Nine West is a recognizable name in women’s fashion, especially in footwear and accessories. Known for stylish, affordable designs, many wonder who owns Nine West today. This article explores its ownership, brand profile, financial standing, and associated companies.
Nine West Company Profile
Nine West is an American fashion brand best known for its women’s footwear, handbags, and accessories. As of 2025, the brand operates under a licensing model and is owned by Authentic Brands Group (ABG). Though it no longer runs standalone stores, Nine West products are widely available through e-commerce platforms, department stores, and third-party retailers globally.
The brand was founded in 1983 by fashion entrepreneurs Jerome Fisher and Vince Camuto. The name “Nine West” was inspired by the address of its original office at 9 West 57th Street in New York City. Initially focused on women’s shoes, Nine West rapidly became a household name by offering stylish, accessible footwear that mirrored runway trends at affordable prices.
In the 1990s, Nine West expanded into handbags, accessories, and eventually apparel. The brand gained international popularity and opened stores across the U.S., Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
Major Milestones
- 1983: Nine West is founded and launches its first footwear line in New York City.
- 1995: The company goes public on the New York Stock Exchange.
- 1999: Jones Apparel Group acquires Nine West for $900 million, integrating it into a larger fashion portfolio.
- 2000s: Expansion into international markets and launch of clothing, eyewear, and fragrance lines.
- 2014: Jones Group is acquired by private equity firm Sycamore Partners. Nine West becomes part of Nine West Holdings.
- 2018: Nine West Holdings files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.
- June 2018: Authentic Brands Group acquires Nine West and Bandolino for $340 million.
- 2020–2025: ABG relaunches Nine West with a focus on e-commerce, licensing, and partnerships with global retailers.
Today, Nine West is positioned as a fashion-forward brand catering to modern women seeking affordable luxury. While it no longer owns physical stores, the brand maintains a strong presence in over 50 countries through licensed retailers and online marketplaces.
Who Owns Nine West?
As of 2025, Nine West is fully owned by Authentic Brands Group (ABG), a U.S.-based brand management company known for acquiring and revitalizing iconic consumer brands. ABG owns and licenses over 50 lifestyle, fashion, and entertainment brands across the globe.
Parent Company: Authentic Brands Group
Authentic Brands Group, headquartered in New York City, is the parent company of Nine West. Founded in 2010 by Jamie Salter, ABG specializes in acquiring well-known but struggling or bankrupt brands and converting them into highly profitable licensing businesses.
ABG does not operate traditional retail stores for its brands. Instead, it licenses brand names to third-party manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers. This model allows brands like Nine West to remain relevant and profitable without the burden of direct retail operations.
ABG’s portfolio includes other major names such as Juicy Couture, Forever 21, Brooks Brothers, Aéropostale, Reebok, and Ted Baker. With retail sales across its portfolio exceeding $30 billion annually, ABG ranks among the world’s most powerful brand licensors.
Acquisition of Nine West
Nine West was previously owned by Nine West Holdings, which itself was a product of Jones Apparel Group’s reorganization under private equity firm Sycamore Partners. Facing heavy debt and declining sales, Nine West Holdings filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in April 2018.
In June 2018, Authentic Brands Group acquired Nine West and its sister brand Bandolino in a deal valued at $340 million. The acquisition included the trademarks, intellectual property, and global licensing rights, but not the brick-and-mortar retail stores, which were closed during the restructuring.
ABG restructured Nine West’s operations entirely. Physical stores were shut down or transitioned to retail partners. The focus shifted to digital retail, global licensing deals, and partnerships with major department stores and e-commerce platforms.
Post-Acquisition Strategy
Since the acquisition, Nine West has operated purely as a licensed brand. ABG partners with companies in North America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East to design, manufacture, and distribute Nine West products.
These licensing agreements allow Nine West to appear in outlets like DSW, Macy’s, Amazon, and several international department stores. The brand has also expanded its product line, reinforcing its position in women’s fashion and accessories.
This licensing-first strategy has helped revitalize Nine West’s image and maintain its relevance in a fast-changing fashion market. Its presence in digital retail continues to grow, with increased visibility on e-commerce platforms and influencer campaigns.
Who is the CEO of Nine West?
Jamie Salter is the Chief Executive Officer of Authentic Brands Group (ABG), the parent company that owns Nine West. Although Nine West does not operate as an independent corporation with its own CEO, all key strategic decisions affecting the brand fall under Salter’s leadership at ABG.
As of 2025, Salter remains one of the most influential figures in global brand licensing and intellectual property management. He is also the founder and chairman of ABG, a company he launched in 2010 with the vision of acquiring and revitalizing iconic consumer brands.
A Serial Brand Builder
Salter began his career in the sporting goods industry in Canada in the 1980s. He later co-founded Ride Inc., a snowboard manufacturer that went public in the mid-1990s. By the early 2000s, Salter was focused on intellectual property and brand monetization.
Before founding ABG, he worked at Hilco Consumer Capital, where he was involved in acquiring brands like Polaroid and The Sharper Image. He gained a reputation for identifying undervalued consumer brands and transforming them into licensing powerhouses.
When Salter founded ABG, he did so with the intent of giving struggling, often bankrupt, brands a second life. He was among the first executives to apply private equity principles to brand licensing on a global scale.
Transforming Nine West
Under Salter’s leadership, ABG acquired Nine West in June 2018 during Nine West Holdings’ bankruptcy proceedings. His strategy was clear: shut down underperforming stores, eliminate operational overhead, and reposition Nine West as a global fashion brand through licensing.
Today, Nine West is available in over 50 countries, sold through department stores, e-commerce platforms, and licensing partnerships—all coordinated under Salter’s central brand management team at ABG.
Jamie Salter directly oversees the licensing agreements that allow companies to design, produce, and distribute Nine West products while ABG retains full ownership of the brand and its trademarks.
Leadership Style and Management Philosophy
Salter is known for his hands-on leadership style and close involvement in high-level negotiations. He personally leads many of ABG’s acquisition discussions and brand positioning efforts. He values speed, flexibility, and relationship-building, often conducting meetings face-to-face regardless of geography.
He believes in an “asset-light” business model, meaning ABG doesn’t own factories, inventory, or most retail stores. Instead, it focuses entirely on intellectual property and brand equity, allowing partners to do the heavy lifting while ABG earns royalties.
Salter also believes in cross-brand collaborations and multi-channel selling, which has helped Nine West expand across platforms like Macy’s, Amazon, and major international retailers.
Strategic Vision for ABG and Nine West
As of 2025, Jamie Salter’s vision for ABG—and by extension, Nine West—is to expand its luxury presence, grow digital-first retail strategies, and continue acquiring distressed but promising brands.
He has introduced digital transformation plans that emphasize influencer partnerships, digital campaigns, and AI-powered fashion forecasting. These changes have helped reposition Nine West as relevant to younger, digitally-savvy consumers while staying true to its accessible luxury roots.
In 2024 and 2025, Salter spearheaded ABG’s acquisition of new brands like Dockers and led the creation of Authentic Luxury Group, a joint venture with Saks Global aimed at growing ABG’s presence in the upscale market.
Influence Beyond Nine West
Jamie Salter’s influence goes well beyond Nine West. His company controls the rights to dozens of globally recognized names including Forever 21, Brooks Brothers, Juicy Couture, Reebok, and the Marilyn Monroe estate. In total, ABG brands generate over $30 billion in annual global retail sales.
He has been featured in major business and fashion media as one of the most powerful people in retail brand ownership. Salter’s private equity approach to consumer branding has become a model followed by other firms.
Executive Team and Succession Planning
While Salter remains the central decision-maker at ABG, he is supported by a strong leadership team, including:
- Corey Salter, Vice Chairman (and Jamie’s son)
- Kevin Wills, Chief Financial Officer
- Matt Maddox, President
- Adam Kronengold, Chief Digital Officer
Jamie Salter has indicated that ABG is building toward an eventual IPO or further expansion with succession planning in place. His son Corey is widely regarded as a possible long-term successor.
Nine West Annual Revenue and Net Worth
2025 Revenue
As of 2025, Nine West generates an estimated $210 million in annual global retail sales. This revenue is produced through a worldwide licensing structure, where third-party manufacturers and retailers sell Nine West-branded products across various categories, including footwear, handbags, accessories, and apparel.
The brand does not operate its own stores or e-commerce channels directly. Instead, revenue comes primarily from licensing fees and royalties paid to the parent company, Authentic Brands Group. These royalty streams are based on a percentage of sales generated by licensed partners operating in North America, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, and the Asia-Pacific regions.
In recent years, Nine West has shown steady recovery and growth following its 2018 bankruptcy and transition to a licensing model. Much of the revenue growth is driven by expansion in international markets, placement in high-traffic retail chains like Macy’s and DSW, and increased visibility on digital platforms like Amazon, Zalando, and Flipkart.
The footwear segment remains the largest contributor to Nine West’s retail sales—accounting for nearly 65% of brand sales in 2025—followed by handbags and fashion accessories. Strategic design updates and capsule collections have helped the brand remain competitive in a crowded mid-tier fashion market.
Net Worth
While Nine West is not a publicly listed company and does not report its financials independently, its brand valuation and estimated net worth in July 2025 is $430 million. This figure reflects its brand equity, global licensing agreements, market penetration, and intellectual property value.
The brand’s net worth is derived from:
- The consistent revenue generated from more than 100 active licensing partnerships worldwide.
- Its long-standing brand recognition in the U.S. and international fashion markets.
- The retained ownership of trademarks and registered designs under the Nine West brand name.
- High visibility in retail channels without the burden of owning physical stores or manufacturing infrastructure.
Licensing deals across global markets give Nine West a stable and scalable business model. Because it no longer bears the cost of retail operations, the brand maintains a healthy profit margin relative to its peers in the same price category.
Over the past five years, its valuation has remained stable, with minor growth attributed to improved digital presence, collaborations with influencers and designers, and stronger performance in fashion-forward emerging markets.
Here is a 10-year historical overview of Nine West’s estimated annual revenue and net worth from 2015 to 2025:
| Year | Estimated Revenue (USD) | Estimated Net Worth (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | $950 million | $850 million | Pre-bankruptcy; operating over 300 stores globally. |
| 2016 | $840 million | $730 million | Sales begin to decline due to retail struggles. |
| 2017 | $720 million | $600 million | Significant drop in store footfall and debt issues. |
| 2018 | $200 million | $120 million | Filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in April 2018. |
| 2019 | $130 million | $200 million | Brand acquired by ABG mid-2018; shifted to licensing model. |
| 2020 | $145 million | $260 million | Recovery begins under ABG with new licensing deals. |
| 2021 | $160 million | $300 million | Strong digital performance and international growth. |
| 2022 | $170 million | $340 million | Expansion in Asia-Pacific and e-commerce boosts value. |
| 2023 | $185 million | $380 million | New collaborations increase market visibility. |
| 2024 | $195 million | $410 million | Grows in digital and off-price retail channels. |
| 2025 | $210 million | $430 million | Stable brand value with active licensing in over 50 countries. |
Future Financial Outlook
With increasing demand in e-commerce and renewed consumer interest in affordable fashion, Nine West is expected to maintain or slightly increase its retail revenue through 2026. Strategic expansion into new product categories—like athleisure-inspired footwear and gender-neutral accessories—may also contribute to modest growth in brand value over the next few years.
Although it no longer commands the retail dominance it once had in the 1990s and early 2000s, Nine West continues to hold strong financial ground as a recognizable, scalable, and profitable brand under its licensing model.
Brands Owned by Nine West
Below is a breakdown of companies and brands that were historically owned, operated, or closely affiliated with Nine West Holdings before it became a brand under ABG:
| Brand/Entity Name | Category | Status as of 2025 | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bandolino | Women’s footwear & accessories | Operated by ABG (licensed) | Acquired along with Nine West in 2018; now licensed under Authentic Brands Group. Often considered a sister brand to Nine West. |
| Anne Klein | Women’s fashion & accessories | No longer affiliated | Previously part of Jones Group; divested prior to Nine West Holdings’ bankruptcy. Now operates independently through licensing. |
| Easy Spirit | Comfort footwear | No longer affiliated | Previously owned by Nine West Holdings. Sold to another brand operator before 2018. Focuses on comfort-focused women’s shoes. |
| Kasper | Women’s careerwear/apparel | No longer affiliated | Operated as an apparel division under Nine West Holdings. Now functions separately or under a different parent group. |
| The Jewelry Group | Branded & private-label jewelry | No longer affiliated | Specialized in fashion jewelry. Sold off before Nine West’s bankruptcy; no current ties to Nine West. |
| Nine West Retail Stores | Physical retail operations | Closed in 2018 | Over 300 stores closed during bankruptcy restructuring. Brand now operates solely through licensing and third-party retailers. |
Bandolino
Bandolino was acquired alongside Nine West in 2018 and is now operated under the same licensing structure through Authentic Brands Group. While it is no longer “owned” by Nine West directly, it was previously part of Nine West Holdings’ fashion portfolio. Bandolino is known for women’s footwear and accessories and is positioned as a more affordable sibling brand to Nine West. It shares many distribution partners and manufacturing networks with Nine West.
Anne Klein (Formerly Affiliated)
Anne Klein was part of the broader Jones Apparel Group portfolio, which also included Nine West before Sycamore Partners spun them off into separate entities. Nine West Holdings formerly held rights to Anne Klein, but the brand was sold off during restructuring. Anne Klein is a well-established fashion brand known for women’s workwear, handbags, and footwear. As of 2025, it is no longer associated with Nine West.
Easy Spirit (Previously Owned)
Easy Spirit was another footwear brand under Nine West Holdings. It targeted comfort-oriented women’s shoes and was sold off before Nine West Holdings filed for bankruptcy. Like Anne Klein, it is no longer owned or operated by Nine West and functions independently through licensing or under a separate management group.
Kasper Group (Apparel Division)
The Kasper brand, known for its women’s careerwear and coordinated separates, was once managed under the Nine West Holdings umbrella through its apparel division. This included related private-label lines often sold through department stores. The Kasper Group and its labels were separated from Nine West Holdings prior to bankruptcy proceedings.
The Jewelry Group (Divested)
Nine West once operated a jewelry business known as The Jewelry Group, which developed, marketed, and sold branded and private-label jewelry through department stores and specialty retailers. This division was sold off before the bankruptcy and is no longer affiliated with Nine West.
Former Retail Stores (All Closed)
Before transitioning into a licensing model, Nine West operated over 300 standalone retail stores and outlet locations worldwide. These stores were part of Nine West Holdings’ retail footprint and were shut down as part of the company’s bankruptcy restructuring. As of 2025, Nine West no longer owns or operates physical stores; all brand products are sold through licensed third parties.
Final Thoughts
Nine West, once a retail powerhouse, has evolved into a licensed brand under the stewardship of Authentic Brands Group. With Jamie Salter at the helm and major shareholders backing it, Nine West continues to maintain relevance in the global fashion scene. The shift to a licensing model has allowed the brand to survive and grow in a competitive marketplace.
FAQs
Who bought Nine West?
Authentic Brands Group (ABG) bought Nine West in June 2018. The acquisition took place after Nine West Holdings filed for bankruptcy. ABG purchased Nine West and Bandolino for $340 million, acquiring the brand name, trademarks, and global licensing rights.
Who is the owner of Nine West Holdings?
Nine West Holdings no longer exists as an operating company. It was previously owned by Sycamore Partners, a private equity firm that acquired the brand from Jones Apparel Group. After filing for bankruptcy in 2018, Nine West Holdings’ major assets, including the Nine West brand, were sold off. Today, Authentic Brands Group owns the Nine West brand.
Is Nine West a Bata brand?
No, Nine West is not a Bata brand. It is owned by Authentic Brands Group, an American brand management company. Bata is a separate international footwear company and has no ownership or operational connection to Nine West.
What’s Nine West’s bankruptcy story?
Nine West filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in April 2018. The bankruptcy was the result of years of financial decline, shifting consumer habits, and the brand’s inability to adapt to e-commerce and fast-changing fashion trends. The company faced high debt loads and closed hundreds of stores. As part of the restructuring, Nine West’s footwear and handbag businesses were sold to Authentic Brands Group, and the retail operations were shut down.
Why did Nine West go out of business?
Nine West went out of business as a retail operator due to declining mall traffic, increased competition, rising debt, and failure to transition effectively to online retail. While the brand didn’t disappear, its physical stores were closed, and it no longer operates as a traditional company. It now exists purely as a licensed fashion brand under ABG.
Where is Nine West’s headquarters?
As a brand owned by Authentic Brands Group, Nine West does not have its own corporate headquarters. It is managed from Authentic Brands Group’s global headquarters in New York City, United States.
When was Nine West founded?
Nine West was founded in 1983 in New York City by Jerome Fisher and Vince Camuto. The brand was named after its original office location at 9 West 57th Street.
How old is the Nine West brand?
As of 2025, the Nine West brand is 42 years old.
What is the new name for Nine West?
There is no new name for Nine West. The brand still operates under the same name, though it has transitioned from being a retail chain to a licensing-only brand distributed by partners worldwide.
Is Nine West a good brand?
Yes, Nine West is still considered a good brand, especially for affordable, fashion-forward footwear and accessories. It is known for offering stylish designs at mid-range prices. Under ABG’s licensing model, quality may vary slightly depending on the licensed manufacturer or regional distributor, but overall it maintains strong brand recognition and customer appeal in its segment.
Is Nine West still in business?
Yes, Nine West continues to operate globally through licensing and retail partnerships, though it no longer owns physical stores.
Does Nine West own Bandolino?
No. Bandolino was acquired along with Nine West by Authentic Brands Group and is now a sister brand under the same parent.
Who is the parent company of Nine West?
Authentic Brands Group is the parent company of Nine West.
Where are Nine West products sold now?
Nine West products are sold online, in department stores, and through licensed partners around the world.