Founder of San Francisco clothing empire dies at 94
SFGATE • • business
Key Points:
- Doris Fisher, co-founder of Gap, passed away at age 94 in San Francisco, leaving behind a legacy as a pioneer in fashion retail and philanthropy.
- She and her husband Don created Gap in 1969 to address the lack of well-fitting jeans, naming the store after the "generation gap" to appeal to younger customers.
- Under their leadership, Gap grew into a $16 billion empire with sister brands Banana Republic and Old Navy, revolutionizing casual wear and retail organization.
- Beyond business, the Fishers were significant art patrons, donating over 1,100 works and $250 million to the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, and contributed more than $70 million to education through the Knowledge Is Power Program.
- Fisher is survived by her three sons and extended family, with the family requesting donations to the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art or the KIPP Foundation in her memory.
