Photo: Spencer Platt/Getty Images
As we're all now well aware, the Covid-19 pandemic has been particularly tough on the fashion industry, with sales down across the board. And given that many companies especially those with more traditional business models were already struggling to adapt to a new retail environment or keep up with more digitally savvy competitors (remember: there were also plenty of bankruptcies and closures in 2019), the stay-at-home-orders were enough to fully decimate a number of them.
Some, like J.Crew and Neiman Marcus, declared bankruptcy, which typically means they're hoping some financial restructuring or a new investor couldultimately help them stay in business if they're lucky. Others have been forced to close up shop entirely.
From smaller brands without the cushion to weather a major drop in sales, to large retail chains that were saddled with debt before all this began, read on for a digital graveyard of all the fashion and beauty businesses that succumbed to the coronavirus and its negative impact on consumer spending. We'll keep updating this list as more of this bummer news emerges.
J.Crew: Debt-saddled J.Crew filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protectionMay 4. CEO Jan Singer described the decision as a financial restructuring and "a critical milestone in the ongoing process to transform our business with the goal of driving long-term, sustainable growth for J.Crew and further enhancing Madewell's growth momentum."
Neiman Marcus: With a reported $4.8 billion in debt, Neiman Marcusfiled for Chapter 11 May 7, saying in court documents that it expects to emerge from bankruptcy in the fall.
John Varvatos: On May 6, menswear brand John Varvatos filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, citing falling sales. The brand hopes to stay in business as it restructures its finances.
J.Hilburn: Another brand in the bankruptcy club as of May 6is J.Hilburn, a Dallas-based custom menswear retailer. The company employs stylists who work directly with customers in showrooms throughout the U.S., and hopes there will be no business disruption while it restructures its finances.
True Religion: The once-ubiquitous denim brand filed for bankruptcy for the second time in three years on April 13. It hopes to explore a sale or restructuring.
Bldwn: This Los Angeles-based contemporary brand (which originally launched as Baldwin in Kansas City and focused on denim) was an early victim of the pandemic, announcing a total closure March 25. According to a rep for the brand, investors decided to shut it down and all employees were let go.
The Modist: The Modist, an innovative online luxury retailer based in Dubai and focused on modest fashion, announced on April 2 it would be closing its doors permanently. According to the brand, the hit it took from the pandemic left it with no other options.
Elizabeth Suzann: On April 28, Nashville-based sustainable clothing brand Elizabeth Suzann announced that the company "as we know it" would be closing, with all employees leaving and its studio being vacated once existing orders were completed. Though, it sounds as if the founder could be back to work in some capacity by fall, TBD.
Anthom: New York designer boutique Anthom announced Friday, May 15 that it has permanently closed its brick-and-mortar doors. For now, it will continue operations online.
UPDATE, Monday May 18:
J.C. Penney: Long-struggling department store chain J.C. Penney filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on May 15. The company said it's working with its lenders on a restructuring plan to reduce debt and will explore a possible sale. It plans to continue operations and begin opening stores as it's deemed safe.
Centric Brands: This licensee company, which recently bought Zac Posen and produces products for Tommy Hilfiger, Under Armour, Calvin Klein and more filed for Chapter 11 on Monday May 18. It is working with lenders on a financial restructuring and plans to continue operations throughout the process.
UPDATE, Tuesday May 19:
Jeffrey: Nordstrom Inc., which bought a majority stake in the luxury boutique Jeffrey in 2005, has decided to permanently close all of its three locations. In turn, Jeffrey Kalinsky, who also acted as Nordstrom's designer fashion director, is retiring. According to the company, the decision to eliminate all Jeffrey stores as well as 16 Nordstrom stores was a response to the pandemic. In a statement, Kalinsky said: "Nordstrom has been an incredible partner to me and to the Jeffrey brand. While I'm disappointed in their decision to close Jeffrey stores, I understand it is the right decision for the business given the circumstances of this global crisis."
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Read the rest here:
All the Fashion and Beauty Brand Closures and Bankruptcies Caused by the Pandemic - Fashionista
- Alitalia Files for Bankruptcy, but Italy Balks at a Third Bailout - New York Times - May 3rd, 2017 [May 3rd, 2017]
- A Slow Bankruptcy Process Stops Locale-Reviving Jobs - Wall Street Journal (subscription) - May 3rd, 2017 [May 3rd, 2017]
- Bankruptcy auction for property of NASCAR artist Sam Bass ... - Charlotte Observer - May 3rd, 2017 [May 3rd, 2017]
- Obamacare helped make a 50% dent in personal bankruptcies ... - MarketWatch - May 3rd, 2017 [May 3rd, 2017]
- Pennsylvania Toy Seller Files For Bankruptcy - Wall Street Journal (subscription) - May 3rd, 2017 [May 3rd, 2017]
- Puerto Rico Enters Bankruptcy - Wall Street Journal (subscription) - May 3rd, 2017 [May 3rd, 2017]
- Puerto Rico Declares a Form of Bankruptcy - New York Times - May 3rd, 2017 [May 3rd, 2017]
- Farmer Mac Early Exclusive: Farm Bankruptcy Rates Low - AgWeb - June 6th, 2017 [June 6th, 2017]
- Washington weighs in on Westinghouse bankruptcy | News ... - Aiken Standard - June 6th, 2017 [June 6th, 2017]
- 4 Reasons Why Puerto Rico's 'Bankruptcy' Process Matters to US Residents - NBCNews.com - June 6th, 2017 [June 6th, 2017]
- Valeant: There Is Significant Bankruptcy Risk Here - Seeking Alpha - June 6th, 2017 [June 6th, 2017]
- Westinghouse bankruptcy draws federal scrutiny as VC Summer nuclear project's future remains unclear - Charleston Post Courier - June 6th, 2017 [June 6th, 2017]
- Bebe Avoids Bankruptcy Filing With Real-Estate Deals - Wall Street Journal (subscription) - June 6th, 2017 [June 6th, 2017]
- rue21 Bankruptcy Objections Filed - Bankrupt Company News (press release) (blog) - June 7th, 2017 [June 7th, 2017]
- ISH to emerge from bankruptcy as Seacor subsidiary - WorkBoat (blog) - June 7th, 2017 [June 7th, 2017]
- Curtains for the Pearl, as the Theater Company Files for Bankruptcy - New York Times - June 7th, 2017 [June 7th, 2017]
- Bankruptcy fraud earns Pepperell man 18 months | Boston Herald - Boston Herald - June 9th, 2017 [June 9th, 2017]
- Vikki Lindemuth favors appointment of trustee to handle husband's bankruptcy - Topeka Capital Journal - June 9th, 2017 [June 9th, 2017]
- Creditors seek to force bankruptcy of Tinley Park firm - Chicago Tribune - June 9th, 2017 [June 9th, 2017]
- Abengoa Bankruptcy Liquidation Plan Confirmed - Bankrupt Company News (press release) (blog) - June 9th, 2017 [June 9th, 2017]
- Retailer BCBG Unveils Going-Concern Bankruptcy Sales - Wall Street Journal (subscription) - June 9th, 2017 [June 9th, 2017]
- For Hartford, bankruptcy not an easy way out - The CT Mirror - June 9th, 2017 [June 9th, 2017]
- Why Students Should Be Able To Declare Bankruptcy On Their Loans - ATTN: - June 10th, 2017 [June 10th, 2017]
- Bankruptcy forces curtain to fall on community theater - Chicago Tribune - June 10th, 2017 [June 10th, 2017]
- Ex-Pepperell man jailed in bankruptcy case - Lowell Sun - June 10th, 2017 [June 10th, 2017]
- Owner of Joe's Crab Shack files for bankruptcy | Jacksonville News ... - Florida Times-Union - June 11th, 2017 [June 11th, 2017]
- Why test for bankruptcy law is a larger test for India - The Indian Express - June 11th, 2017 [June 11th, 2017]
- Tax trouble firms' most likely road to bankruptcy - Albuquerque Journal - June 12th, 2017 [June 12th, 2017]
- Darius Miles' Bankruptcy Sale Includes Signed LeBron James, Larry ... - Bleacher Report - June 12th, 2017 [June 12th, 2017]
- Winter Haven attorney gets prison for concealing assets in ... - News Chief - June 12th, 2017 [June 12th, 2017]
- Children's retailer Gymboree files bankruptcy, closing up to 450 stores - USA TODAY - June 12th, 2017 [June 12th, 2017]
- Another retailer has filed for bankruptcy - mySanAntonio.com - June 13th, 2017 [June 13th, 2017]
- Esperanza Unida bankruptcy delays city redevelopment efforts - BizTimes.com (Milwaukee) - June 13th, 2017 [June 13th, 2017]
- Square 1 Burgers files bankruptcy, blames over-saturated restaurant market - Orlando Sentinel - June 13th, 2017 [June 13th, 2017]
- Big KC manufacturer files for bankruptcy - Kansas City Business Journal - June 13th, 2017 [June 13th, 2017]
- Canadians Have Been Refinancing To Delay Bankruptcy - Seeking Alpha - June 13th, 2017 [June 13th, 2017]
- Gymboree Files For Bankruptcy, Plans To Close At Least 375 Stores - Forbes - June 13th, 2017 [June 13th, 2017]
- Sears, J. Crew, Claire's Are Bankruptcy Risks (SHLD) | Investopedia - Investopedia - June 14th, 2017 [June 14th, 2017]
- Tampa's Square 1 Burgers files for bankruptcy protection - Tampabay.com - June 14th, 2017 [June 14th, 2017]
- RBI, Banks And NPAs - First, Reform India's Bankruptcy Code, Then Force Defaulters Into It - Forbes - June 14th, 2017 [June 14th, 2017]
- Retail bloodbath: Bankruptcy filings pile up - CNNMoney - June 14th, 2017 [June 14th, 2017]
- Bankruptcy cases show we've become a nation of selective justice - New York Daily News - June 14th, 2017 [June 14th, 2017]
- Soupman of 'Seinfeld' Soup Nazi fame files for bankruptcy protection - USA TODAY - June 14th, 2017 [June 14th, 2017]
- Strack & Van Til bankruptcy case moved to Illinois - nwitimes.com - June 16th, 2017 [June 16th, 2017]
- Lawsuit: Wells Fargo revised mortgages in bankruptcy without permission - USA TODAY - June 16th, 2017 [June 16th, 2017]
- France's CGG files for bankruptcy protection - MarketWatch - June 16th, 2017 [June 16th, 2017]
- 'Soup Nazi' company files for bankruptcy - CNNMoney - June 16th, 2017 [June 16th, 2017]
- France's CGG Group Files for Bankruptcy Protection - Wall Street Journal (subscription) - June 17th, 2017 [June 17th, 2017]
- Company of businessman behind polo facility expansion files for bankruptcy protection - Fauquier Times - June 17th, 2017 [June 17th, 2017]
- Vehicles involved in Dusty Old Cars bankruptcy to be auctioned - WMUR Manchester - June 17th, 2017 [June 17th, 2017]
- Could Illinois be the first state to file for bankruptcy? - CBS News - June 17th, 2017 [June 17th, 2017]
- Takata Said to Ready Bankruptcy Filing Ahead of Sale to Rival - New York Times - June 17th, 2017 [June 17th, 2017]
- Greece escapes brush with bankruptcy but austerity still bites - FRANCE 24 - June 17th, 2017 [June 17th, 2017]
- Pawnbroker A-OK cites embezzlement in multimillion-dollar bankruptcy - Wichita Eagle - June 18th, 2017 [June 18th, 2017]
- Clock is Ticking on India's Bad Bank Debts Under Bankruptcy Laws - Bloomberg - June 18th, 2017 [June 18th, 2017]
- Surveyor dealing with fine, bankruptcy - Muncie Star Press - June 18th, 2017 [June 18th, 2017]
- Mode Media Assets Acquired by Wedding Ad Network BrideClick in Bankruptcy Deal - Variety - June 18th, 2017 [June 18th, 2017]
- San Bernardino officially out of bankruptcy - San Bernardino County Sun - June 20th, 2017 [June 20th, 2017]
- 22 retailers that are at serious risk of bankruptcy - Chron.com - June 20th, 2017 [June 20th, 2017]
- What to expect in defective air bag maker Takata's looming bankruptcy - USA TODAY - June 20th, 2017 [June 20th, 2017]
- Could Illinois file for bankruptcy? - FOX Illinois - June 20th, 2017 [June 20th, 2017]
- Exploding airbags: Takata shares plummet 17% on bankruptcy reports - CNNMoney - June 20th, 2017 [June 20th, 2017]
- These 14 Stores May Be on the Brink of Bankruptcy | NBC Southern ... - NBC Southern California - June 21st, 2017 [June 21st, 2017]
- Medical bankruptcies - WEAR - June 21st, 2017 [June 21st, 2017]
- After five long years, San Bernardino is officially out of bankruptcy. What's next? - Los Angeles Times - June 21st, 2017 [June 21st, 2017]
- Takata to file for bankruptcy Monday, SMFG to provide bridge loan: sources - Reuters - June 22nd, 2017 [June 22nd, 2017]
- Sears Canada files for bankruptcy - CNNMoney - June 22nd, 2017 [June 22nd, 2017]
- Foundation Healthcare Chapter 11 Bankruptcy - Bankrupt Company News (press release) (blog) - June 23rd, 2017 [June 23rd, 2017]
- Implant Sciences Bankruptcy Objections Filed - Bankrupt Company News (press release) (blog) - June 23rd, 2017 [June 23rd, 2017]
- Puerto Rico Bankruptcy: Uncertainty, But Also Stock Profit Opportunity - Seeking Alpha - June 23rd, 2017 [June 23rd, 2017]
- Lakeland day care files for bankruptcy without paying workers - wreg.com - June 23rd, 2017 [June 23rd, 2017]
- Sears Canada Closing 59 Stores as It Seeks Bankruptcy Protection - Fortune - June 23rd, 2017 [June 23rd, 2017]
- Takata to file for bankruptcy Monday, SMBC to provide bridge loan: Sources - CNBC - June 23rd, 2017 [June 23rd, 2017]
- How Sears Canada's Bankruptcy Impacts Sears Holdings Corp. - Seeking Alpha - June 23rd, 2017 [June 23rd, 2017]
- Augusta native sworn in as newest Bankruptcy Court judge - The Augusta Chronicle - June 24th, 2017 [June 24th, 2017]
- Takata reportedly planning to file for bankruptcy - CNBC - June 24th, 2017 [June 24th, 2017]
- Bankruptcy - money_selfhelp - June 24th, 2017 [June 24th, 2017]
- Japan press - Takata expected to file for bankruptcy protection in Tokyo - ForexLive - June 26th, 2017 [June 26th, 2017]
- Bankruptcy guru Edward Altman sees similarities to 2007 in the credit market today - Yahoo Finance - June 26th, 2017 [June 26th, 2017]
- Takata's woes expected to continue beyond bankruptcy filing amid mounting recall costs - CNBC - June 26th, 2017 [June 26th, 2017]