Jones Group to close 170 stores and cut 18% of retail staff

24/04/2013
The parent of footwear brands Kurt Geiger, Stuart Weitzman and Brian Atwood has announced a plan to improve profitability which involves closing 170 underperforming stores as well as streamlining wholesale divisions and supply chain.

The Jones Group will consolidation certain production, design and selling divisions, as well as distribution and supply chain facilities.

It said US-based retail staff will be reduced by about 18% and corporate, support and supply chain staff by 2%.

“These actions are expected to generate approximately $40 million in annualised pre-tax savings and reduction of operating losses by mid-2014, with the benefit to fiscal 2013 expected to total approximately $11 million,” said the group in a statement.

Jones CEO Wesley Card commented: "Given the impact it will have on our associates, our decision to streamline operations was difficult. However, we believe these actions will position the company for maximum operating leverage and improved profitability as our businesses recover and grow."

The group did not specify which shops would close.