Doris Fisher, the co-founder of the Gap, has died at the age of 96. She passed away peacefully at her home in San Francisco on May 12, 2026, surrounded by her family.
A Retail Pioneer
Fisher and her husband, Donald Fisher, opened the first Gap store in San Francisco in 1969. The store, which initially sold Levi's jeans and records, quickly became a destination for casual clothing. The name Gap was a nod to the generation gap of the 1960s.
Under the Fishers' leadership, Gap grew into a global retail giant, with brands including Gap, Old Navy, and Banana Republic. Doris Fisher was known for her keen eye for style and her commitment to quality. She played a key role in shaping the company's aesthetic, from the iconic Gap logo to the simple, timeless designs that became the brand's hallmark.
Philanthropy and Legacy
Beyond retail, Fisher was a noted philanthropist. She and her husband donated millions to education, the arts, and environmental causes. The Fisher family's contributions include significant gifts to the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and Stanford University.
Doris Fisher is survived by her three sons, Robert, William, and John, and their families. Her husband Donald predeceased her in 2009. The Fisher family released a statement saying, 'Doris was a visionary who changed the way America dresses. She will be deeply missed.'
The Gap brand continues to be a staple in casual fashion, a testament to the Fishers' enduring influence on the retail industry.
