By Joyce Teo

UNITED States clothing retailer Gap Inc will close its regional apparel buying centre in Singapore early next year, shedding possibly more than 100 jobs.

Gap's Singapore business will be moved to its two other sourcing centres in the region, in Hong Kong and India.

In addition to the jobs lost, the move could potentially affect local garment manufacturers here. This is because a sourcing centre like Gap's is tasked with finding manufacturers and suppliers to produce specific lines of clothing throughout the year. This is separate from Gap stores in Singapore, which are run by retail group FJ Benjamin.