Founder of New Yorker, Friedrich Knapp, dies at 73
The company's headquarters announced that Friedrich Knapp, the founder and owner of the New Yorker clothing chain, passed away at 73. The businessman built one of the most profitable fashion chains in Europe.
"It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to our owner and managing partner, who made New Yorker one of the world's leading fashion companies through his courageous and visionary actions," wrote managing directors Helene Steiner and Jonas Gnauck in an official statement.
According to the Brunswick-based clothing chain announcement in Lower Saxony, the entrepreneur is survived by his partner and three children. The statement highlighted that Mr. Knapp was deeply devoted to his family and work, achieving remarkable accomplishments in both business and social spheres. It emphasized that his memory would be honoured and his life's work continued.
In a special statement, the mayor of Brunswick, Thorsten Kornblum (SPD), reported that the news of Knapp's death deeply moves him.
The mayor highlighted that he was an exceptional entrepreneur from Brunswick who turned his vision into a remarkable success story, something many aspire to achieve. According to Kornblum, he established a brand and expanded it into a global fashion powerhouse, leading it personally until his final days. The mayor noted Knapp's significant impact on the city's development, particularly in sports and culture.
The future of the company has been secured
As announced by the network, the businessman ensured the succession of assets and management of the company during his lifetime. On the supervisory board, the family is represented by Friedrich Knapp's daughter, Sophie Knapp, who serves as vice-chair.
Founded by Knapp, New Yorker currently employs about 23,000 people and has over 1,200 branches in 47 countries worldwide. The brand was established in 1971 in the German city of Flensburg.
