Founded in 1978, Banana Republic is a full-service retail brand of Gap Inc. It offers a complete collection of apparel, handbags, jewelry, fragrance and eyewear. The outlet operates more than 500 company-owned stores in North America, the United Kingdom, Canada and Japan along with over 50 franchise stores around the world. Gap Inc. is one of the global leaders in specialty retailing offering clothing, accessories and personal care products for men, women, children as well as babies. The firm operates under the Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy, Piperlime and Athleta brands. Its brands are available in over 90 countries through 3,100 stores, 175 franchise stores and its e-commerce sites.