Gap shuts sourcing centre

Singapore - US retailer Gap will close its regional sourcing hub in Singapore next year, possibly leaving more than 100 staff jobless.

The US retailer told local media it will be moving its buying centre from Singapore to existing sourcing centres in Hong Kong and India. "We made the decision based on our business needs today," gap spokesperson Bill Chandler told local media. "All retailers are facing challenging economic conditions now but this is something we have been evaluating for awhile."

Employees working in the company's Singapore sourcing centre were informed of the closure earlier this week. The company said they will provide transition benefits and outplacement support.

Chandler added that the staff in Singapore can also apply for openings at Gap's Hong Kong sourcing centre.

Singapore is the company's second-largest garment sourcing hub in Asia Pacific after Hong Kong.