Ivanka Trump to shut down her namesake fashion company
The nation’s first daughter is getting out of the fashion business.
The news was first reported by the New York Post, which cited sources that the company will be closed “ASAP.” Ivanka Trump’s line of mid-priced clothing and accessories has been the subject of controversy — and boycotts — since her father became president. It has seen its channels of distribution narrow, with the brand being dropped by Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Jet.com, and DSW, among others. Most recently, Hudson’s Bay, which operates Lord & Taylor and Saks, said it would no longer carry the brand, citing weak sales.
“After 17 months in Washington, I do not know when or if I will ever return to the business, but I do know that my focus for the foreseeable future will be the work I am doing here in Washington,” Trump said in a statement. “So making this decision now is the only fair outcome for my team and partners. I am beyond grateful for the work of our incredible team who has inspired so many women; each other and myself included.”
Trump founded the business in 2007, starting with a fine jewelry line. She went on to expand it into clothing, shoes and other accessories.
Although Trump formally left the business in January 2017 to become an advisor to her father, she continued to own it, which raised conflicts of interest. Recently, Chinese trademarks issued to the brand raised questions over whether Trump was receiving special treatment from a foreign government.
"The decision to close down the Ivanka Trump fashion brand reflects both the lack of time Ms. Trump has to devote to the business and the various political challenges the company faces," commented Neil Saunders, managing director of GlobalData Retail. "Ms. Trump was always closely associated with the brand but her current responsibilities mean she has had to take a back seat. This lack of control is likely uncomfortable when the label bears her name and is largely seen as an extension of her personal brand."
The news was first reported by the New York Post, which cited sources that the company will be closed “ASAP.” Ivanka Trump’s line of mid-priced clothing and accessories has been the subject of controversy — and boycotts — since her father became president. It has seen its channels of distribution narrow, with the brand being dropped by Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Jet.com, and DSW, among others. Most recently, Hudson’s Bay, which operates Lord & Taylor and Saks, said it would no longer carry the brand, citing weak sales.
“After 17 months in Washington, I do not know when or if I will ever return to the business, but I do know that my focus for the foreseeable future will be the work I am doing here in Washington,” Trump said in a statement. “So making this decision now is the only fair outcome for my team and partners. I am beyond grateful for the work of our incredible team who has inspired so many women; each other and myself included.”
Trump founded the business in 2007, starting with a fine jewelry line. She went on to expand it into clothing, shoes and other accessories.
Although Trump formally left the business in January 2017 to become an advisor to her father, she continued to own it, which raised conflicts of interest. Recently, Chinese trademarks issued to the brand raised questions over whether Trump was receiving special treatment from a foreign government.
"The decision to close down the Ivanka Trump fashion brand reflects both the lack of time Ms. Trump has to devote to the business and the various political challenges the company faces," commented Neil Saunders, managing director of GlobalData Retail. "Ms. Trump was always closely associated with the brand but her current responsibilities mean she has had to take a back seat. This lack of control is likely uncomfortable when the label bears her name and is largely seen as an extension of her personal brand."