Gap Sales Beat Estimates on Celebrities, Collaborations

Gap reported stronger-than-expected sales, a sign that celebrity-fueled marketing, flashy collaborations and a revamped inventory are luring in consumers. Comparable sales rose 5% in the third quarter, surpassing the average of analyst estimates. Results at the company’s two biggest brands — Old Navy and Gap — were particularly strong. Earnings per share also outpaced expectations. Chief Executive Officer Richard Dickson is reigniting excitement around Gap with collaborations, including with luggage brand Béis, and the GapStudio line that’s being promoted by Gwyneth Paltrow and her daughter. At Old Navy, which generated nearly 60% of total revenue in the quarter, the company said its denim, activewear, kids and baby categories resonated with shoppers. Bloomberg Intelligence Senior Retail Analyst Mary Ross Gilbert joins Bloomberg Businessweek Daily to discuss. She speaks with Carol Massar and Tim Stenovec. (Source: Bloomberg)