Johnston & Murphy
Genesco · United States
Johnston & Murphy is an American footwear and apparel brand whose roots go back to 1850. It has been part of Genesco since 1951 and is headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee.
| Founded | 1850 |
|---|---|
| Founders | William J. Dudley, James Johnston and William A. Murphy |
| Owner | Genesco (since 1951) |
| Headquarters | Nashville, United States |
| Segment | Premium and contemporary |
| Website | johnstonmurphy.com |
What is Johnston & Murphy?
Johnston & Murphy is a brand of men's and women's shoes, apparel, leather goods and luggage. Its website describes itself as a Genesco company and lists lace-ups, loafers, sneakers, boots, golf shoes, tailored clothing, belts, bags and travel accessories, as well as game day and licensed collegiate collections.
History
The business began in 1850 in Newark, New Jersey, as the William J. Dudley Shoe Company. The Johnston & Murphy name dates from 1882, after James Johnston and William A. Murphy became involved. Under Johnston the company shifted from work shoes towards more fashionable footwear, and Herbert P. Gleason bought Murphy's interest in 1895.
Genesco, then known as General Shoe Corporation, bought the company in 1951 and moved operations to Nashville. The first retail shop opened in 1971 and the first factory store in 1983. The company stopped making shoes in the United States in 2017, and products are now made by third-party contractors.
Business model and distribution
Johnston & Murphy operates its own retail stores, catalogues and website as well as wholesale to department and specialty stores. Wikipedia reports about 158 to 160 company-owned stores and more than 2,100 wholesale accounts. These figures are not dated, so they should be read as indicative only.
Wikipedia lists no change in Genesco's ownership of the brand for 2024 to 2026.
Why it matters
Johnston & Murphy is among the oldest continuously operating American shoe brands. Its history shows how a heritage manufacturer can shift to a mixed retail and wholesale model while moving production to outside partners.
Frequently asked questions
Who owns Johnston & Murphy?
Johnston & Murphy is owned by Genesco, which bought the company in 1951. The brand's website describes it as a Genesco company.
Where is Johnston & Murphy from?
Johnston & Murphy is an American brand that began in Newark, New Jersey, in 1850. Its headquarters are in Nashville, Tennessee.