Gap Inc. acquired the Banana Republic chain in 1983.
Banana Republic began in 1978 in Mill Valley, California, founded by Mel and Patricia Ziegler as a small travel and safari-themed clothing business. The original operation combined two stores with a distinctive mail-order catalog filled with adventurous descriptions and illustrations. Its identity was built around expedition-inspired clothing and accessories rather than conventional mall fashion.
The Gap Stores, Inc., later known as Gap Inc., purchased the business in 1983. The acquisition gave Gap a new brand positioned at a higher price point and with a more polished lifestyle image than the core Gap chain. Banana Republic gradually moved away from its original safari-outfitter concept toward contemporary apparel and accessories.
The date is sometimes confused with 1978, which is the year Banana Republic was founded, or with later international expansion. The acquisition itself occurred in 1983, when the company was still a small two-store and catalog retailer.