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The Gap's closing will leave a gap at Rogue Valley Mall Company closes 175 stores, including at the RV Mall Comment By Greg Stiles Mail Tribune Follow @@GregMTBusiness MailTribune.com By Greg Stiles Mail Tribune Follow @@GregMTBusiness Posted Dec. 29, 2015 at 5:02 PM Updated Dec 29, 2015 at 5:21 PM By Greg Stiles Mail Tribune Follow @@GregMTBusiness Posted Dec. 29, 2015 at 5:02 PM Updated Dec 29, 2015 at 5:21 PM » Social News The Gap, a long-standing presence at the Rogue Valley Mall, will exit next month. The closure is one of 175 announced last June by parent company Gap Inc., which also operates Banana Republic, Old Navy, Athleta and Intermix brands. An employee answering the phone at The Gap on the mall's lower level declined to answer a reporter's questions. The Gap arrived in Medford in 2000, followed by GapKids in a smaller space next door. The departures will leave the mall with a vacancy near the heart of its lower concourse. Mall General Manager Jeff Barber wasn't available for comment and telephone messages weren't returned by office staff. In a release titled "Gap Inc. Announces Strategic Initiatives to Increase Productivity and Profitability of Namesake Brand," the company outlined its plans. CEO Art Peck said in June that closing 175 specialty stores in North America would drive productivity improvements and showcase the brand in the most successful locations. Global President Jeff Kirwan said the move would result in $25 million in cost savings starting in 2016. Sales at the $16.43 billion company are expected to decline by approximately $300 million. Medford resident Leslie Dopp worked for The Gap for a year after graduating from college. "When I was in high school and college it was the thing, the store to go to," Dopp said. "But the past several years styles have changed from when I was in high school and college. I got older, and as you get older you stop wanting to wear trending clothes." "The Gap is a staple with great basics for the wardrobe," said Leanne Marshall, who has journeyed to The Gap with her three boys and daughter over the years. "When the kids were little, it was easy to find decent quality clothes, and I could find coordinating colors for all my littles. Then I could step next door and find a fashionable but not too trendy sweater and jeans for me. I suppose I will only have Macy's for my choice now." Medford resident Reynaldo Aguilera said he couldn't quibble with Gap Inc.'s decision. "My kids were big customers, and for that reason it's sad they're leaving town," Aguilera said. "It's a business decision, and as somebody that admires the freedom of business to make decisions in this country, I see it as a decision in order to cut costs." Sherri Barnes of Sams Valley said the mall will miss the foot traffic The Gap brought. "When any store closes, it's definitely felt throughout the whole mall," she said. Reach reporter Greg Stiles at 541-776-4463 or [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GregMTBusiness , on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/greg.stiles.31 By Greg Stiles Mail Tribune Follow @@GregMTBusiness MailTribune.com By Greg Stiles Mail Tribune Follow @@GregMTBusiness Posted Dec. 29, 2015 at 5:02 PM Updated Dec 29, 2015 at 5:21 PM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... 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