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 could ultimately 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 protection May 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 Marcus filed 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 6 is 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.”
UPDATE, Monday June 15:
Matter: Cult-favorite ethical fashion brand Matter announced Monday that “after several months of uncertainty,” it had made the decision to close. The brand was known for working with rural artisans and using responsibly-sourced, heritage-based textiles. Matter did not cancel any of the orders it had already placed with its partners, and items will continue to be available for sale online.
Sies Marjan: Beloved New York-based luxury brand Sies Marjan has shut its doors after five years in business. According to a statement shared by the brand, the decision was a result of the “significant” financial impact of the pandemic on the “young, independent” comapny. “What we have worked on has been a dream come true,” Creative Director Sander Lak said. “Thank you to everyone who has given their time and talent to Sies Marjan over the years.”
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