Gap Inc. plans to launch a new online footwear business through its e-commerce division Gap Inc. Direct featuring fashion brands for women, men and children. The new business is expected to go online in time for the 2006 holiday season with a broad assortment of footwear offerings from designer to casual brands.

Online footwear business is growing nearly 15% annually and will become a $5.5 billion market by 2010, according to analysis conducted by Forrester Research in 2005. Research conducted by Gap Inc. indicates the company's own, sizeable online customer base already buys shoes online.