Gap's New Look: The See-Through

But that increased openness is just a first step. Gap must go further if it expects to build on the goodwill the report has engendered. And, impressively, it has committed to do so. The report outlines next year's goals, including allowing an external review of its own monitoring. Most significantly, Gap has agreed to rethink accepted garment-industry business practices, which include unrealistic production cycles that drive such abuses as unpaid overtime.

Critics say there is much more to do. Gap agrees. In its report, the company outlines a plan for 2004 that requires it to broaden its efforts to support industry standards. The report is the map that outlines, with ambition and daring, the road ahead. The destination is by no means in sight. But from this moment forward, the world will be watching to see if Gap stays the course.