Over its 43 years, Jones grew to be a Seventh Avenue wholesale powerhouse, eventually losing some of its luster as department stores consolidated.
This story first appeared in the December 20, 2013 issue of WWD. Subscribe Today.
1970: Sidney Kimmel founds the Jones Apparel division of W.R. Grace & Co.
1975: Kimmel and a partner buy the company and rename it Jones Apparel Group Inc.
1985: Jones hits a rough patch that leads to three years of losses.
1991: Company lists on the New York Stock Exchange.
1993: Evan-Picone label purchased.
1995: Jones establishes licensing deal to produce the Lauren by Ralph Lauren better sportswear line.
1996: Sales reach $1 billion.
1998: Sun Apparel Inc. acquired.
1999: Nine West Group Inc. brought on board.
2000: Costume jewelry firm Victoria + Co. acquired.
2001: McNaughton Apparel Group Inc. and Judith Jack bought.
2002: Kimmel steps down as chief executive officer and is replaced by Peter Boneparth. Gloria Vanderbilt and L.E.I. parent company RSV Sport Inc. acquired.
2003: Anne Klein and Albert Nipon parent company Kasper added to the portfolio.
2004: Barneys New York acquired for $397.3 million. Maxwell Shoe Co. Inc. also joins the fold.
2006: Jones ends unsuccessful attempt to sell itself.
2007: Peter Boneparth resigns and Wesley Card takes up the reins as ceo. Barneys sold for cash proceeds of $840 million.
2013: Sycamore Partners agrees to buy Jones in $2.2 billion deal, including debt.
