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Apparel group closes
By Staff reports
A high-end women’s apparel manufacturer hailed in 2002 by the Charleston Regional Development Alliance for its $13 million investment in Berkeley County will shut the area operation’s doors early next year, a company spokeswoman said.
The Norton McNaughton Apparel Group Inc. warehouse and distribution center in Hanahan will close Jan. 21, 2008, according to a spokeswoman for parent company Jones Apparel Group Inc. The Hanahan center employs 286.
“This decision was not made lightly,” the spokeswoman said in a written statement.
“The decision was entirely based on business factors, consistent with the exit of certain moderate (priced) apparel lines, and will help streamline the (Jones Apparel Group’s) distribution and improve its cost structure.”
Norton McNaughton distributes women’s clothing to more than 1,500 U.S. retailers in 8,000 locations, including J.C. Penney, T.J. Maxx, Sears and Kohl’s.
David Ginn, president and chief executive of the Charleston Regional Development Alliance, said while it is unfortunate McNaughton is folding up locally, the space it has been occupying is desirable and won’t be empty for long.
“It’s always disappointing to learn a local company will be closing its doors,” Ginn said. “(But) fortunately there’s a strong demand for warehouse space in our market, so we should see a new operation move in fairly quickly.”
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