Piperlime Receives Prestigious 'Launch of the Year' Award

SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- In recognition of its unique approach to the footwear business, Piperlime, the fresh online shoe shop from Gap Inc. , has been selected by Footwear News to receive the publication's annual "Launch of the Year" award. Piperlime will be honored along with award recipients in 12 other categories during the 20th Annual Footwear News Achievement Awards ceremony, held today in New York.

In selecting the recipient of its "Launch of the Year" award, Footwear News -- the industry's most prominent news publication -- singles out the retailer or vendor whose new product or business is deemed to have the greatest impact on the footwear industry. Past recipients of the prestigious award include Kate Spade, Oakley Footwear and Belle by Sigerson Morrison, among others.

"Because of its instant, undeniable impact on the footwear industry, Piperlime was our clear choice to receive this year's 'Launch of the Year' award," said Michael Atmore, Editorial Director or Footwear News. "The fact that Gap Inc. has put its resources and expertise behind this new footwear concept is also very significant. There's no question that Piperlime has the opportunity to fundamentally change the e-commerce landscape of the footwear industry."

"We're honored and humbled to have been selected to receive such an important award," said Toby Lenk, president of Gap Inc. Direct. "It's gratifying to have our hard work and dedication recognized in such a meaningful way, and this award -- along with the terrific response we've received from our customers -- tells us we're doing something right. From the beginning, our goal with Piperlime has been to build an amazing shopping experience around an incredible assortment of brands. So, in many ways this award belongs as much to our vendor partners as it does to us."

Making use of Gap Inc.'s trusted, distinctive fashion point-of-view, Piperlime offers a hand-picked assortment of more than 100 of the best footwear brands for women, men and kids. Joining Gap Inc.'s already strong, established portfolio of apparel e-commerce websites -- Gap.com, BananaRepublic.com and OldNavy.com -- Piperlime is a natural extension of the company's online presence. Customers can shop at Piperlime, which officially opened for business on November 1 of this year, online at http://www.piperlime.com/ .

About Gap Inc. Direct

Gap Inc. Direct, the e-commerce division of Gap Inc., is one of the world's most popular specialty apparel e-commerce companies. Our portfolio of e-commerce websites consistently rank among the most frequently visited specialty apparel e-commerce destinations on the web. Visit us online at Gap.com , BananaRepublic.com , OldNavy.com and Piperlime.com .

About Gap Inc.

Gap Inc. is a leading international specialty retailer offering clothing, accessories and personal care products for men, women, children and babies under the Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy, Forth & Towne and Piperlime brand names. Fiscal 2005 sales were $16.0 billion. Gap Inc. operates more than 3,100 stores in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, France, Ireland and Japan. In addition, Gap Inc. is expanding its international presence with franchise agreements for Gap and Banana Republic in Southeast Asia and the Middle East. For more information, please visit gapinc.com .

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