand became the foundation for ... US fashion with a focus on simple ... .
Doris Fisher, who co-founded the ... . Fisher died on Saturday surrounded by her ... . The couple co-founded The Gap after ... couldn’t find a pair of jeans that ... men’s Levi’s jeans and record tapes were the ... .
Fisher and her husband Donald founded the company in 1969. The first Gap store opened in San Francisco and only sold men’s jeans and music.
Similar Stories
Related coverage based on topic and tags
Former Chelsea and Leeds owner Bates dies aged 94
Former Chelsea and Leeds United owner Ken Bates has died aged 94, Chelsea announced on Saturday.
July 11, 2026 at 01:21 PMParalympic great Storey retires from GB competition
Dame Sarah Storey, Great Britain's most-decorated Paralympian, retires from international competition with immediate effect.
July 8, 2026 at 11:01 PMPioneering aviator and astronaut trainee Wally Funk dead at 87 - Reuters
Pioneering aviator and astronaut trainee Wally Funk dead at 87 Reuters
July 10, 2026 at 12:43 AMEXCLUSIVE: Shein executive chairman to step down as IPO nears completion, sources say - Reuters
EXCLUSIVE: Shein executive chairman to step down as IPO nears completion, sources say Reuters
July 13, 2026 at 04:29 PMLongest-serving Archers star Patricia Greene dies aged 95
She was best known for playing Jill Archer in the BBC Radio 4 soap for nearly 70 years.
July 10, 2026 at 01:29 PMUS burrito giant Chipotle opening first outlet in Mexico
Other US fast food brands have struggled to succeed in the countries their dishes originated.
July 14, 2026 at 02:42 AM