Coach was founded in 1941 as a
family-run workshop. In a Manhattan loft, six artisans
handcrafted a collection of leather goods using skills
handed down from generation to generation. Discerning
consumers soon began to seek out the quality and unique
nature of Coach craftsmanship.
During the last decade, Coach has
emerged as America's preeminent designer, producer, and
marketer of fine accessories and gifts for women and men
including handbags, business cases, luggage and travel
accessories, wallets, outerwear, eyewear, gloves, scarves,
fragrance and fine jewelry.
Continued development of new
categories has further established the signature style and
distinctive identity of the Coach brand. Together with
their licensing partners,
they also offer watches, footwear,
and office furniture bearing the Coach brand name. Coach's
distribution strategy is multi-channel. There are currently
over 350 Coach stores in the United States and Canada, with
more expected to open this calendar year.
In addition, Coach has built a
strong presence in the U.S. through Coach boutiques located
within select department stores and specialty retailer
locations. The catalogue is an important advertising and
sales vehicle for Coach, both domestically and abroad. In
1999, Coach launched its on-line store at
www.coach.com.
While Coach continues to be one of
the best recognized accessories brands in the United States,
its long-term strategic plan is to increase international
distribution and target international consumers, with an
emphasis on the Japanese consumer. Through Coach Japan,
Inc., now wholly owned by Coach, the company is leveraging a
significant growth opportunity in this important market.
Intent on maintaining a consistent brand strategy
domestically and abroad, this ownership structure provides
Coach with complete control of its distribution in Japan.
With a global vision in place, Coach is available at over
900 department store locations in the US, 140 international
department stores, retail store and duty free shop locations
in 21 countries, 137 department store shop-in-shops and
retail and factory store locations operated by Coach Japan,
Inc.
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