In what year was Old Navy founded?

Old Navy was founded in 1994.

The brand opened its first stores on March 11, 1994, after Gap developed a lower-priced retail concept called Gap Warehouse. The new chain was renamed Old Navy to give it a distinct identity rather than presenting it simply as a discount version of Gap.

The early stores used a warehouse-inspired design, with broad aisles, metal shelving, polished industrial-style fixtures, and inexpensive clothing for the whole family. That positioning helped Old Navy grow rapidly: it reached $1 billion in annual sales within four years and opened its 500th store by 2000.

A common mix-up is confusing Old Navy’s founding year with the year Gap Warehouse began operating. Gap Warehouse locations existed in 1993, but the Old Navy name and brand date to 1994. The company remains a division of Gap Inc.