Old Navy vs Kohl's vs GAP analysis: Which brand offers the best promo codes?

• VALIDATION PERIOD: Sep 2023 → Nov 2025 (26 months)

• TOTAL CODES AUDITED: 771 unique promo codes

• MERCHANTS ANALYZED: 3 (GAP, Old Navy, Kohl's)

• THE FINDING: More promo codes doesn't mean better savings. GAP averages 15 codes per month but rarely exceeds 25% off. Old Navy releases fewer codes but consistently hits 30-50% discounts.

When comparing Old Navy, GAP, and Kohl's for deals, most shoppers assume these major retailers offer similar promotional frequencies. They don't. And even more surprisingly, the brand with the most codes doesn't offer the deepest discounts.

SimplyCodes tracked every public promo code from all three brands across 26 months—September 2023 through November 2025—using ShopGraph, our real-time commerce intelligence system. The data reveals dramatic differences in how often each brand releases codes, when they release them, how deep their discounts go, and how their strategies differ fundamentally.

The bottom line: GAP releases far more promo codes than its competitors but rarely exceeds 40% off. Old Navy offers moderate code volume but delivers the deepest single discounts (50% off). Kohl's provides the fewest public codes but enables 50-60%+ total savings through strategic stacking.

How deep do Old Navy, GAP, and Kohl’s promo code discounts really go?

Before diving into volume, let's address the elephant in the room: the brand releasing the most promo codes doesn't offer the deepest discounts.

Analyzing the highest discount offered each month from December 2024 through November 2025 reveals a striking pattern:

Peak monthly discounts (Dec 2024 - Nov 2025)

Key insights from discount depth data

1. Old Navy dominates peak discount depth: Old Navy hit 50% off twice (June and October 2025)—the deepest single-code discounts of any brand in the past year. Old Navy's floor is also highest, never dropping below 30% off as their best monthly code.

2. GAP rarely exceeds modest discounts: Despite releasing the most codes (15 monthly average), GAP's best monthly discount stayed at 20% off for 9 out of 12 months. Only October 2025 broke 40%, and most months maxed out at just 20-25% off.

3. Kohl's shows high variance: Kohl's best monthly discount ranged from just 15% (March, September) to 40% (October), reflecting their event-driven, volatile strategy. Their stated discounts appear modest, but this doesn't account for Kohl's Cash stacking.

4. October is the universal deep-discount month: All three brands offered their deepest or near-deepest discounts in October 2025 (Old Navy 50%, GAP 40%, Kohl's 40%), confirming October as the true promotional peak despite official "Black Friday" announcements coming in late November.

5. GAP's volume doesn't translate to depth: GAP releases 27% more codes than Old Navy but Old Navy's best monthly discounts are consistently 30-50% versus GAP's typical 20-25%. More codes ≠ better discounts.

What this means: If you're chasing maximum single-code discount depth, Old Navy delivers despite moderate volume. If you want abundant choice at modest depths, GAP provides that. If you want complexity enabling 50-60% total savings, Kohl's stacking (not their stated 15-40% codes) is the play.

Promo code volume vs. discount depth: GAP vs. Old Navy vs. Kohl’s

Looking at average monthly promotional frequency across the critical September-November holiday shopping season, GAP emerges as the clear leader in promo code volume—but our discount depth analysis reveals Old Navy as the depth leader.

Average monthly promo codes (Sep-Nov, 2023-2025)

The complete picture:

• GAP: Highest volume (15 codes/month) + modest depth (typically 20-25% off)

• Old Navy: Moderate volume (11.8 codes/month) + deepest discounts (30-50% off)

• Kohl's: Lowest volume (7.3 codes/month) + moderate stated depths (15-40% off) + stacking multiplier

What this reveals: GAP's high-volume strategy doesn't prioritize discount depth—they release many codes but most stay in the 20-25% range. Old Navy's balanced approach delivers both reasonable volume AND the deepest peak discounts. Kohl's stated discounts appear modest (often just 15-30%) but stacking transforms them into 50-60%+ effective savings.

The discount depth trade-off: More codes doesn't mean better discounts. GAP's 15 monthly codes typically max out at 20-25% off (with occasional 40% during major events). Old Navy's 12 monthly codes regularly hit 30% off with 50% peaks twice annually. Kohl's 7 codes state 15-30% but become 50-60%+ through Kohl's Cash stacking.

GAP promo code strategy: Many promo codes, modest discounts

GAP's promotional strategy centers on abundance—more codes, more often—but our discount depth analysis reveals they rarely push beyond 20-25% off.

GAP monthly promo code volume (Sep-Nov, 2023-2025)

Average: 13.0 → 15.7 → 16.3 codes across Sep-Nov

GAP's discount depth reality (Dec 2024 - Nov 2025)

Looking at GAP's best monthly discount over the past year:

• 9 out of 12 months: Best discount was only 20-25% off

• 1 month (March): Hit 30% off

• 1 month (November): Hit 31% off

• 1 month (October): Reached 40% off (the annual peak)

What this reveals: GAP's abundance comes at the cost of depth. While you'll find 15+ codes on any given day, the vast majority stay in the 20-25% off range. The 40% off codes that appear in samples are rare outliers, typically limited to major October/November events.

Why GAP maintains modest depths despite high volume

• Frequent discounting trains customers: Running 15 codes monthly at 40%+ would destroy margins and train customers to never pay full price

• Volume creates perception of choice: Many modest codes feel more valuable than fewer deep codes to some shoppers

• Market positioning: As mid-tier brand, GAP can't constantly match Old Navy's 50% depths without undermining brand value

• Testing and optimization: High volume at modest depths allows testing many variations with controlled risk

The shopper experience: GAP shoppers have constant access to codes—but most fall in the 20-25% range. The occasional 40% codes during October/Black Friday are exceptions, not the norm. If you need something today, you'll find a 20-25% code easily. If you can wait, October offers the deepest annual discounts.

Strategic insight: GAP's volume advantage is real, but don't expect deep discounts. Set expectations for 20-25% off most of the time, with 40% as an annual October event. If you need deeper discounts more frequently, Old Navy's moderate volume + 30-50% depths may serve better than GAP's high volume + 20-25% depths.

Old Navy promo code strategy: Fewer codes, deeper discounts

Old Navy occupies a unique position: moderate code volume (between GAP and Kohl's) but consistently the deepest single-code discounts of all three brands.

Old Navy monthly promo code volume (Sep-Nov, 2023-2025)

Average: 10.0 → 13.3 → 12.0 codes across Sep-Nov

Old Navy's discount depth reality (Dec 2024 - Nov 2025)

Looking at Old Navy's best monthly discount over the past year:

• 10 out of 12 months: Best discount was 30% off (consistent floor)

• 2 months (June, October): Hit 50% off (deepest of any brand)

• Never dropped below 30%: The highest reliable floor of all three brands

What this reveals: Old Navy doesn't just offer moderate volume—they offer the deepest and most consistent discounts. While GAP releases more codes, Old Navy's best monthly code averages 30-50% versus GAP's typical 20-25%. Old Navy is the only brand to hit 50% off twice in the past year.

Why Old Navy delivers depth despite moderate volume

• Value brand positioning: As Gap Inc.'s budget brand, Old Navy competes on value—which means deeper discounts are part of brand identity

• Quality over quantity philosophy: Rather than releasing 15 modest codes, Old Navy releases 12 codes with 30%+ depths

• Strategic seasonal peaks: The 50% off codes in June and October weren't random—they aligned with key shopping periods (summer clearance, Black Friday prep)

• Customer expectations: Old Navy shoppers expect meaningful savings; 20-25% codes wouldn't align with value brand perception

The shopper experience: Old Navy shoppers see fewer total options than GAP (10-12 codes vs 15+), but the average discount depth is significantly higher. Most codes hit 30% off, with 50% peaks during strategic periods. You won't find constant availability like GAP, but when codes appear, they deliver deeper savings.

The strategic timing insight: Old Navy's 50% off codes appeared in June (summer inventory clearance) and October (Black Friday preparation). These aren't random—they're strategically timed for maximum inventory movement. Shoppers who align purchases with these peaks capture the deepest discounts of any brand.

Strategic insight: If you prioritize maximum discount depth over constant availability, Old Navy is objectively the winner. Their 30% floor beats GAP's typical 20-25% ceiling in most months. The twice-annual 50% events provide the deepest single-code discounts of any brand. Trade-off: fewer codes overall, but higher average quality per code.

Kohl’s promo code strategy: Fewer codes, bigger savings through stacking

Kohl's takes a fundamentally different approach: far fewer promo codes with stated discounts that appear modest (15-40% range)—but stackable savings structures multiply effective value.

Kohl's monthly promo code volume (Sep-Nov, 2023-2025)

Average: 5.3 → 7.0 → 9.7 codes across Sep-Nov

Kohl's discount depth reality (Dec 2024 - Nov 2025)

Looking at Kohl's best monthly stated discount over the past year:

• High volatility: Ranged from just 15% (March, September) to 40% (October)

• Typical range: 20-30% off most months

• October peak: Hit 40% off (matching GAP, below Old Navy's 50%)

• But this misses the point: Stated discounts don't include Kohl's Cash stacking

What this reveals: Kohl's stated discounts appear modest—often the lowest of the three brands (15-30% typical). But this analysis only captures single-code depth, not total effective discount after stacking. A stated 20% off code + $15 Kohl's Cash per $50 + category sale + credit card bonus creates 50-60%+ effective savings.

Why Kohl's maintains modest stated depths

• Department store vendor relationships: Third-party brand contracts limit how deeply Kohl's can discount stated prices

• Stacking replaces depth: Rather than offering 50% single codes (like Old Navy), Kohl's offers 20% codes that stack with Kohl's Cash

• Margin protection: Stated 20-30% codes protect margins while stacking creates perceived 50-60% value

• Member targeting: Many codes carry "Members Only" restrictions, gating access

The stacking multiplier: Kohl's stated 20% discount becomes 50-60%+ effective when combined with:

• $10-$15 Kohl's Cash per $50 spent (20-30% effective delayed discount)

• Category sales (additional 10-30% on specific items)

• Credit card bonuses (additional 10-30% for cardholders)

The shopper experience: Kohl's shoppers face the fewest code options (5-10 vs. GAP's 15+) with stated discounts that appear modest (often just 15-30%). But for members who understand stacking, effective total discounts reach 50-60%+—matching or exceeding Old Navy's best single-code depths through complexity rather than simplicity.

Strategic insight: Don't judge Kohl's by stated discount depths alone. Their 20% off codes are designed to stack with Kohl's Cash earning, category sales, and credit bonuses. Master stacking mechanics rather than comparing their 20% stated codes to Old Navy's 50% single codes—the total effective discount is comparable, just achieved differently.

Old Navy vs. GAP vs. Kohl’s: Side-by-side comparison of volume, depth, and strategy

Looking at volume AND discount depth side-by-side reveals the complete competitive picture.

Complete seasonal comparison (Sep-Nov averages, 2023-2025)

The complete picture:

1. Old Navy wins on discount depth despite moderate volume: Old Navy doesn't just balance volume and depth—they objectively deliver the deepest single-code discounts. Their 30% floor beats GAP's typical 20-25% ceiling. Their 50% peaks (twice in past year) exceed any other brand's maximum.

2. GAP's volume advantage doesn't translate to depth: GAP releases 27% more codes than Old Navy but stays at 20-25% off 9 months out of 12. The abundance creates perception of choice, but actual discount depth lags significantly behind Old Navy.

3. Kohl's stated depths mislead without stacking context: Kohl's 15-40% stated range appears comparable to GAP, but stacking multiplies this. Their 20% codes become 50-60% effective through Kohl's Cash + category sales—matching Old Navy's single-code depth through complexity.

4. All three hit deepest discounts in October: Old Navy (50%), GAP (40%), and Kohl's (40%) all peaked in October 2025, confirming October as the true promotional climax despite "Black Friday" announcements in late November.

What this means for shoppers:

• If you value maximum single-code discount depth: Old Navy objectively wins. Consistent 30% floor, 50% peaks twice annually, never drops below 30% as best monthly code.

• If you value abundant choice at modest depths: GAP provides 15+ codes monthly but most stay at 20-25% off. Accept modest depths in exchange for constant availability.

• If you're willing to master stacking complexity: Kohl's stated 15-30% codes multiply to 50-60%+ effective through Kohl's Cash + category sales. Comparable total depth to Old Navy, but achieved through multiple steps.

How promo code volume, discount depth, and strategy create different value for shoppers

Raw code counts and even discount depths don't tell the complete story without understanding strategic context.

The value equations for Gap, Kohl's, and Old Navy

GAP: High volume (15 codes) + modest depth (20-25% typical) + no stacking + broad availability = constant optionality but limited peak savings, simple to use

Old Navy: Moderate volume (12 codes) + deep discounts (30-50%) + occasional targeted extras + strategic timing = balanced availability with objectively deepest single-code savings, simple to use

Kohl's: Low volume (7 codes) + modest stated depth (15-30%) + high stackability + member gating = limited public access but 50-60%+ effective savings for members who master complexity

Shopper psychology and priorities

Choose GAP if you:

• Value having options every single day (15+ codes always available)

• Accept 20-25% savings in exchange for constant availability

• Don't want to wait for strategic timing or learn complexity

• Prefer simplicity (one code, done)

Choose Old Navy if you:

• Want the deepest single-code discounts available (30-50% range)

• Can align purchases with strategic peaks (June, October for 50% off)

• Value simplicity (one code, maximum savings, done)

• Prefer quality over quantity (fewer codes but deeper discounts)

Choose Kohl's if you:

• Are willing to join loyalty program (member-only codes frequent)

• Can master stacking (percent-off + Kohl's Cash + category + credit)

• Accept stated 20% transforming into 50-60% through multiple steps

• Prefer fewer decisions with complex optimization

How to choose where to shop: GAP vs. Old Navy vs. Kohl’s based on your goals

Understanding volume, discount depth, and strategic timing helps you optimize where and when you shop.

If you shop at GAP

Reality check: Most codes are 20-25% off, not the 40% mentioned in samples

• October offers annual peak (40% off)

• Other 11 months typically max at 20-25% off

• Volume advantage is real (15+ codes) but depth is modest

How to optimize:

• Shop October for deepest discounts (40% annual peak)

• Accept 20-25% most other months

• Don't expect Old Navy-level depths (50%) even during Black Friday

If you shop at Old Navy

Reality check: You get fewer codes but consistently deeper discounts

• Never drops below 30% off (highest floor of any brand)

• Hits 50% off twice annually (June, October)

• Objectively the deepest single-code discounts available

How to optimize:

• Time major purchases for June or October (50% off peaks)

• Accept 30% off as reliable baseline other months (still beats GAP's typical 20-25%)

• Join loyalty program for exclusive codes

• Prioritize Old Navy during their strategic peaks

If you shop at Kohl's

Reality check: Stated 15-30% codes don't reflect total value

• Stacking creates 50-60%+ effective savings

• Must join loyalty program (member-only codes very frequent)

• October hit 40% stated + Kohl's Cash + category sales = 70%+ possible

How to optimize:

• Join loyalty program immediately

• Learn: percent-off + Kohl's Cash earning + category sale + credit bonus

• Time purchases for Kohl's Cash earning events

• Don't judge by stated 20%—total effective discount is 50-60%+

Summary: Volume leader ≠ Discount leader

So which brand wins in promo codes? That depends entirely on what you value and how you prefer to shop. If you want the deepest possible single-code discounts with minimal complexity, Old Navy objectively delivers. Their 30% floor, 50% peaks, and consistent performance make them the depth leader. You'll find fewer total codes than at GAP, but when Old Navy releases a code, it hits harder.

If you prioritize having options every single day without worrying about timing, GAP serves that need perfectly. You'll always find 10-15+ active codes, giving you the flexibility to shop whenever you need something. Just set your expectations appropriately—most of those codes will be 20-25% off, not the deeper discounts you might hope for. Think of GAP as the convenience play: always available, always modest, rarely spectacular.

And if you're the type of shopper who enjoys optimization, who doesn't mind joining loyalty programs and learning stacking mechanics, who views shopping as a strategic game to be mastered, Kohl's provides the highest ceiling. Their 20% off codes look unimpressive until you layer on Kohl's Cash, catch a category sale, and use your credit card for the additional bonus. Suddenly that 20% becomes 60%, matching Old Navy's best single-code depths but requiring significantly more work to achieve.

Look past the volume to the value, past the quantity to the quality, past the promotional noise to the actual discount depth. That's where the real differences emerge, and that's where smart shoppers find their edge.

Need codes right now? Check working codes for Old Navy, GAP, and Kohl's, all updated in real-time.