Jones New York closing outlet stores, ending wholesale business

New York -- Jones New York announced that it will close its 127 outlet stores and discontinue its wholesale business over the course of 2015.



The company said that it made the decision after a review of recent performance and outlook. Jones also said it will pursue strategic alternatives for the brand, which has long been a staple in mid-priced department stores. Its appeal, however, faded in recent years as department stores expanded their private label offerings.



Sycamore Partners bought Jones Group Inc., owner of the Jones New York and Nine West brands, in December 2013. The Nine West brand is not affected.



“We recognize that the Jones New York brand is important to many loyal customers, and we are pursuing strategic alternatives for the brand,” interim CEO Andrew Hede said in the statement today. “We will work with our wholesale customers and vendors to ensure an orderly transition over the course of this year.”