<Tr> <Th> Website </Th> <Td> BananaRepublic.com </Td> </Tr> <P> Banana Republic is an American clothing and accessories retailer owned by American multinational corporation, Gap Inc . </P> <P> It was founded in 1978 by Mel and Patricia Ziegler with the name "Banana Republic Travel & Safari Clothing Company" with a safari theme; in 1983, Gap purchased the company, changed the name to simply "Banana Republic", and gave it a more upscale image . Banana Republic has more than 600 stores located internationally . In late 2016 the brand announced Olivia Palermo as its first women's global style ambassador . </P> <P> The original Banana Republic was founded by Mel and Patricia Ziegler in 1978 . The couple were known for acquiring interesting clothing items that their travel - related jobs brought them in contact with . They eventually opened a store in the Mill Valley area of Northern California . They were known for a hand - drawn catalogue of items with fictional traveler / explorer stories printed alongside, and their safari - themed retail locations . </P>

Where did the store banana republic get its name
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