Jones Apparel Group Inc
Industry: Apparel/Accessories

Jones Apparel Group, Inc. a Fortune 500 Company, is a leading designer & marketer of branded apparel, footwear and accessories. The Company's nationally recognized brands include: Jones New York; Lauren by Ralph Lauren, Ralph by Ralph Lauren, and Polo Jeans Company, which are licensed from Polo Ralph Lauren Corporation; Evan-Picone, Rena Rowan, Norton McNaughton, Gloria Vanderbilt, Erika, l.e.i., Energie, Currants, Jamie Scott,Todd Oldham, Nine West, Easy Spirit, Enzo Angiolini, Bandolino, Napier and Judith Jack. The Company also markets costume jewelry under the Tommy Hilfiger brand licensed from Tommy Hilfiger Corporation and the Givenchy brand licensed from Givenchy Corporation. Celebrating more than 30 years of service, the Company has built a reputation for excellence in product quality and value, and in operational execution.

Business Summary
Jones Apparel Group, Inc. designs and markets branded apparel, footwear and accessories. Its brands include Jones New York, Evan-Picone, Norton McNaughton, Gloria Vanderbilt, Erika, l.e.i., Energie, Nine West, Easy Spirit, Enzo Angiolini, Bandolino, Napier, Judith Jack, Kasper, Anne Klein, Albert Nipon and Le Suit. The Company also markets apparel under the Polo Jeans Company brand licensed from Polo Ralph Lauren Corporation (Polo), costume jewelry under the Tommy Hilfiger brand licensed from Tommy Hilfiger Licensing, Inc. (Hilfiger) and the Givenchy brand licensed from Givenchy Corporation (Givenchy), and footwear and accessories under the ESPRIT brand licensed from Esprit Europe, B.V. (Esprit Europe). In December 2004, the Company completed its acquisition of Barneys New York, Inc. On July 8, 2004, the Company acquired all the outstanding shares a shoe company of Maxwell Inc.

Financial Summary
Jones Apparel Group is a designer and marketer of better priced women's sportswear, suits and dresses and jeanswear. For the 6 months ended 7/2/05, net sales rose 11% to $2.53B. Net income decreased 18% to $141.8M. Revenues reflect the initiatives that were instituted in the areas of new product introductions. Earnings were offset by an increase in selling, general and administrative expenses.