17 Apr 2026 Deer Stags Joins Jack Schwartz Shoes’ Growing Stable of Brands
(New York, NY) – Today, two multi-generational, family-owned footwear businesses with deep roots in New York have joined forces, with Deer Stags integrating into the Jack Schwartz Shoes portfolio of brands. Jack Schwartz Shoes currently owns and operates Lugz and British Knights, along with licensed footwear for Lee and Ben Sherman, while Deer Stags — approaching its 100-year anniversary in 2029 — has long been a trusted name in men’s and boys’ footwear across the U.S.
“We’re proud to bring Deer Stags into the fold—an exciting addition that strengthens both our capabilities and our shared ambition,” said David Schwartz, President/CEO of Jack Schwartz Shoes. “We’re excited to work closely with the Muskat family. Rick has been a friend for years, and what’s always stood out is how aligned we are in how we think—about product, partners, and building brands, businesses, and legacies that last.
Over time, through countless conversations as friends navigating everything from COVID to supply chain disruption to tariffs, it became clear that our companies share not only similar values, but complementary strengths. Bringing them together creates real opportunity: to learn from each other, operate more efficiently, and grow meaningfully while staying true to who we are.”
Deer Stags built its reputation by making great footwear more accessible—delivering comfort-driven, versatile shoes designed for real life, at a price point that works for families. Founded as a brand in 1929 and carried forward by the Muskat family for decades, Deer Stags has remained family-owned, earning its place in the U.S. market through a consistent focus on comfort, reliability, and value.
Today, the brand continues to evolve through proprietary comfort innovations, including its SUPRO® technology platform, while maintaining strong, long-standing partnerships with leading national retailers and digital marketplaces.
Under the leadership of the Muskat family for decades, Deer Stags has stayed grounded in its core mission: to deliver great shoes defined by comfort, value, and everyday versatility.
“We are a family business—built on relationships, resilience, and a drive to adapt,” said Rick Muskat. “The past few years have tested our industry in ways we’ve never seen, particularly with tariffs placing significant pressure on both costs and cash flow, while pulling focus away from the core work of building product and serving our customers.
We saw a tremendous opportunity to evolve the business—and chose the ideal partner to help accelerate that next chapter.” In Jack Schwartz Shoes, we found a team that shares our values and understands what makes Deer Stags special. This gives us the strength and scale to navigate today’s challenges while staying true to who we are—our people, our relationships, and our roots as a family business—and to create new opportunities for our teams, our customers, and the next generation of our families. I couldn’t be more excited about where we go from here.”
Jack Schwartz Shoes will leverage its 90 years of manufacturing and operational expertise to support Deer Stags as it approaches its centennial milestone. Together, the companies see a meaningful opportunity to elevate the brand—expanding its reach, sharpening its voice, and building on its legacy for the next generation of consumers.
“When the opportunity presented itself, there was an undeniable fit,” added Schwartz. “By combining our resources with the Muskat family’s deep experience and brand foundation, we see a clear path to building on what Deer Stags has already achieved—and helping write an incredible next chapter.”
For press inquiries:
Sean Lynch (SLynch@Jssi.com) – Jack Schwartz Shoes
About Jack Schwartz Shoes:
Jack Schwartz Shoes is an American manufacturer, wholesaler, and retailer of footwear. A family-owned business founded in February 1936, at the height of the Great Depression, the company began as a wholesaler before launching its first branded line in 1976. Today, with over 90 years of experience, Jack Schwartz Shoes manages a portfolio of brands including Lugz and British Knights, along with licenses for Lee and Ben Sherman. Four generations later, the company continues to operate with the same entrepreneurial spirit that defined its founding.
About Deer Stags:
Deer Stags has been synonymous with comfort in men’s footwear for nearly a century. Founded on the belief that dress shoes shouldn’t have to hurt, the brand helped redefine expectations around comfort and wearability. Now a third-generation American family business, Deer Stags remains committed to delivering thoughtfully designed, comfortable footwear at an accessible price—because life is simply better when you’re comfortable.
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