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Cole Haan History : Its Founding Nike Era and Evolution Under Apax Footwear News

Quality and innovation defined the early years of Cole Haan.

The Early Years of Cole Haan

In the 1920s, Cole Haan was founded by two brothers, William and Charles Haan, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The company started as a small brown shoe manufacturer, producing high-quality shoes for both men and women.

Winsted, who expanded the business into a national chain of shoe stores.

The Early Years of M. Selz & Co. M. was founded in 1889 by Michael Selz, a German immigrant who came to the United States with a dream of building a successful shoe business. The company started as a small, family-owned operation, with Selz working tirelessly to build a reputation for quality and service. Over the years, the company grew steadily, and by the 1920s, M. had become a well-established player in the Chicago footwear market. ### Key Milestones

  • 1889: M. is founded by Michael Selz
  • 1920s: The company becomes a well-established player in the Chicago footwear market
  • 1928: A group of executives takes over the company, leading to significant changes and growth
  • 1957: The company is sold to E.E. Winsted, who expands the business into a national chain of shoe stores

    • The Transformation Under New Leadership

    In 1928, a group of executives led by C. Trafton Cole and Edward Haan took over M. This marked a significant turning point in the company’s history, as the new leadership brought with them a fresh perspective and a vision for growth.

    For Cole Haan, it was a chance to expand its reach and leverage Nike’s global marketing and distribution capabilities.

    The Acquisition and Integration

    Nike’s acquisition of Cole Haan marked a significant milestone in the company’s history.

    The company was struggling to compete with the likes of Nike and Adidas.

    The company was struggling to compete with the likes of Nike and Adidas. In an effort to revamp the brand, Nike acquired Cole Haan in 2003.

    The Rise of Nike

    Nike was founded in 1964 by University of Oregon track coach Bill Bowerman and his former University of Oregon student Phil Knight. Initially, the company was called Blue Ribbon Sports and operated as a distributor for the Japanese shoe maker Onitsuka Tiger. In 1971, Blue Ribbon Sports was renamed Nike, Inc. after the Greek goddess of victory.

    Strong brand heritage, global reach, and e-commerce capabilities make Cole Haan an attractive investment opportunity.

    Apax Partners claimed that the brand’s strong brand heritage, global reach, and e-commerce capabilities made it an attractive investment opportunity.

    The Rise of Cole Haan

    Cole Haan has a rich history dating back to 1928 when it was founded by William J. Haan. The brand started as a small shoe company in New York City and gradually expanded its product line to include clothing and accessories. Over the years, Cole Haan has become synonymous with high-quality, comfortable, and stylish footwear and apparel.

    Key Statistics

  • Revenue: $687 million (fiscal 2019)
  • Employees: Over 1,500
  • Global Reach: Available in over 40 countries
  • E-commerce Capabilities: Strong online presence with a user-friendly website and social media channels

    • The IPO Filing

    In February 2020, Apax Partners filed for an initial public offering (IPO) to take Cole Haan public.

    The GrandPrø series is a collection of shoes that combines the comfort of Cole Haan’s signature comfort features with the style of the brand’s most popular designs.

    The Evolution of Cole Haan’s GrandPrø Series

    Cole Haan’s GrandPrø series is a testament to the brand’s commitment to innovation and style.

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