Along with opening 1,000 stores on Thanksgiving this year, Gap is giving shoppers a head start on their holiday shopping with the launch of its Shop Yourself Social website, a campaign that helps customers stay connected with the company's brands' social media sites. In addition, the retailer expanded its Mobile4U program to deliver personalized deals via text message.

 

"Our mobile optimized sites were created so our customers could have real-time access to the same service, experience and product promotions that they would have on the website," says Toby Lenk, president of Gap Inc. Direct. "We're excited that our customers will have access to our newly optimized site this holiday, and we'll do everything in our power to fulfill their holiday shopping needs."

 

Shop Yourself Social is the company's first cross-branded campaign designed to help shoppers cut through the online and social media deal frenzy and find the best deals on gifts they would love to give (or get) this holiday season. The site, www.shopyourselfsocial.com, offers real-time tips and tricks to get the most out of social shopping as well as convenient access to all five Gap brands' social networking channels. Visitors to the site can find the latest feeds and information on each brand's store openings, events and promotions.

 

In response to the increasing number of customers shopping on mobile devices, Gap is also offering two mobile shopping options for customers on-the-go. Working with Visa, the company announced it has expanded its Gap Mobile4U program to deliver offers and promotions for Banana Republic (BR mobile 4U) and Old Navy (Old Navy 4U) in addition to Gap brands, delivering personalized offers triggered in real time for the holidays and throughout the year.

 

Customers who opt into the service will receive tailored discounts and promotions via SMS text messages when qualifying transactions are made with enrolled Visa accounts. Sent directly to their mobile devices, customers simply redeem their special offers by presenting the text message at select Gap, Banana Republic and Old Navy stores nationwide.