Gap co‑founder Doris Fisher — driving force behind iconic retailer’s rise — dead at 94
Doris Fisher, co-founder of Gap, has died at the age of 94, the company's CEO announced. She played a pivotal role in shaping the brand's identity and culture from its inception in 1969 alongside her husband Donald Fisher. Fisher remained involved with the company for decades, contributing to its growth into a global apparel retailer.
- ▪Doris Fisher co-founded Gap in 1969 with her husband Donald Fisher, opening the first store in San Francisco.
- ▪She coined the name "The Gap" to reflect the generation gap and helped target the teenage market.
- ▪Fisher was an equal partner in the business, investing the same capital as her husband and working in the first store.
- ▪She served as merchandising consultant until 2003, remained on the board until 2009, and later held the title of honorary lifetime director.
- ▪Fisher established the Gap Foundation, promoting philanthropy and early workplace equality initiatives including equal pay for women and men.
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Business Gap co‑founder Doris Fisher — driving force behind iconic retailer’s rise — dead at 94 By Reuters Published May 4, 2026, 4:03 p.m. ET Gap co-founder Doris Fisher, who helped build one of America’s most recognizable clothing retailers, has died at the age of 94, CEO Richard Dickson said in a statement. Fisher and her late husband Donald Fisher opened the first Gap store in 1969 on Ocean Avenue in San Francisco, initially selling Levi’s jeans alongside records and cassette tapes. She coined the name “The Gap” in reference to the generation gap between baby boomers and their parents, helping the brand squarely target a fast-growing teenage market. 5 Doris and Donald Fisher in an undated photo.
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