NEW YORK (AP) Doris Fisher, the co-founder of The Gap Inc., passed away at the age of 94. Born Doris Feigenbaum in 1931 in San Francisco, she died on Saturday, surrounded by her family, as confirmed by a Gap spokesperson on Monday. The cause of her death has not been disclosed.
Doris Fisher, along with her late husband Don Fisher, established The Gap chain in 1969 following a frustrating shopping experience when Don couldn't find a pair of fitting jeans. They opened their first store on Ocean Avenue in San Francisco, initially selling men’s Levi’s jeans and record tapes. The brand quickly evolved, becoming a cornerstone of a global retail empire that transformed American fashion with its emphasis on casual attire, including khakis, jeans, T-shirts, and sweater sets.
The Gap chain later expanded to include other retail brands such as Banana Republic and Old Navy, ultimately generating over $15 billion in global sales. Doris Fisher played a crucial role in the company as its fashion merchandiser for nearly four decades, while Don managed the business operations. Notably, she coined the name "The Gap" to represent the bridge between the “generation gap” of parents and their children. Don Fisher passed away in 2009.
Richard Dickson, the CEO and President of Gap, remarked on Doris Fisher’s significant impact, saying, “There is simply no equal to Doris Fisher. In Gap-speak, she was a true original.” He highlighted her role as a pioneering entrepreneur, especially at a time when women faced greater challenges in business. Dickson noted that her efforts ensured that Gap Inc. transcended merely selling clothes, aiming to encapsulate self-expression, diversity, and inclusion.
Doris Fisher’s influence extended beyond store design and merchandising; she was instrumental in shaping the company’s advertising and product development while maintaining a steadfast commitment to customer focus. The company went public in 1976, marking a significant milestone in its growth.
Aside from her business contributions, the Fishers were also known for their philanthropic endeavors. They amassed one of the largest private collections of modern and contemporary art in the United States. In 2009, they pledged over 1,100 works to the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, recognized as one of the largest donations of its kind.
Doris Fisher was an advocate for educational opportunities for underprivileged students, serving on the board of the Knowledge Is Power Program (KIPP), a network of charter schools aimed at uplifting underserved communities. She graduated from Stanford University in 1953 with a degree in economics, having grown up in a family with strong values rooted in enterprise, culture, and community service.
She is survived by her three sons, Robert, William, and John, who continue to uphold the family’s business and philanthropic commitments with institutions such as the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, KIPP, Stanford University, The Boys & Girls Club of San Francisco, the San Francisco Symphony, and The Gap Foundation. Additionally, Doris Fisher is survived by 10 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.
