Early Life
Doris Lee Feigenbaum Fisher was born on August 23, 1931, in San Francisco, California. Her parents were Jewish immigrants. She graduated from Stanford University with a degree in economics in 1953.
Rise to Success
In 1969, Doris Fisher and her husband, Donald Fisher, co-founded The Gap Inc. in San Francisco. The initial idea came from the couple's difficulty in finding jeans that fit Donald properly. They opened their first store with $63,000, which sold Levi's jeans and LP records. Doris served as the company's merchandiser until 2003 and was on the board until 2009. Gap Inc. expanded to include brands like Old Navy and Banana Republic.
Key Business Strategies
Doris Fisher played a key role in the company's success, developing the Gap's signature style and brand identity. She was instrumental in the merchandising and marketing strategies that led to the company's growth into a global retailer. Doris and Don Fisher emphasized a straightforward shopping experience.
Philanthropy
Doris Fisher is a dedicated philanthropist. She co-founded the KIPP Foundation in 2000 and the Gap Foundation in 1977. She has supported public charter schools and other initiatives aimed at underserved communities. Doris and her husband also amassed a $1 billion art collection.