California Apparel News

For years, the Gap store at the Hollywood & Highland shopping center occupied a prime spot at the corner where Hollywood Boulevard meets Highland Avenue.

But very quietly the Gap store closed its doors on Nov. 17, and now it is just a vacant spot with an advertisement for the Rolling Stones.

Gap officials gave no reason for the closure. A Gap spokesperson said the San Francisco company is constantly evaluating locations to determine whether they best serve customers and should stay open.

In June, Gap Inc., whose stores include Old Navy and Banana Republic as well as its self-named nameplate, said it would be closing 175 Gap stores this year, leaving it with 500 regular stores and 300 outlet stores.

Gap Inc., has had a tough time increasing sales at its stores. For the recently reported third quarter, Gap stores worldwide saw an 8 percent dip in same-stores sales while Old Navy stores were up 3 percent.

A massive fire recently at Gap's distribution center in Fishkill, N.Y., has been a drag on Gap's inventory and sales results.

Hollywood & Highland officials said the Gap store will remain vacant until a new retailer is found.