Is JNCO Going Out of Business?
JNCO, short for “Judge None Choose One,” is a Los Angeles-based clothing company that specializes in boys’ and men’s jeans. The brand gained recognition in the 1990s for its boys’ ultra-wide straight-legged denim jeans with elaborate pocket logos and a unique street look. Over the years, JNCO has experienced various ups and downs, leading to speculation about the brand’s future. In this article, we will examine the history of JNCO and explore whether the company is currently going out of business.
A Brief History of JNCO
JNCO was founded in 1985 by Moroccan-born, French-raised brothers Jacques Yaakov Revah and Haim Milo Revah. The brand quickly gained popularity in the 1990s, becoming synonymous with the counterculture fashion of the era. JNCO jeans, with their wide-legged silhouette and eye-catching designs, became a staple among youth seeking a distinct and rebellious style.
A Decline in Sales
After reaching peak sales of $186.9 million, JNCO experienced a decline in sales. In 1999, sales halved, and the brand faced challenges in maintaining its market share. This decline prompted the Revah brothers to make strategic decisions regarding the future of JNCO.
The Closure of the Main Factory
In the 2000s, the Revah brothers made the difficult decision to close the main factory. This move marked a significant shift in JNCO’s operations and signaled a challenging period for the brand. However, despite the closure of the factory, JNCO continued to have a presence in the fashion industry.
The Relaunch and Challenges
In 2015, JNCO made a comeback with new products. However, this relaunch faced difficulties as the quality of the new jeans was reported to be lower than the original offerings. The brand struggled to recapture its previous success, which resulted in increased demand for the authentic JNCO jeans on secondary marketplaces.
Clarification and Reacquisition
On February 15, 2018, it was initially announced that JNCO would cease production and liquidate its inventory. However, it was later clarified that this decision applied to the then-current licensed production under Guotai Litian, and the brand would continue under new management. In 2019, original founder Milo Revah announced that he had re-acquired the brand and intended to relaunch it alongside his daughter Camilla.
Current Status and Future Outlook
Following the reacquisition, JNCO underwent a second relaunch on June 28, 2019, accompanied by the launch of a new website. While there have been periods of uncertainty and changes in ownership, JNCO has not permanently gone out of business. The brand continues to be active under new management, with a focus on revitalizing its iconic style and engaging with its dedicated customer base.
Conclusion
In conclusion, JNCO has experienced fluctuations in its business over the years. Although the brand faced challenges, including a decline in sales and temporary cessation of production, it has shown resilience and adaptability. With the reacquisition and subsequent relaunch, JNCO remains an active player in the fashion industry. While the future holds uncertainties, the brand’s commitment to its unique aesthetic and loyal customer base suggests that JNCO is not currently going out of business.
Sources:
- Wikipedia: JNCO – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/JNCO
- Highsnobiety: JNCO: Everything You Need to Know About the Iconic Jeans – https://www.highsnobiety.com/p/jnco-history/
- VICE: We Regret to Inform You That JNCO Is Going Out of Business – https://www.vice.com/en/article/bj57aw/jnco-jeans-going-out-of-business-vgtrn
FAQs
Is JNCO currently going out of business?
No, JNCO is not currently going out of business. While there have been periods of uncertainty and changes in ownership, the brand has undergone relaunches and remains active under new management.
Has JNCO experienced a decline in sales?
Yes, JNCO has experienced a decline in sales. In 1999, sales halved, leading to challenges in maintaining market share. However, the brand has made efforts to revive its popularity.
Did JNCO close its main factory?
Yes, in the 2000s, the Revah brothers, founders of JNCO, made the decision to close the main factory. This marked a significant shift in the brand’s operations.
Was JNCO relaunched in 2015?
Yes, JNCO was relaunched in 2015 with new products. However, these products were reported to be of lower quality than the original offerings.
Has JNCO faced challenges in its relaunch?
Yes, JNCO has faced challenges in its relaunch. The lower quality of the new products resulted in increased demand for the original jeans on secondary marketplaces.
Was it announced that JNCO would cease production in 2018?
Yes, on February 15, 2018, it was initially announced that JNCO would cease production and liquidate its inventory. However, this applied to the then-current licensed production under Guotai Litian, and the brand continued under new management.
Who reacquired JNCO in 2019?
In 2019, the original founder of JNCO, Milo Revah, announced that he had re-acquired the brand and intended to relaunch it alongside his daughter Camilla.
Is JNCO still active?
Yes, JNCO is still active. The brand underwent a second relaunch in 2019 and continues to engage with customers through its website and products.