Gap Inc. Recognized as One of World's Most Ethical Companies For Fourth Year in a Row

(3BLMedia/theCSRfeed) SAN FRANCISCO, CA – March 22, 2010 – For the fourth year in a row, Gap Inc. (NYSE: GPS) has been recognized by the Ethisphere Institute as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies for 2010.  

“Gap Inc.’s promotion of a sound ethical environment shines within its industry and shows a clear understanding that operating under the highest standards for business behavior goes beyond goodwill and ‘lip-service’ and is linked to performance and profitability,” said Alex Brigham, Executive Director of the Ethisphere Institute. “This year’s World’s Most Ethical Companies award was more competitive than ever, because companies realize that making ethics a priority is critical amidst a tough economic environment.”   Through a rigorous multi-step evaluation process, Ethisphere’s researchers and analysts reviewed nominations from companies in over 100 countries and 36 industries – more nominations than ever before - in order to determine the finalists.   “Gap Inc. is honored to again be included among the World’s Most Ethical Companies based on our holistic approach to ensuring ethical business practices across our company,” said Dan Henkle, Senior Vice President of Global Responsibility, Gap Inc. “While we’re proud of this recognition, we remain committed to constantly evaluating our efforts and looking for new ways to ensure our business is conducted in an ethical and socially responsible manner each and every day.”   The methodology for the WME ranking includes reviewing codes of ethics, evaluating the investment in innovation, sustainable business practices, and activities designed to improve corporate citizenship; and studying nominations from senior executives, industry peers, suppliers and customers.   This is the fourth year Ethisphere, a think-tank dedicated to the creation, advancement and sharing of best practices in business ethics, corporate social responsibility, anti-corruption and sustainability, has published the WME rankings, which appear in Ethisphere Magazine’s Q1 issue.   Additional information about Gap Inc.’s commitment to social responsibility can be found online at www.gapinc.com/socialresponsibility/. For information on the Ethisphere Institute, including ranking projects and membership, visit http://ethisphere.com/wme-2010.   About Gap Inc.    Gap Inc. is a leading global specialty retailer offering clothing, accessories and personal care products for men, women, children and babies under the Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy, Piperlime and Athleta brand names. Fiscal 2009 sales were $14.2 billion. Gap Inc. operates about 3,100 stores in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, France, Japan and Ireland. In addition, Gap Inc. is expanding its international presence with franchise agreements in Asia, Europe, Latin America and the Middle East. For more information, please visit www.gapinc.com.

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