Coach is an American fashion brand known for its luxury leather goods, primarily handbags, wallets, and other accessories. The company was founded in 1941 in Manhattan, New York City, and has since become a globally recognized name in the fashion industry. Over the years, the ownership of Coach has changed hands several times, so let’s take a closer look at its history of ownership.
In 1985, Coach was acquired by the Sara Lee Corporation, a Chicago-based consumer goods company. Sara Lee recognized the potential for growth in the luxury goods market and saw Coach as a strong brand with a loyal following. Under Sara Lee’s ownership, Coach expanded its product offerings beyond handbags and wallets, introducing footwear, scarves, and other accessories.
In 2000, Sara Lee spun off Coach into a separate public company, allowing it to focus on its core businesses of food and household products. This move was driven in part by the success of Coach, which had become the largest maker of accessories in the United States.
In 2015, Coach acquired Stuart Weitzman, a luxury shoe brand known for its high-end footwear. The acquisition was part of Coach’s strategy to expand its product offerings and move beyond its core handbag business. Stuart Weitzman was seen as a complementary brand to Coach, with a similar focus on quality and craftsmanship.
In 2017, Coach announced that it would acquire Kate Spade & Company, a women’s fashion brand known for its colorful and playful designs. The acquisition was seen as a way for Coach to appeal to a younger, more fashion-forward audience and expand its presence in the women’s apparel market.
In 2018, Coach announced that it would change its parent company name to Tapestry Inc., reflecting its growing portfolio of brands beyond Coach. The decision was met with some backlash from loyal Coach customers, who felt that the brand was losing its identity and becoming too corporate.
Today, Tapestry Inc. owns several luxury fashion brands, including Coach, Kate Spade, and Stuart Weitzman. Each brand operates independently and has its own creative direction and management team, but they all fall under the Tapestry Inc. umbrella.
Despite changes in ownership and the expansion of its brand portfolio, Coach has remained true to its roots as a maker of high-quality leather goods. Its handbags and wallets continue to be popular among fashion enthusiasts, and the brand has expanded into new markets, such as China, where it has seen significant growth in recent years.
In conclusion, Coach is owned by Tapestry Inc., a holding company that also owns Kate Spade and Stuart Weitzman. The brand has undergone several changes in ownership over the years but has remained a leader in the luxury fashion industry, known for its high-quality leather goods and classic designs. Its continued success is a testament to the enduring appeal of well-crafted, timeless fashion.
