Banana Republic is a chain of clothing and accessories stores owned by Gap.Inc. They retailer began business in 1978 and was created by Mel and Patricia Ziegler. Gap purchased the company in 1983 and gave it a more modern sophisticated image Banana Republic now has over 600 retail stores across the World. The majority of Banana Republic stores are in the United States and Canada however they are continuing to expand into Asia Europe and the Middle East.