What did the Old Navy used to be called?

Ever wonder about the story behind one of America’s most popular clothing retailers? The history of Old Navy contains some surprising twists that most shoppers never discover.

Old Navy was originally called Gap Warehouse¹ when it first launched in 1994, created as a lower-priced alternative to Gap stores to compete with other budget retailers like Target and Walmart.

If you’re curious about Old Navy’s evolution from Gap Warehouse to the retail giant it is today, there’s much more to this fascinating retail story.

Table of Contents

• What is the Old Navy famous for?
• Does Old Navy ship internationally?
• Are Old Navy and Gap the same?
• Conclusion

What is the Old Navy famous for?

Wondering what sets Old Navy apart in the crowded clothing market? Their combination of affordable basics and trendy styles has created a retail phenomenon that’s hard to ignore.

Old Navy is famous for affordable casual clothing² for the entire family, iconic Fourth of July t-shirts, $1 flip-flop sales, and their Performance Fleece line that revolutionized budget-friendly cold-weather wear in the late 1990s.

Let’s explore what truly makes Old Navy stand out in today’s competitive retail landscape.

Old Navy’s Brand Identity and Market Position

As someone who’s worked in the garment industry for years, I’ve always been impressed by Old Navy’s clear brand identity. When I first visited their stores in the early 2000s, I immediately noticed how they positioned themselves differently from other retailers.

Old Navy’s greatest strength lies in their ability to balance affordability with on-trend designs. Unlike many budget retailers who sacrifice style for price, Old Navy manages to offer both. Their marketing strategy effectively targets families looking for quality clothing without breaking the bank.

Here’s a breakdown of what makes Old Navy unique:

Feature	Description	Impact on Market
Annual Sales Events	$1 flip-flop sales, Black Friday doorbusters	Creates shopping urgency and customer loyalty
Size Inclusivity	Wide range of sizes (0-30, XS-4X)	Appeals to broader customer base than competitors
American Casual Aesthetic	Denim-focused, patriotic themes	Strengthens brand identity among target demographic
In-Store Experience	Bright layouts, organized by category	Makes shopping efficient for busy families

One thing I’ve learned from my manufacturing experience at DECHENG is the importance of consistency in product quality. Old Navy excels at this—their t-shirts maintain the same fit and feel year after year, which builds customer trust.

I remember working with a client who was trying to replicate Old Navy’s successful formula. They wanted to create similar products but struggled with maintaining quality at scale. This is where Old Navy’s parent company’s resources become significant—they have the supply chain capabilities to ensure consistency across millions of garments.

Their Performance Fleece innovation in 1997 particularly stands out as a pivotal moment in the brand’s history. By offering warm, functional outerwear at accessible price points, they transformed consumer expectations about what "budget clothing" could be. I’ve seen firsthand how difficult it is to manufacture high-performance materials at competitive prices, which makes their achievement all the more impressive.

Does Old Navy ship internationally?

Frustrated by limited access to affordable fashion brands in your country? International shipping policies often determine whether global customers can enjoy popular American retailers like Old Navy.

Old Navy ships to select international destinations including Canada, Japan, and Mexico through their official website. However, they don’t offer worldwide shipping to all countries. Many international customers use third-party package forwarding services to access Old Navy products.

Let’s examine Old Navy’s international presence more closely and explore alternatives for global customers who want access to their products.

Global Reach and Limitations

In my role at DECHENG, I frequently analyze international shipping³ practices of major retailers to understand global market penetration strategies. Old Navy’s approach reveals both opportunities and challenges for international customers.

Old Navy’s international shipping strategy appears selective rather than comprehensive. While they maintain physical store locations in Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and had previously operated in Japan and China, their direct international shipping options remain limited compared to some competitors.

Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of how international customers can access Old Navy products:

Region	Access Method	Limitations	Customer Experience
Canada	Direct shipping, physical stores	Full product range, duty fees may apply	Seamless, localized pricing
Mexico	Direct shipping, physical stores	Limited product selection	Moderate, with some restrictions
Japan	Direct shipping	Longer delivery times	Good, with international shipping fees
Europe	Third-party forwarding services	High shipping costs, potential customs delays	Complicated, expensive
Australia	Third-party forwarding services	High shipping costs, lengthy delivery	Challenging but possible
Southeast Asia	Limited options	Very restricted access	Difficult without intermediaries

I’ve spoken with retail partners in Singapore who consistently mention the demand for Old Navy products in Southeast Asian markets where the brand doesn’t have a direct presence. This gap creates opportunities for distributors but frustrates consumers who want authentic products at fair prices.

For many international customers, the best option is using package forwarding services like MyUS, Shipito, or Planet Express. These services provide a US address where Old Navy can deliver, then forward the package internationally. However, this approach comes with downsides: additional handling fees, longer delivery times, and sometimes complicated return processes.

The international shipping limitations reflect broader challenges in global retail that I’ve witnessed in my manufacturing business. Currency fluctuations, import regulations, and logistics costs create significant barriers to affordable global distribution. When we ship our custom apparel internationally from DECHENG, these same factors impact our pricing and delivery promises.

Are Old Navy and Gap the same?

Confused by the relationship between these popular clothing brands? Many shoppers wonder about the connection between Old Navy and Gap, often mistaking them for the same company.

Old Navy and Gap are not the same store, but they are owned by the same parent company, Gap Inc. While Gap focuses on classic, higher-priced casual wear, Old Navy targets budget-conscious families with more affordable clothing and different design aesthetics.

Understanding the relationship between these retail siblings reveals interesting insights about brand positioning and market strategy in the competitive clothing industry.

Corporate Structure and Brand Differentiation

Having worked with various clothing retailers as a manufacturer, I find the Gap Inc. family of brands particularly fascinating from a business perspective. Their multi-brand strategy represents a sophisticated approach to market segmentation.

Gap Inc. operates as the parent company for several distinct retail brands, each targeting different customer demographics and price points. This structure allows them to capture multiple segments of the apparel market without direct cannibalization.

Here’s how the Gap Inc. brands compare:

Brand	Target Customer	Price Point	Style Aesthetic	Market Position
Gap	Young adults, professionals	Mid-range	Classic, minimalist	Mainstream casual
Old Navy	Budget-conscious families	Value/economy	Trendy, casual	Mass market
Banana Republic	Urban professionals	Premium	Sophisticated workwear	Upscale casual
Athleta	Active women	Premium	Athletic, performance	Specialty activewear

From my experience at DECHENG, I understand the manufacturing differences between these price tiers. When we produce premium garments versus budget lines, everything changes—from fabric selection to construction techniques. The quality differences between Old Navy and Gap products reflect these manufacturing decisions.

I remember visiting both stores on the same day during a sourcing trip to the US. The Gap store featured thicker fabrics, more detailed finishes, and sophisticated silhouettes. In contrast, Old Navy offered simpler construction, more synthetic blends, and trend-focused designs at significantly lower prices.
This strategic brand separation began in 1994 when Gap Inc. launched Gap Warehouse (soon renamed Old Navy) to compete with budget retailers like Target and Walmart. The decision proved tremendously successful—Old Navy actually grew to become Gap Inc.’s largest revenue generator, sometimes outperforming the original Gap brand.

Despite sharing corporate resources like supply chain infrastructure and executive leadership, the brands maintain distinct merchandising, design, and marketing teams. This separation ensures each brand maintains its unique identity and customer appeal.

The relationship reminds me of conversations I’ve had with clients who operate multiple clothing lines. One UK-based client explained how they use different brand names to serve various market segments without confusing their customers. This strategy allows them to maximize revenue while maintaining brand integrity—exactly what Gap Inc. has achieved with Old Navy and its other brands.

Conclusion

Old Navy began as Gap Warehouse in 1994 before evolving into the budget-friendly fashion giant we know today, offering affordable family apparel while operating as part of Gap Inc.’s diverse retail portfolio.

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FAQ

Q1: What did Old Navy used to be called?
A: Old Navy was originally called Gap Warehouse when it was launched in 1994 by Gap Inc. It was later rebranded to Old Navy to target value-focused consumers.

Q2: What is Old Navy known for?
A: Old Navy is known for affordable casual clothing, Fourth of July t-shirts, $1 flip-flop sales, size inclusivity, and their iconic Performance Fleece.

Q3: Does Old Navy ship internationally?
A: Yes, Old Navy ships directly to select countries like Canada, Mexico, and Japan. Customers in other regions often use third-party forwarding services.

Q4: Are Old Navy and Gap the same store?
A: No, Old Navy and Gap are different brands but belong to the same parent company, Gap Inc. They target different markets and offer different price points and styles.

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Understanding Old Navy’s history, product strengths, and global reach helps consumers and fashion professionals alike appreciate its unique position in the retail market.