Gap store’s closing will leave a hole in Wyoming Valley retail offerings

After July 26 Gap bags will be a rare sighting at the Wyoming Valley Mall.

https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/web1_Gap.jpg.optimal.jpgAfter July 26 Gap bags will be a rare sighting at the Wyoming Valley Mall.

WILKES-BARRE TWP. — The Gap’s Facebook page announced the Wyoming Valley Mall location is slated to close July 26.

Joseph Ohrin, marketing director at Wyoming Valley Mall, confirmed Tuesday the Gap store is closing.

Last month, the Times Leader reported the California-based retailer announced a plan to close 175 “specialty stores,” with 140 scheduled to shut down this fiscal year.

The retail closures are only part of Gap Inc. strategic initiatives to increase productivity and profitability meant to streamline operations and accommodate consumers online shopping preferences.

The corporation also has plans to eliminate 250 positions at the company’s headquarters to speed up the decision-making process and responsiveness.

The changes are estimated to save the company nearly an annualized $25 million starting in 2016.

Gap Inc. will retain a combined 800 Gap Outlet and Gap Factory Stores in North American following the reorganization.

The retailer will focus on the development of “brand product collections and enhancing the customer experience,” Jeff Kirwan, global president of Gap said in a written press release.

The changes are estimated to save the company nearly $25 million starting in 2016.

“Customers are rapidly changing how they shop today, and these moves will help get Gap back to where we know it deserves to be in the eyes of consumers,” Art Peck, chief executive officer of Gap Inc., said in a written press release.

Gap Inc. will retain 800 Gap stores in North American following the reorganization.

The retailer will focus on the development of “brand product collections and enhancing the customer experience,” Jeff Kirwan, global president of Gap said in the press release.