Retailer sees Gap for upmarket boutique

US clothing giant Gap is looking to bring its new luxury boutique chain to the UK.

Intermix – whose biggest fan is the reality TV star Kim Kardashian – was bought by Gap in January for $130m (£85m). It has around 30 shops in the US and Canada and sells upmarket brands such as Yves Saint Laurent and Rag & Bone.

Gap is reviewing the opportunities for the group to expand in key global cities and London is one of the top destinations it is considering.

Its brands, including Old Navy, are focused on the casual fashion market and its purchase of Intermix is an attempt to diversify into the growing high-end sector.

Gap brought its Banana Republic brand to London in 2007. And among other US imports, London will welcome Michelle Obama's favourite brand J Crew on to Regent Street later this year.

Edie Kissko, Gap Inc's spokesperson, said: "While it's too early to provide details, we can say that Intermix's growth will come from additional stores, coupled with increased online penetration.

"Our focus is on North America today, but we are always exploring longer-term strategies"