Cole Haan

Founded in 1928 by Trafton Cole and Eddie Haan, footwear brand Cole Haan was sold and re-sold multiple times and is today a leading retailer worldwide with a public listing. 

Founded in 1928, the company name comes from founders Trafton Cole and Eddie Haan, originally named ‘Cole, Rood and Haan’ when it was a men's footwear label. Today it offers diversified products, including men's and women's apparel, outerwear, footwear, belts, hosiery, handbags, gloves, scarves, hats and sunglasses.

Cole Haan was sold to a group of partners headed by George Denney in 1975 who built on the foundation over the following decade, transforming the label into one of the leading footwear brands in the United States. They launched a retail division in 1982, with over forty stores spanning America, Asia, South Africa, Istanbul and the Middle East and annual sales of a reported $70 million by 1996.

Nike, Inc. purchased Cole Haan in 1988 and announced on May 31, 2012 that it was divesting of the company. On February 25, 2008 the company announced it would discontinue using fur due to its strong sustainability ethics. Interestingly, the brand chose Russian tennis champion Maria Sharapova to headline its Spring 2009 and Fall 2009 campaigns and inked deals with fashion designers, athletes and tastemakers including a men's footwear capsule collection with CFDA-nominated designer Todd Snyder and a line of women's ballet flats designed in alliance with three dancers of New York City Ballet i.e. Sara Mearns, Megan Fairchild and Gretchen Smith.

Then Cole Haan was bought by private-equity firm Apax Partners Worldwide LLP for a reported sum of $570 million on November 16, 2012 with its headquarters in Greenland- New Hampshire and design center in New York. In 2020 Cole Haan went public and is expected to grab a larger share of the growing athleisure market. Per Forbes: "Cole Haan, founded in 1928, said in a regulatory filing Friday that its revenue rose 14 per cent to $686.6 million in the year through June 1. Profit jumped 43 per cent to $33.1 million. All of the proceeds raised from the IPO will go to its selling stockholders, Cole Haan said."

Shortly Cole Haan was acquired by Panto. Per Forbes: "Taking on Cole Haan in the startup phase of a shoe company is a big task. In this case, Ponto is setting its sights on the premium comfort that a sneaker provides and the timeless style of dress shoes. The twist is they are doing it from almost 100 per cent recycled materials and biodegradable plant-based soles." Helmed by CEO Jack A. Boys the fashion retailer has a strong digital presence on Amazon, Stitch Fix and other online retailers as part of its vision to boost online sales, which represents thirty per cent of its business.

In recent news- however- Cole Haan Inc. has officially withdrawn its plans for an initial public offering. According to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, the footwear and accessories maker announced that it has pulled back its registration to go public.

Cole Haan’s mission is to create innovative products that combine modern design with traditional craftsmanship, delivering timeless style and enduring quality. The lifestyle brand is committed to improving the lives of its customers by offering footwear, apparel, and accessories that provide both form and function. 

Cole Haan focuses on using advanced technologies and sustainable practices in their production processes, while ensuring that their products maintain the elegance and comfort for which they are known. Their mission also encompasses a dedication to customer satisfaction, ensuring that every interaction with the brand upholds the highest standards of service and quality.

Cole Haan’s vision is to become a respected global lifestyle brand known not only for its products but for its commitment to meaningful social impact. The company aspires to achieve profitable growth while contributing positively to society through responsible business practices. By aligning its success with social responsibility, Cole Haan aims to set new standards in the industry, ensuring that its business growth benefits both the company and the communities it touches.

A key component of this vision is Cole Haan’s focus on its global supply chain as the greatest opportunity for impact. The company recognizes that ethical sourcing, fair labor practices, and environmental sustainability are essential to creating lasting positive change. By improving conditions across the supply chain, Cole Haan ensures that its operations reflect both the values of its brand and the expectations of modern consumers who demand transparency and responsibility in the brands they support.

Cole Haan’s core team believes that creating a socially responsible business starts from within. By adopting sustainable practices and holding themselves accountable for their actions, the company hopes to inspire both employees and consumers to join in their mission. This approach not only strengthens Cole Haan’s reputation as a forward-thinking lifestyle brand but also positions it to lead in an increasingly conscious global marketplace.

Cole Haan offers a robust product portfolio designed to seamlessly combine style, comfort, and functionality for both men and women. Their collection includes apparel, outerwear, and footwear, all crafted with premium materials and innovative design. Whether it’s sleek dress shoes, casual sneakers, or tailored outerwear, Cole Haan ensures that each product combines attention to detail and contemporary elegance.

In addition to apparel and footwear, Cole Haan retails accessories that complement the apparel. This includes belts, hosiery, handbags, gloves, scarves, hats, and sunglasses, all designed to provide both function and style. Each accessory is crafted to not only enhance the wearer’s outfit but also to offer long-lasting quality. Whether it’s a leather belt or a pair of stylish sunglasses, Cole Haan’s accessories combine design with utility, reflecting the brand’s commitment to thoughtful craftsmanship.

Beyond their physical products, Cole Haan places a strong emphasis on customer experience, offering services that enhance convenience and personalization. Their stores and online platform offer customization options for select footwear, allowing customers to tailor their purchases to fit their individual tastes. The brand also focuses on providing a seamless shopping experience through excellent customer service and easy returns, ensuring that every purchase meets the high standards Cole Haan is known for.