Athleta wins Hot Retailer Award

Premier sports and active womenswear label Athleta was awarded the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) 2011 Hot Retailer Award recognizing innovative retail concepts. The brand was selected following a servey of over 55,0000 as one

of the most unique an exciting shopping experiences.

As a division of Gap offering women's active apparel for yoga, running, swim, gym, hiking and skiing, Athleta is designed by and for female athletes. The business is increasing with $31 billion women’s sports and active wear market. The company is looking to open two additional stores in New York City this summer and wants to launch 50 stores across North America by 2013.

On the win Scott Key, senior vice president and general manager of Athleta, commented: “We’re committed to bringing our customers what they want – vibrant store environments that provide a place to build a community and purchase a wide selection of product they can wear straight from a morning run to dropping the kids off at school to getting coffee with a friend – all in the same outfit.”

In September 2008, Gap acquired Athleta making it the fifth brand on the company’s Inc Direct’s global platform alongside Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy and Piperlime. Founded 12 years ago, Athleta has evolved into a premier lifestyle brand, offering high quality apparel that’s stylish and functional.