Which company currently owns the Banana Republic clothing chain?

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Which company currently owns the Banana Republic clothing chain? Gap Inc. owns Banana Republic.

Banana Republic began as a travel-themed clothing business in 1978, founded by Mel and Patricia Ziegler. Gap Inc. acquired the company in 1983, turning it into a major apparel brand within its corporate portfolio.

The chain is related to Gap Inc. but is not the same brand as Gap or Old Navy. Those names are separate retail brands operated by the same parent company. Levi Strauss, VF Corporation, and Ralph Lauren are competing apparel companies, not Banana Republic’s owner.

Today, Banana Republic sells clothing, accessories, and lifestyle products through company-operated and franchise locations. Its positioning has generally been more polished and upscale than the core Gap brand, although its merchandise and branding have changed over time.

Source: Wikipedia · fact-checked Sept. 2026

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