Gap's ( GPS ) operates its namesake Gap brand in addition to Old Navy and Banana Republic, and competes with other specialty retailers like Aeropostale ( ARO ), American Eagle ( AEO ), Abercrombie & Fitch ( ANF ) and Urban Outfitters ( URBN ). The consumer price index (a measure of inflation) increased by 0.5% in February, the highest for any month in nearly two years and above analyst forecasts. The inflationary pressure affects profit margins of retailers like Gap that face increasing raw material costs, with global cotton prices rising over the last year.