Historically known as a skinny brand, Banana Republic plans to boost its size selection to 26 or larger. The brand currently stocks upto size 16 in stores and upto size 20 online for some articles of its clothing. Gap acquired the chain in 1983, just five years after the apparel brand's founding. Banana Republic started out as a safari-themed clothing retailer but Gap tweaked the brand to become more upscale and preppy.
The comparable sales of Banana Republic slumped by 3 per cent in the second quarter of 2019. To contain these declining the brand is shutting down all remaining Banana Republic stores in the United Kingdom. It also plans to spin off its Old Navy brand.
