After much buzz and anticipation, Gibbons Company last night officially opened the international clothing and accessories retailer Gap.

A host of dignitaries were on hand to take part in a ribbon cutting yesterday evening, after which point members of the public were invited to browse the new space and stay to enjoy the party.

Paula Clarke, Gibbons chief executive officer, said yesterday: “There’s been a lot of excitement about the brand so far.

“We go on sale tonight after the ribbon cutting at 6pm, but numbers will prove and show in the end how successful it is. We are hoping we get a good response.”

The store will now offer the Gap Summer 2014 collections, including men’s, women’s, children and babies wear.

Ms Clarke said most items would be marked the same as US retail price, but in some cases the prices would be a little higher. They also anticipate new fashion items to come in every single month.

According to Gibbons men’s wear buyer, Tony Thompson, it took two to three weeks to get the store physically ready for the global brand.

However months of planning went into the move before hand — Gibbons had to relocate some of its other brands to different parts of the store or get rid of some of the weaker brands entirely.

Mr Thompson said: “We had the head of merchandising for the New York stores come down to Bermuda with the goal of having us look as close to a regular gap store as possible.

“It’s not a franchise store, but when you buy into Gap you have to follow their guidelines for how everything is laid out, folded and hung.

“They want unity between all their stores, so if you walk into a Gap in Tokyo, New York, Miami and now Bermuda they all should look fairly much the same.”

He said he was excited about the new store and believes residents will respond well to it.

“Bermudians love brands and want value for money as well, so I think Gap offers that,” he said.

“They offer fashion and timeless staples that you can add into your wardrobe like oxfords, chinos and basic tops, skirts and dresses.

“We call them ‘chuck-on clothes’ which you can throw on and leave the house looking great.

“And that’s what people want. When you walk into a Gap you know you can find that basic piece that you can’t live without.”

Gap Inc is a global operation whose products sell under the Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy, Piperlime, Athleta, and Intermix brands. Last year the company’s net sales were $16.1 billion.

The Gap started as a jeans brand and has been known for offering customers “classic and modern American designs that are comfortable and accessible”.

Ms Clarke said they were inspired to bring the brand to Bermuda after hearing from people who wished to see more high street brands from overseas on the Island.

“I also felt that Gap really represented the lifestyle of Bermuda,” she said.

“It’s cross generational and goes from baby to children, and from men’s to women’s. And the beauty of this collection of Gap and its culture is it’s very easy and accessible styles, so people can really interpret the look in an individual way so not everyone looks the same.”