Jones Apparel Group Becomes The Jones Group

NEW YORK, Oct. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Celebrating its fortieth year, Jones Apparel Group (NYSE: JNY) announced today that it is changing its name to The Jones Group Inc.  Since its founding in 1970, the Company has been a pioneer in providing high-style, high-quality fashion to women in the modern workplace.  

As one of the world's leading fashion companies, The Jones Group designs and markets many of today's largest and most influential lifestyle brands, including Nine West, Jones New York and Anne Klein - as well as recent portfolio additions such as Rachel Roy, Robert Rodriguez and Stuart Weitzman.  The name change reflects this evolution.

Sidney Kimmel, Founder and Chairman of The Jones Group, said: "I am humbled to think that 40 years ago we started with nine associates on Walnut Street in Philadelphia as a single brand company and have grown to be over 35 lifestyle brands and category labels operating in seven product categories.  The business, while rooted in apparel, has expanded well beyond its beginnings."  

Added Wesley Card, Chief Executive Officer of the Jones Group: "This new name embraces Jones' heritage while signaling our vision for the future.  Jones has never been better positioned to leverage our exceptional talent, best-in-class product expertise and innovative brand management across our apparel, footwear, jeanswear, jewelry and handbag divisions.  With these resources, we can not only cultivate our existing brands to their full marketplace potential, but also discover and nurture new brands and design talent into high-demand, global branded businesses.  We remain focused on optimizing and expanding our portfolio to deliver value to shareholders, applying the same passion and creativity with which Sidney Kimmel founded the company."

The name change, which will be effective at the end of October, will not affect the existing corporate structure of the Company nor will it have any impact on the status of any of its brands or licensing agreements.  The Company's common shares will continue to trade on the New York Stock Exchange under its ticker symbol "JNY."

The Jones Group corporate website can be reached at www.jonesgroupinc.com.

About The Jones Group Inc.

The Jones Group Inc. (www.jonesgroupinc.com) is a leading global designer, marketer and wholesaler of over 35 lifestyle brands with best-in-class product expertise across five divisions: apparel, footwear, jeanswear, jewelry and handbags.  The Jones Group has a reputation for innovation, excellence in product quality and value, operational execution and talent.  The Company also markets directly to consumers through branded specialty retail and outlet stores and through its e-commerce sites.

The Company's nationally recognized brands and licensing agreements (L) include: Nine West, Jones New York, Anne Klein, Rachel Roy (L), Robert Rodriguez, Robbi & Nikki, Stuart Weitzman, B Brian Atwood (L), Boutique 9, Easy Spirit, Gloria Vanderbilt, l.e.i, Bandolino, Enzo Angiolini, Nine & Co, GLO, Joan & David, Joneswear, Andrew Marc/Marc Moto (L), Kasper, Energie, Evan Picone, Le Suit, Mootsies Tooties, Grane, Erika, Napier, Jessica Simpson (L), Dockers (L), Sam & Libby, Givenchy (L), Judith Jack, Albert Nipon and Pappagallo.  

SOURCE Jones Apparel Group, Inc.