NEW YORK, Mar 7, 2002 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Coach, Inc. (NYSE: COH), a leading marketer of modern classic American accessories, announced today that it will combine its U.S. retail and wholesale business units under the leadership of Dave DeMattei, President, North America Retail and Wholesale Divisions, effective immediately.

Mary Wang, President, U.S. Wholesale, will continue to lead the U.S. Department and Specialty Stores and Corporate Sales teams, reporting to Mr. DeMattei.

Mr. DeMattei joined Coach as President, Retail Division in July, 1998. Since joining the company he has spearheaded the transformation of U.S. Coach stores to a more modern and inviting format and is directing the company's accelerated U.S. retail store expansion program.

Mr. Lew Frankfort, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Coach, Inc., said, "As our brand continues to gain momentum in the marketplace, the ability for us to develop and execute coordinated strategies across all business units takes on increased importance. Combining our principal U.S. businesses, Retail and Wholesale, will enable us to present an even more integrated brand image to our consumer."

"I am particularly pleased to announce the promotion of Dave DeMattei, who will assume responsibility for leading our U.S. Retail and Wholesale businesses, effective immediately. Under Dave's leadership over the last few years, we have rejuvenated our retail proposition, providing a showcase for the brand. Similarly, during her tenure, Mary Wang and her team have repositioned the U.S. Department store business by updating the assortment to reflect the new world of Coach and implementing a key item strategy. I am confident that their partnership will yield remarkable results," continued Mr. Frankfort.

"I am excited by the opportunity to better leverage merchandising and regional marketing strategies and speak with one voice to Coach consumers, wherever they choose to shop," said Mr. DeMattei. "I'm also looking forward to working more closely with Mary and her team in taking the brand forward in both these important distribution channels."

Coach, with headquarters in New York, is a leading American marketer of fine accessories and gifts for women and men, including handbags, women's and men's small leathergoods, business cases, luggage and travel accessories, footwear, watches, outerwear, jewelry, furniture and related accessories. Coach is sold worldwide through Coach stores, select department stores and specialty stores, through the Coach catalogue in the U.S. by calling 800-262-2411 and through Coach's website at www.Coach.com.

Coach's shares are traded on The New York Stock Exchange under the symbol COH.

CONTACT:
Coach, New York
Andrea Shaw Resnick,
212/629-2618