Who Owns UGG?
UGG is owned by Deckers Brands, a publicly traded American footwear designer and distributor traded on the New York Stock Exchange under ticker DECK. Deckers acquired UGG in 1995, and the brand continues to operate from its headquarters in Goleta, California, while benefiting from Deckers' global resources.
Parent Company
Deckers Brands
Acquired
1995
Status
Publicly Traded
Headquarters
Goleta, California, USA
Who Owns UGG?
- Parent Company: Deckers Brands
- Ownership Type: Wholly owned
- Acquisition Year: 1995
- Company Type: Publicly Traded
- Stock Ticker: NYSE: DECK
| Brand | Parent Company | Ownership Type |
|---|---|---|
| UGG | Deckers Brands | Wholly owned |
History of UGG
- Founded: 1978
- Founders: Brian Smith
- Acquired by Deckers Brands: 1995
UGG was founded in 1978 by Brian Smith, an Australian surfer who moved to California with a bag of sheepskin boots. Smith recognized the potential for Australian sheepskin boots in the American market, particularly among surfers and beach communities who appreciated their comfort and warmth after surfing in cold water.
Throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, UGG developed a cult following among California surfers and gradually expanded into broader markets. The brand's reputation for comfort and quality helped it grow beyond its surfing roots into mainstream casual footwear.
The brand experienced explosive growth in the early 2000s when UGG boots became a fashion phenomenon, embraced by celebrities and fashion-conscious consumers. This period marked UGG's transition from a niche surf brand to a global fashion icon, with the distinctive sheepskin boots becoming recognizable worldwide.
Under Deckers Brands ownership since 1995, UGG has expanded beyond its core sheepskin boots to include a comprehensive range of footwear, apparel, accessories, and home textiles, all maintaining the brand's focus on comfort and casual lifestyle.
About Deckers Brands
Deckers Brands operates as a multi-brand footwear company with a focus on comfort, performance, and lifestyle footwear. The company's business model emphasizes brand autonomy while providing centralized support in areas such as supply chain management, marketing, and distribution.
The company's operations include:
- **Brand Management:** Oversight of multiple footwear brands
- **Product Development:** Innovation in footwear technology and design
- **Global Distribution:** Retail and wholesale partnerships worldwide
- **Manufacturing:** Global production network and quality control
- **Marketing:** Brand-specific and corporate marketing initiatives
Deckers Brands' portfolio strategy allows each brand to maintain its distinct identity while benefiting from centralized resources and operational expertise.
- Founded: 1973
- Headquarters: Goleta, California, USA
- Company Type: Publicly Traded
- Stock: NYSE: DECK
Where Is UGG Made / Based?
- Headquarters: Goleta, California, USA
- Manufacturing / Operations: Global manufacturing network, Australia (heritage production), Asia (primary production), Americas
Brands Owned by Deckers Brands
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UGG Ownership: Pros & Cons
Advantages
- +Strong brand recognition in comfort footwear category
- +Access to Deckers' global distribution and marketing resources
- +Established manufacturing expertise in sheepskin footwear
- +Seasonal versatility with products for multiple weather conditions
- +Strong cultural presence and fashion credibility
Considerations
- -Dependence on fashion trends and consumer preferences
- -Competition from other comfort and casual footwear brands
- -Seasonal factors affecting boot sales
- -Trademark disputes and generic term challenges in some markets
- -Need to balance heritage authenticity with fashion evolution
Frequently Asked Questions About UGG
Where to Buy
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UGG on AmazonCompetitors to UGG
No direct competitors found in the same category. This could be because UGGoperates in a unique market segment or we're still building our competitor database.
Deckers Brands Stock Information
Jobs at Deckers Brands
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