Talk:Tapestry, Inc./Archive 1

This is an archive of past discussions about Tapestry, Inc.. Do not edit the contents of this page. If you wish to start a new discussion or revive an old one, please do so on the current talk page.

This entire section seems to be written by a Coach PR rep. Could this be improved? 71.163.125.75 (talk) 21:41, 10 September 2008 (UTC)

I have moved this section to the Talk page, I don't believe it belongs in the article since It can all be found on the official website. And is rather more like a FAQ than an encyclopedia entry. --Darkfred ^{Talk to me} 19:08, 16 September 2006 (UTC)

More like a how-to guide to me. This stuff doesn't even belong here. WikiHow already apparently has a video on this. [|Retro00064|☎talk|✍contribs|] 06:52, 13 April 2009 (UTC)

These are several ways to tell if your Coach item is real or fake.

Dust Bag: Official Coach dust bags are brown with the Coach creed on the front of the bag.

Serial Numbers: All Coach items are identified with a Coach logo, serial number, and/or Coach creed. Larger items such as handbags, briefcases, and backpacks will have the Coach creed and corresponding serial number inside the product. The older Coach items have serial numbers consisting of 7 to 8 numbers with a dash between the 3rd and 4th numbers or 4th and 5th numbers. The newer serial numbers consist of 3-4 letters and numbers, followed by a hyphen and 4 more numbers. Smaller items, such as wallets, cosmetic cases, PDA Cases, belts, etc., may only have a Coach creed on the inside or an embossed logo on the exterior leather. A select few of the older vintage Coach items have only a Coach creed without the serial number.

Tags: Most Coach items come with a Coach Hang tag or Lozenge. However, some do not and sometimes they just get lost. A Coach Hang Tag can be an indication of an authentic Coach item if the item meets the specific anti-counterfeit criteria, and the printing of the word Coach is centered and even on the Hang Tag. The good news about hang tags is that if the authentic, used Coach bag is missing its hang tag a replacement can be ordered from Coach for free.

Design: On the outside of the bag, the "C's" are big and always paired. There is never an odd number of "C's" in a row on the bag. Also, a "C" is never cut off by the seaming. On a fake, the "C" pattern will be off - if the end of the "CC" does not touch the side of the other "CC" in the pattern, it is probably fake. Sometimes the "CC" will actually be a "GG" as well.

SIGNATURE styles: Signature styles are symmetrical, meaning that the Signature "C's" line up perfectly. The center seam on both sides of the bag should look like one continuous piece of fabric with the center dividing the bag like a mirror image. If the "C's" are off alignment, it is most likely counterfeit.

Material: Most Coach products are made of glove tanned leather - a leather that goes through the same tanning process as that of a baseball glove. The leather of Coach handbags, briefs, and backpacks is typically heavy, thick, and it darkens, softens, and takes on characteristics such as wrinkles and "scratches" as it ages. While Coach uses other materials, such as twill, suede, Sonoma leather, and other pebbled texture leathers, Coach never uses faux leather or vinyl.

Also, leather Coach products have at least one Coach stamp on it, whether it is on the lower end of one side or on the leather that attaches the shoulder strap to the bag. Make sure the word 'Coach' is outlined. Beneath it, there should be the word 'Leatherware' and beneath that it has '1941'. If the leather stamp it is sewn on, or has stitching around it, it may be fake.

Stitching: Stitching on a Coach item should be even. Most often, the stitching is of the same color as the leather. Sometimes the stitching is a contrasted color, but will still be even in appearance, with small stitches that are sturdy and professional looking. Stitches that are too big, uneven, or of a funky color may be an indication that the Coach item is counterfeit.

Hardware: Coach uses solid brass hardware, nickel hardware, or gunmetal hardware - all high quality metals that have a little weight to them. While any hardware is prone to tarnish with age, the hardware on Coach bags should never peel or chip, which would indicate a coated metal. Zippers, turnlocks, and buckles should be high quality and well made.

It seems that this page has some issues with spam links. In the past this has been done by Nesquik22 but has most lately been done by IP address 68.59.84.78 (these users both posted to the same website, Coach Handbags, and Nesquik22 has even been blocked for doing so). For some reason 68.59.84.78 also removed the "companies established in 1941" category and the "fashion" category from this article, but I have since replaced them on the page. I think we should keep an eye on this. Phlo452 06:28, 15 December 2006 (UTC)

I take issue with the statement "Coach leather products tend to be somewhat expensive to some, but very well-made, using a thick, supple, high-quality leather that obtains a patina with age, and sturdy metal rivets and hardware (often solid brass)."

Expensive to some is too relative for a wikipedia article, this statement might be allowable if average prices of coach products were shown in comparison to other companies products. Also, in my personal experience Coach products are anything but well made, the stitching used is often inadequate to support the weight of the product and the leather is of a low quality that stains easily from even drops of water.

Coach has implemented internal systems like SAP —Preceding unsigned comment added by 24.6.74.165 (talk) 23:54, 30 March 2008 (UTC)

This sounds a little like a press release from Coach or the ramblings of a Coach fan.

Image:Coach Print.jpg is being used on this article. I notice the image page specifies that the image is being used under fair use but there is no explanation or rationale as to why its use in Wikipedia articles constitutes fair use. In addition to the boilerplate fair use template, you must also write out on the image description page a specific explanation or rationale for why using this image in each article is consistent with fair use.

Please go to the image description page and edit it to include a fair use rationale. Using one of the templates at Wikipedia:Fair use rationale guideline is an easy way to insure that your image is in compliance with Wikipedia policy, but remember that you must complete the template. Do not simply insert a blank template on an image page.

If there is other other fair use media, consider checking that you have specified the fair use rationale on the other images used on this page. Note that any fair use images uploaded after 4 May, 2006, and lacking such an explanation will be deleted one week after they have been uploaded, as described on criteria for speedy deletion. If you have any questions please ask them at the Media copyright questions page. Thank you.BetacommandBot 11:57, 2 June 2007 (UTC)

Does anyone know where the purses are made? I'm wondering if they are sweat-shop factories, or do the workers get fair wages? TDRSS (talk) 01:22, 24 June 2008 (UTC)

Are you talking about the modern, cheap(er), made in China Coach stuff? No telling, probably the same average working conditions in a lot of other China manufacturing plants. [|Retro00064 | (talk/contribs) |] 09:57, 19 February 2009 (UTC).

I just reverted a large amount of edits (diff) because they had added copyright promotional material ([1], [2]), and guide material sourced to a blog ([3]). --Muchness (talk) 23:16, 11 September 2008 (UTC)

Usually all of the stiching is one by hand never by a machine. You can tell by the neatness of it. If it is neat it is real if it isnt it is a fake —Preceding unsigned comment added by 206.132.60.13 (talk) 00:39, 16 April 2009 (UTC)

Much of this article refers to the older thicker "glove leather" style of Coach bags which has since been replaced with a newer style emphasizing logo-fabric and patent leathers. (As an earlier commenter noted, the new bags seem to have a different style of stitching than the older bags.) I was hoping that the history would indicate when the change in style occurred, and if there has been a change in manufacturing, leadership and/or corporate policy. 4 November 2009 —Preceding unsigned comment added by 68.81.68.39 (talk) 15:16, 5 November 2009 (UTC)

What about the real controversy? You know, the one where you go into their store, and the employees work you over, telling you how much "you love the bag" and "it looks great" and can't stop talking to each other about how great it is? Then they pull the scam that it's "20% off" (just as everything in the mall is). Then before you make your decision, they ring it up, and another misguided person just spent $200 on some ridiculous bag. The cost of commission is your soul. --blm07 であります！ 04:26, 29 November 2009 (UTC)

When the cashier that is ringing you up asks; “did someone help you today?” It is not because the person that helped you gets commission. Many people believe that Coach Employees get paid by commission, but that’s not the case. They ask because every time someone names get taken down their name gets recorded. The managers want to know who is doing their job and who is not. It’s just a simple way to keep track who is helping out on the sales floor. Why are associates so friendly and compliment you on everything? That is because Coach wants you to feel welcome when you are shopping at their stores. They want a customer to interact with an associate so they feel comfortable and welcomed.Wmmc2011 (talk) 22:04, 15 March 2011 (UTC)

I am employed by Coach and have been asked to be the Coach Wikipedia ambassador. I would like to request the help of the Wikipedia community to update the Coach Inc Wiki page. These updates include changes to the Coach company profile, current executive officers and recent sales data. I would also like to add information on Coach company values and frequently asked questions that might be helpful for Wikipedia users. I have included the proposed information below.

Thank you in advance for your help updating the Coach Inc page with the edits that you see fit.

Company Profile

A RICH HERITAGE:

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.

Now greatly expanded, Coach continues to maintain the highest standards for materials and workmanship. Coach’s exceptional work force remains committed to carefully upholding the principles of quality and integrity that define the company. Coach attributes the prominence of the brand to the unique combination of our original American attitude and design, our heritage of fine leather goods and custom fabrics, our superior product quality and durability and our commitment to customer service.

DEFINING CLASSIC AMERICAN STYLE:

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, gloves, scarves and fine jewelry. Continued development of new categories has further established the signature style and distinctive identity of the Coach brand. Together with licensing partners, Coach also offers watches, footwear, eyewear and fragrance bearing the Coach brand name.

BROAD REACH:

Coach’s distribution strategy is multi-channel. There are currently over 400 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. In 1999, Coach launched its on-line store at www.coach.com. The website is an important advertising and sales vehicle for Coach, both domestically and abroad. Coach also currently has 15 informational websites for target markets outside of North America and has e-commerce enabled websites for the United States, Canada and Japan.

CRAFTING THE FUTURE:

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, 182 international department stores, retail store and duty free shop locations in over 20 countries, 161 department store shop-in-shops and retail and factory store locations operated by Coach Japan, Inc.

Coach’s corporate headquarters remain in mid-town Manhattan on 34th Street, in the location of former Coach factory lofts. Coach is a publicly traded company listed on the New York Stock Exchange, traded under the symbol COH.

VALUES:

The Brand is Our Touchstone. The Coach brand represents a unique synthesis of magic and logic that stands for quality, authenticity, value and a truly aspirational, distinctive American style. Everything we make, advocate or engage in reflects the attributes of the brand.

Customer Satisfaction is Paramount. Our responsibility to our internal and external customers calls for impeccable service to ensure that their needs are always met. By treating customers like guests in our own home, we seek to establish long-term relationships based on trust and satisfaction.

Integrity is Our Way of Life. Our success is rooted in uncompromising devotion to honesty and fairness where our people, our business and our community are concerned. We stand behind our products, staking our name and reputation on everything that we make.

Innovation Drives Winning Performance. We constantly challenge ourselves to be the very best we can in every aspect of our business. We strive to be a nimble and flexible organization committed to increasing consumer and shareholder value.

Our Success Depends on Collaboration. Our brand flourishes through our people. Coach brings together strong, collaborative people in a dynamic culture of mutual respect, support and passion for our brand and product. Our team bands together in the face of adversity and celebrates our victories.

Executive Officers

Lew Frankfort - Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Reed Krakoff - President, Executive Creative Director

Jerry Stritzke - President and Chief Operating Officer

Michael Tucci - President, Retail Division - North America

Todd Kahn - Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary

Sarah Dunn - Executive Vice President, Human Resources

Jane Nielsen - Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Coach founded? Coach was founded in 1941 as a family run workshop in Manhattan. Coach products quickly became renowned for their distinctive design, quality, function and durability. In 1985 Coach was purchased by the Sara Lee Corporation. In October of 2000 Coach had its initial public offering and became a publicly traded company listed on the New York Stock Exchange, traded under the symbol COH.

How did Sara Lee divest Coach? Sara Lee sold 19.5% of their shares of Coach at the IPO in October of 2000. This was followed in April 2001 with the distribution of their remaining shares to Sara Lee’s stockholders through an exchange offer.

Where is Coach headquarters? Coach's corporate headquarters are located at 516 West 34th Street in midtown Manhattan, which was formerly a Coach manufacturing facility. A small factory remains at the location, where sample products are made.

Who is authorized to sell Coach product? Coach offers its merchandise for sale through the following methods of distribution: (1) Coach stores, (2) Coach factory stores, (3) authorized department stores, (4) authorized specialty stores and catalogs, (5) limited duty free locations, and (6) coach.com. Coach does not have individual distributors and is not available through house parties.

How many North American stores does Coach operate and what is the total square footage? At Fiscal Year 2011 end Coach's North American full price retail store base was 345 with square footage of 936,277. Coach's North American factory store base was 143, with square footage of 649,094.

Where else can I buy Coach products? As of fiscal year end 2011 Coach was available at over 970 department store locations in the US, 211 international department stores, retail store and duty free shop locations in over 20 countries, 169 department store shop-in-shops and retail and factory store locations operated by Coach Japan, Inc. You can also purchase Coach products from the Coach catalog, or on our website www.Coach.com.

What is Coach's geographical sales mix? At year end Fiscal 2011 net sales were as follows: The US represented approximately 70%, Japan represented 18% and other International, which reflects retail sales in China and Canada as well as shipments to third-party distributors primarily in East Asia, represented about 12%.

What is Coach's sales mix by product category? As of Fiscal 2011, Coach sales mix is as follows: Handbags accounted for approximately 63%; accessories including women’s small leather goods (money pieces, wristlets and cosmetic cases), men’s small leather goods (wallets and card cases) and novelty accessories including electronic, time management and pet accessories, key fobs and charms represent approximately 27%; The remaining 10% included footwear, outerwear, sunglasses, watches, travel bags, jewelry and fragrance.

Does Coach license product? Yes, for example: Watches, since 1998 with the Movado Group, Inc.; Footwear since 1999 with the Jimlar Corporation; Marchon Eyewear, Inc. has been Coach’s eyewear licensee since 2003 under a licensing agreement that expires in 2011. During October 2010, the Company signed a licensing agreement with Luxottica Trading and Finance Ltd. (“Luxottica”) and will begin transitioning the eyewear business during the second half of fiscal 2012. Fragrance, since the spring of 2010, Estée Lauder Companies Inc. through its subsidiary, Aramis Inc., became Coach’s fragrance licensee. All of Coach's licensing arrangements are a collaborative effort between Coach and the licensee.

Where are Coach products made? Coach product is handcrafted from the finest American and European hides and textiles. As of July 2, 2011, Coach’s products were assembled in nearly 70 manufacturing facilities in 11 countries including the US, Europe and Asia. By using a global supply chain, Coach is able to deliver innovative products to customers monthly and keep product price points approximately at half of those of the European luxury brands.

Does Coach franchise? No, Coach does not franchise in North America.

Can I sell Coach product in my store? At this time Coach is not currently entering into new wholesale/vendor relationships.

On what stock exchange is Coach traded, and what is Coach's symbol? The company's Common Stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol COH.

Is Coach in any major stock index? Yes, Coach is included in the S&P 500 index.

When does Coach's fiscal year end? The fiscal year ends the Saturday closest to June 30th.

Is Coach's stock widely followed by security analysts? Yes, Coach stock is followed by a substantial number of "sell-side" analysts who represent major national and regional brokerage firms.

When was Coach's initial public offering and at what price? Coach's IPO occurred on October 4th 2000, at a price of $16.00 per share, the current equivalent of $2.00 per share, after giving effect to the three subsequent stock splits in July 2002, October 2003 and April 2005.

When does Coach report its quarterly results? Coach reports first quarter results in late October, second quarter results in late January, third quarter results in late April, and fourth quarter in late July or early August.

How can I obtain a copy of the Coach Annual Report, a 10-K Form and/or a Proxy Statement? These documents are available in the Investor Relations section of Coach.com.

How can I purchase Coach stock? Please contact a stockbroker.

Does Coach pay a dividend on its' stock? Yes, Coach offers an annual cash dividend of $0.60 per share.

When and where is Coach's Annual Shareholders Meeting? This year Coach's meeting will be held the first Thursday in November at the Corporate Headquarters. Generally, the exact date is communicated to shareholders by Notice (under the SEC’s Notice and Access Rules), and the proxy statement, made available electronically or mailed in late September.

How many people does Coach employ? As of July 2, 2011, Coach employed approximately 15,000 people, including both full and part time employees. Of these employees, approximately 5,200 and 6,800 were full time and part time employees, respectively, in the retail field in North America and Japan.

Does Coach have an Internship program? Yes, Coach does have a summer internship program at the corporate headquarters in New York City. Coach begins recruiting for these internships in March. At that time, if you are interested, please send your resume with cover letter to the attention of `Human Resources - Internship Programs' at Coach, Inc. at the corporate headquarters.

Does Coach make product donations to schools, places of worship, etc.? Due to the overwhelming demand for Coach charitable product donations, Coach has to limit the types of organizations it can support and requests it can satisfy. Therefore Coach tends to focus donations on broader-reaching programs such as organizations that help the homeless and those which research and support certain health care initiatives.

Coach1941 (talk) 22:50, 13 October 2011 (UTC)

This editor - Mnasr24 - is an open and shut COI/SPA editor. I have warned them about COI activity and their deliberate continued ignoring of this constitutes nothing more than deliberate and considered defiance of basic wiki policies. I have reverted their edits. Some contained useful encyclopaedic info, but I do not have the time to go through it now so I am adopting a fair and reasonable approach of bottom-up rather than top-down - delete all, then consider each line on its own merit and see whether it's worthy of inclusion. Mnasr24 will be warned and advised again, and should this behaviour continue, it will be referred up the usual channels and the usual steps will be taken to prevent this most shambolicly transparent of PR exercises. Rayman60 (talk) 18:43, 26 March 2018 (UTC)

If original Coach Inc renamed itself to become Tapestry, shouldn't tapestry be considered a company founded in 1941? --Chirag (talk) 05:41, 10 June 2018 (UTC)

I added a significant amount to this page because it was rated lower on the Wikipedia scale. I added new information on the parent company and what that is as well as added the individual histories on each company Tapestry owns. I added in unbiased sources to the article as well as more internal links to promote other Wikipedia articles that might also need some editing to be done. Another section that I added to this page has important people within the company of Tapestry. I note their job titles and a little bit about each person. I remain neutral to the topic and I didn't feel it necessary to add in any images because I was afraid that I would add in an image that seemed biased to advocate for the brand and that is why I left a picture out of my edits. I wanted to create an article that only presents the facts of a well-known company and the history of the businesses as well as the businesses it owns. Luciusap (talk) 18:39, 26 October 2018 (UTC)

I question if stock price section is relevant for Wikipedia, mostly as it is ever-changing and is business/finance stat more than encyclopedic entry. Before I edited wanted to get more consensus. Drum book (talk) 15:29, 12 January 2019 (UTC)

Also I do not believe the Kate Spade death and obit-style sentences are necessary either. Drum book (talk) 15:45, 12 January 2019 (UTC)