J Brand has hired Morgan Stanley to explore a sale or an initial public offering, according to www.wwd.com. Currently, the company is majority owned by Star Avenue Capital. J Brand recently debuted its ready-to-wear line, which is sold in Bergdorf Goodman, Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Harrods and Holt Renfew. Currently, the brand’s merchandise is sold in 1,500 U.S. stores and 1,000 stores abroad. The retailer is looking to continue its growth as a fashion house, with plans to open additional in-store shops in the second quarter of 2013. J Brand also is contemplating its first flagship.
