Brands Up for Review at Liz
New York–based Liz Claiborne Inc. announced more structural changes for the company, including reviewing and considering strategic alternatives of its 16 apparel brands and a layoff of up to 9 percent, or 800 people, of its global workforce.
The company recently announced plans to split its company into two divisions: a retail-based vertically integrated Direct Brands segment, which includes Juicy Couture, Kate Spade, Lucky Brand Jeans and Mexx; and a wholesale-based Partnered Brands segment, which will have a centralized structure and a focus on “design and merchandising and meeting the needs of partners and consumers.” The Partnered Brands would include the Axcess, Claiborne, Concepts by Claiborne, Liz Claiborne, Liz & Co. and Villager brands, as well as the DKNY Jeans group and the Monet group.
The company will consider selling, shuttering or licensing potential for several of its brands, including C&C California, Laundry by Design, prAna, Dana Buchman, Ellen Tracy, Emma James, Enyce, First Issue, Intuitions, J.H. Collectibles, Kensie, Mac & Jac, Sigrid Olsen, Stamp 10, Tapemeasure and Tint.—Alison A. Nieder
