The online shopping site in the UK will also serve nine other European countries. Gap currently sells online in trhe UK through fashion site Asos. The US fashion giant has also revealed plans to open Gap and Banana Republic in Italy for the first time. It will open a Banana Republic and Gap store side-by-side in Milan's popular shopping area Corso Vittorio Emanuele this year and will next year roll out to other Italian cities including Rome. President of Europe and International Franchise at Gap Stephen Sunnucks said: "As we continue to expand our global presence and deliver our customers great product, we are excited to enter another market that's also one of the top five apparel markets in the world," He added: "With loyal shoppers already in London and Paris, we think Gap Inc.'s brands will strongly resonate with Italian customers." Each of the stores will be wholly owned and operated by Gap.