Jones Apparel to close distribution center, cut jobs

CHARLESTON, S.C. New York-based Jones Apparel Group said it will be closing its South Carolina distribution centers, cutting nearly 300 jobs, the company said Friday.

The Hanahan distribution center, located in Berkeley County, was opened in 2000 by McNaughton Apparel Group, was acquired by 2001 by Jones Apparel Group. Jones Apparel later built a second facility.

The Hanahan facilities (both 300,000 square feet each) will close by Jan. 31, affecting 286 workers, a Jones Apparel spokeswoman said Friday.

The company is known for brands such as Jones New York, Nine West, Anne Klein and Gloria Vanderbilt. It completed the sale of its high-end department store chain, Barneys New York, to a Dubai-based investment company last month.

Jones Apparel posted a $47 million loss on revenue of $905 million during the second quarter due partly to the costs of a restructuring.

Part of that restructuring includes getting rid of some moderately priced clothing lines, including McNaughton's Erika women's clothing brand, according to a recent company financial report.