Jones drops "Apparel" from its name

Oct 4 (Reuters) - Jones Apparel Group (JNY.N) is changing its name to "Jones Group Inc" at the end of the month to reflect its expansion into product categories other than clothing.
Jones
Nine West - one of Jones Group's brands

The company, whose portfolio includes shoe brand Nine West, and clothing brands Jones New York and Anne Klein, earlier this year bought designer shoe brand Stuart Weitzman in a bid to expand its reach into luxury goods. The New York-based company has jewelry and handbag divisions.

Jones Apparel said the name change will not affect its corporate structure or the status of any of its brands or licensing agreements.

Jones' shares will still trade on the New York Stock Exchange under its current ticker symbol "JNY."

(Reporting by Phil Wahba, editing by Dave Zimmerman)

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