The increasing number of major brand name retailers taking the bankruptcy route in the U.S., caught our attention last month. We’ve started tracking some of the big names we all know so well, and how they’re doing during this Covid-19 / novel coronavirus pandemic.
For our own perspective, we’re headed back to also review the 2019 bankruptcy class. Never a more challenging time for bricks-and-mortar retailing. And the evolving story of the civil unrest following George Floyd’s alleged murder, remains to be seen.
We started this list intending to focus on retailers only, but we’ve started to also add major restaurant operators. Challenges abound in the food and beverage industry, as well.
| Retailer / Restaurant | Updated | Summary Status | Bankruptcy Filing Date | Bankruptcy Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24 Hour Fitness www.24hourfitness.com | The company plans to restructure, anticipates store closings (100 nationwide), and expects to re-open a portion of its operated units. Founded 1983. | June 14, 2020 | 2020 | |
| 99 Cents Only | Watch List | 2021 | ||
| 1069 Restaurant Group, LLC (dba Golden Corral) | 1069 RG has filed Chapter 11. The restaurant group is the largest Golden Corral franchisee. | October 6, 2020 | 2020 | |
| A'gaci | The retailer's second BK filing in consecutive years. Appears to be going online. | August 2019 | 2019 | |
| A.C. Moore | This arts and crafts chain with more than 145 stores, is shutting down permanently in 2020. | Permanent Closure | 2020 | |
| ABC Carpet & Home | ABC Carpet & Home filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy with plans to sell itself in a court-supervised process. The company is based in New York City. | September 2021 | 2021 | |
| Advantage Rent A Car | This is the company's 3rd BK filing, the most recent prior filing was in 2018. | May 2020 | 2020 | |
| Aéropostale | 10/02/2021 | The well-known store brand surged following its BK with a focus on "tiny tops" and denim. 2016 - acquired out of bankruptcy by Simon, Brookfield, and Authentic Brands Group for $240 million. First established in 1987. | 2016 | |
| Aerosoles | Footwear retailer. | September 2017 | 2017 | |
| Alamo Drafthouse | Alamo Drafthouse plans to sell most of its assets to affiliates of Altamont Capital and Fortress Investment Group under Chapter 11 bankruptcy, which allows Alamo Drafthouse to continue operating while its managers and advisers work on repaying creditors. | March 2021 | 2021 | |
| Aldo | The UK arm of this Canadian retailer is placed into administration in the UK, in June. The Irish unit of Aldo is already in administration. | May 7, 2020 | 2020 | |
| Alex and Ani | 2021/10/01 | Charm company | June 2021 | 2021 |
| AMC Theatres | In October 2020, it was widely reported that AMC had about 6 months of liquidity remaining. Owned by AMC Entertainment Holdings, Inc. First established in 1920. AMC was acquired for $2.6 billion in 2012 by Wanda Group. | Watch List | 2020 | |
| American Apparel www.americanapparel.com | A brand of Gildan Activewear (Toronto), acquired in November 2016. Originally founded 1989, in Montreal. | October 5, 2015 November, 2016 | 2015, 2016 | |
| American Blue Ribbon Holding | The company closed 33 units during 2020. Parent company to Village Inn and Bakers Square restaurants. | Watch List | 2020 | |
| Anchor Blue | Shuttered in 2011, after two bankruptcy filings | 2011 | 2011 | |
| Ann Taylor | Part of Ascena Retailer Group BK. | July 2020 | 2020 | |
| Apex Global Brands www.apexglobalbrands.com | The company's name changed to AGB from Cherokee Global Brands, in 2019. Established in 1973 by James Argyropoulos. | Watch List | 2020 | |
| Apex Parks | Owns and operates 14 family entertainment and water parks in New Jersey, California, and Florida; files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. Major investors in the company include Carlyle Group. The company intends to to be acquired by a lender group led by Cerberus Capital Management LP. | April 8, 2020 | 2020 | |
| Art Fashion Group | Chapter 7 filing for U.S. arm of Roberto Cavalli, Luxury fashion brand. The parent company sold to Dubai developer Hussain Sajwani in November 2019. | March 9, 2020 | 2020 | |
| Art Van Furniture | The company is closing all of its company-owned stores, and is now in bankruptcy protection. | March 9, 2020 | 2020 | |
| Ascena Retail Group | Parent company to Lane Bryant, Justice, Loft, Ann Taylor and Dress Barn. | July 23, 2020 | 2020 | |
| AT&T | The cellular service provides will shutter 250 of its AT&T and Cricket Wireless shops. | Watch List | 2020 | |
| Authentic Brands Group | Brand management group; per the company's website is involved with 50+ brands. | |||
| Avenue www.avenue.com | The e-commerce rights to the Avenue brand were acquired by City Chic Collective (originally Miller's Retail, re-branded to Chic in 2018), in 2019. Plus-size clothing brand for women. First established in 1983. | August 2019 | 2019 | |
| BarFly Ventures | Parent company to HopCat brewpubs. | June 3, 2020 | 2020 | |
| Barneys New York | Barneys actually filed before the 2020 crisis, but such a major brand being in difficulty is worth remembering. The iconic department store's closed its doors for good on February 23, 2020. The Barneys' name may live in as licensed (branded) merchandise at Saks Fifth Avenue stores Authentic Brands Group purchased Barney's in 2019 and is the licensor of the Barneys' brand. | August 2019 | 2019 | |
| BCBG | Women's Apparel. The company and its I/P was acquired by Marquee Brands and Global Brands Group Holding Ltd. | February 2017 | 2017 | |
| Beales | The UK department store chain had its start in 1881. | 2019 | 2019 | |
| Beauty Brands | January 2019 | 2019 | ||
| Bed Bath & Beyond | 2023/07/11 | In bankruptcy proceedings, Overstock.com stepped up to buy the Bed, Bath & Beyond I/P and brand name, as a means of rebranding itself. Back in 2020, the company had plans for almost 300 (of 1,500) store closings in 2020 and beyond, seeking to avoid bankruptcy. | July 2023 | 2023 |
| Belk | The company plans almost 300 (of 1,500) store closings in 2020 and beyond, seeking to avoid bankruptcy. | BK filing in 2021 | 2021 | |
| Bergdorf Goodman | The company plans almost 300 (of 1,500) store closings in 2020 and beyond, seeking to avoid bankruptcy. | 2020 | ||
| Bertram Books | UK book wholesaler, went into administration in June 2020. The UK bookseller had started business in 1968 in a chicken shed. Based in Norwich. | June 2020 | 2020 | |
| Blue Star Donuts Portland | All retail units shuttered; shifting to wholesale operation. | 2020 | ||
| Blue Star Donuts Portland, Oregon | Established 2012. | August 2020 | 2020 | |
| Bluestem Brands | Apparel and electronics retailer. With its BK filing the company announced its sale to Cerberus Capital Management LP. The retailer owns brands including Appleseed’s, Blair, Draper’s & Damon’s, and Fingerhut. | March 0 2020 | 2020 | |
| Boardriders | Went BK in 2015. May see improved operations due to its acquisition of Billabong. | Watch List | 2021 | |
| Bon-Ton | Department stores. | 2018 | 2018 | |
| Bose www.bose.com | The audio equipment retailer plans to close all 199 stores including those in North America, Europe, Japan and Australia. The company's majority owner is the Massachusetts Institute of Technology; a donation of the company's founder. Bose was established by Amar Bose in 1964. | 2020 | ||
| Brooks Brothers | Sparc Group, a venture backed by Simon Property Group and Authentic Brands Group, 8-17-20, the U.S. Bankruptcy Court of the District of Delaware approved the $325 million sale of Brooks Brothers to Sparc Group, effective August 31. Brooks Brothers was first established in 1818. | July 8, 2020 | 2020 | |
| Brookstone | Specialty retailer chain. | August 2018 | 2018 | |
| By Chloe | The 14-unit plant-based concept By Chloe filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy, in December 2020. Parent company BC Hospitality Group Inc. (New York) will put the chain up for sale as part of the bankruptcy proceeding. Founded in 2015 by Chloe Coscarelli as a vegan concept featuring house-made burgers, sandwiches, pastas, cold-pressed juices, and baked sweets. | December 2020 | 2020 | |
| Caleres | Watch List | 2020 | ||
| California Pizza Kitchen | California Pizza Kitchen emerged from Chapter 11, following a bankruptcy filing in July 2020. Fast casual restaurant chain founded in 1985. | Post Chapter 11 | 2020 | |
| Carter's | October 30 - Carter's indicates it will close 25% of its 200 stores as leases expire, with nearly 60% of that possibly complete by the end of next year and 80% by the end of 2022 | Watch List | 2020 | |
| Catherines | 9/16/2020 - FullBeauty Brands Operations, an online company has bid $40.8 million at auction to acquire Catherines; the 320 bricks-and-mortar stores are shuttered but the e-commerce operation is in place. Owned by Ascena Retail Group, part of Ascena BK filing | July 2020 | 2020 | |
| CBL & Associates | Mall REIT; in early August 2020 said to be preparing a Chapter 11 filing. | Watch List | 2020 | |
| CEC Entertainment | Parent company of Chuck E. Cheese restaurants files for bankruptcy, intends to keep operating. In April 2020, CEC had furloughed many of its hourly employees and about 65% of its support staff. The company is owned by equity firm Apollo Global Management. | June 24, 2020 | 2020 | |
| Centric Brands | October 2020 - Centric exists BK, with debt for equity swap with new owners Blackstone, Ares Management and HPS Investment Partners. Centric designs and manufactures for brands including Under Armour, Calvin Klein, and Tommy Hilfiger. | May 18, 2020 | 2020 | |
| Century 21 | The discount department store chain Century 21 has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and is closing all of its remaining 13 stores. | September 10, 2020 | 2020 | |
| CFRA Holdings LLC and CFRA Tri-Cities LLC | Franchisee for 49 IHOP locations in the Southeast has closed its restaurants and filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. | May 2020 | 2020 | |
| Charlotte Russe | February 2019 | 2019 | ||
| Charming Charlie | The women's apparel and accessories retailer has opened a relaunch First Unit at Cumberland Mall in Atlanta. The retailer's 261 stores were shuttered and its I/P sold, in 2019. Company founder Charlie Chanaratsopon acquired the chain's I/P at bankruptcy action later in 2019. | July 2019 | 2019 | |
| Chico's | The retailer may close as many as 250 stores in 2020. Also operates Soma and White House Black Market stores. According to the retailer, Chico's service "the lifestyle needs of fashion-savvy women 30 years and older," | Watch List | 2020 | |
| Children's Place, The | In June 2020, The Children's Place announced it would be closing 300 of its 920 stores in North America. In 2019 the retailer paid $7.6 million for rights associated with the Gymboree and Crazy 8 brands. | 2020 | ||
| Christopher & Banks | Specializes in value-priced women's apparel and targets smaller markets. Founded in 1956. | January 14, 2021 | 2021 | |
| Christopher & Banks | The plan is to close 30 to 40 stores by the end of 2020. | Watch List | 2020 | |
| Cinemark Theatres | Owned by Cinemark Holdings, Inc. (Plano, Texas) | Watch List | 2020 | |
| Cineplex | Owned by Cineplex Entertainment, LP | 2020 | ||
| Cinépolis USA | Tenedora de Cines is parent; also owns a small stake in Cinemark | Watch List | 2020 | |
| Cineworld Cinemas | All Cineworld cinemas in the UK and Ireland to suspend operations starting October 9. Cineworld Group plc also owns Regal Cinemas. | Watch List | 2020 | |
| Cirque du Soleil | Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group files for bankruptcy protection in Canada. More than 3,500 employees will be layed off with just over 200 core employees remaining. Not exactly a retailer but we thought we'd mention it here. | June 29, 2020 | 2020 | |
| Claire's Hoffman Estates, Illinois | 2021/10/01 | Has filed for IPO as at September 2021. Teen accessories retailer. First established in 1961. Owned by Elliott Management Corp. and Monarch Alternative Capital. | March 2018 | 2018 |
| CMX Cinemas | A chain of dine-in cinemas. Acquired Cobb Cinemas in 2018. Cinemex Holdings USA, Inc. was established in 2014, an affiliate of Cinemex, Grupo Cinemex S.A. de C.V. | April 25, 2020 | 2020 | |
| Coldwater Creek www.coldwatercreek.com | 9/2020 - Acquired by Newtimes Group (HK) ... announced its purchase of the retailer's inventory and intellectual property from Sycamore Partners for $12.2 million, with the intention of relaunching CWC's website and catalog, July 20, 2020 - the company's announced its intention to cease operations, both through its website and 13 retail stores. Founded 1984. | July 20, 2020 | 2020 | |
| Country Cookin Roanoke, Virginia | As of October 18, 2020, the company announced that its remaining locations would be shuttered. Established in 1981. | Watch List | 2020 | |
| Country Fresh | This fresh-cut fruit and vegetable supplier, Country Fresh Holding, has filed for Chapter 11 of the US Bankruptcy Code at the Southern District of Texas to facilitate the sale of its assets. | February 2021 | 2021 | |
| CraftWorks Holdings | Filed for bankruptcy in 2020. CWH closed 37 restaurants in 2020. Parent company to Rock Bottom, Logan’s Roadhouse, and Gordon Biersch restaurants | 2020 | 2020 | |
| Crazy Mocha Coffee Co. | Pittsburgh’s largest homegrown coffee shop chain. Owned by Ed’s Beans Inc. (Cranberry). | October 21, 2020 | 2020 | |
| CVS Pharmacy | The company is in the process of shuttering its under-performing stores. | 2020 | ||
| Cyc Fitness | Owned by Cyc Holdings (Delaware). | October 14, 2020 | 2020 | |
| Dave & Busters | Dave & Buster's said its second-quarter store sales decreased 87% compared to 2019, totaling a net loss of $58.6 million. | Watch List | 2020 | |
| David's Bridal | Bridal apparel retailer. | November 2018 | 2018 | |
| Dean & Deluca | New York City-based gourmet foods retailer. | March 31, 2020 | 2020 | |
| Debenhams | In Administration under FRP Advisors. The UK retailer has appointed winding-up specialist Hilco Capital and may break up and sell its portfolio of stores. Founded in the eighteenth century as a single store in London. | April 2020 | 2020 | |
| Delia's | After shuttering, has been licensed by online fashion company Dolls Kill since 2018. | 2014 | 2014 | |
| Designer Brands DSW | Watch List | 2020 | ||
| Desigual USA (“DUSA”) | U.S. unit of Spanish retailer Desigual. | July 28, 2020 | 2020 | |
| Destination Maternity | Parent company to several retail brands. This retailer filed in late 2019, preceding the Coronavirus by a few months. The retailer also operates Motherhood Maternity and A Pea in the Pod | October, 2019 | 2019 | |
| Destination XL | Watch List | 2020 | ||
| Dick's Sporting Goods | In late July, Bloomberg reported that the retailer was preparing a filing. | Watch List | 2020 | |
| Diesel | Filed due to increasing losses at its 28 U..S. stores. | March 2019 | 2019 | |
| Earth Fare | The organic grocery store chain plans to close all stores. First established in 1975, but changed to its present name from "Dinner for the Earth" in 1993. | February 4, 2020 | 2020 | |
| Eddie Bauer | Owned by Authentic Brands Group. | |||
| Equinox | October 2020 - Equinox has retained advisors to help negotiate through its substantial debt load. Also owns SoulCycle chain. Owned by Equinox Holdings Inc., with backing by Related Cos. | Watch List | 2020 | |
| Express | By 2022, the retailer plans to close 100 stores, about a quarter of its total units. | Watch List | 2020 | |
| Fairway | In January announced that it was shuttering five of 14 locations. | January 23, 2020 | 2020 | |
| Feast American Diners LLC | Shuttered 15 Restaurants during 2020, a franchisee for Denny's. | Watch List | 2020 | |
| Flywheel Sports | The spin-cycle fitness venue have filed Chapter 7. First unit was established in 2010 in New York’s Flatiron District. Earlier this year Town Sports International had discussed a deal with Flywheel to acquire the company, that that collapsed with TSI's own BK. | September 21, 2020 | 2020 | |
| Flywheel Sports | Filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy on September 15; will permanently shutter all 42 of its spin studios in the U.S. | September 14, 2020 | 2020 | |
| FoodFirst Global Holdings | Operater of Bravo Italian Mediterranean and Brio Italian Mediterranean restaurant chains. Recently closed 71 of 92 location. Closed 71 of 92 remaining restaurants. | April, 2020 | 2020 | |
| Forever 21 | The brand was known as the king of "fast fashion." Authentic Brands Group acquired the retailer out of bankruptcy. At the time of filing for bankruptcy protection in September 2019, Forever 21 was operating in 40 countries and almost 350 stores. In June 2020, Authentic Brands Group announced an expansion deal for Mexico with IB Group. | September, 2019 | 2019 | |
| Francesca's | Francesca's Holdings Corp. is considering its options, including bankruptcy. In November the retailer announces that it plans to close approximately 140 stores by Jan. 31, 2021. | Watch List | 2020 | |
| Francesca’s | Francesca's Holdings Corp. plans to pursue a section 363 auction and sale process through bankruptcy court and is working now to identify a stalking horse bidder. | December 3, 2020 | 2020 | |
| Frank And Oak | E-commerce retail company turned brick-and-mortar, files for protection under Canada’s Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act. Modasuite Inc. is the company's legal name. | June, 2020 | 2020 | |
| Fred's | The Southern discount retail and pharmacy chain. | September 2019 | 2019 | |
| Frederick’s of Hollywood | Lingerie retailer. | April 2015 | 2015 | |
| French Connection | The French retailer indicates it requires a cash injection in a matter of months. Also owns the Great Plains brand. Founded in 1972. | Watch List | 2020 | |
| Friendly's | The family restaurant chain declared bankruptcy over the weekend and has an agreement to be sold to Amici Partners Group for just under $2 million. Amici is affiliated with Brix Holdings, a multi-concept company that owns Red Mango, Smoothie Factory, Souper Salad, Redbrick Pizza and Greenz. | November 1, 2020 | 2020 | |
| FTD | Flower and gift delivery specialist. In August 2019, FTD North America sold for $110 million to Nexus Capital Management. | June 2019 | 2019 | |
| FullBeauty Brands | Plus-sized women’s clothing. | February 2019 | 2019 | |
| Furla USA | The retailer has filed for Chapter 11 in New York, with the intention of remaining in the U.S. marketplace. Furla first entered the U.S. market in 1989. | November 11, 2020 | 2020 | |
| Furniture Factory Outlet | The retailer is looking to sell itself as a going concern in Chapter 11. Owned by private equity firm Sun Capital Partners. The company was established in 1984. | November 2020 | 2020 | |
| Furniture Factory Ultimate Holding, LP | November 6, 2020 | 2020 | ||
| G-III Apparel Group | G-III is shuttering its Wilsons Leather shops as well as its 89 G.H. Bass shoe and clothing stores. The company intends to focus on its five global power brands: DKNY, Donna Karan, Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger and Karl Lagerfeld. | |||
| G-Star Raw | Files for Chapter 11, could not secure rent concessions for its more than 30 operated stores. | July 3, 2020 | 2020 | |
| GameStop | The retailer is considered at risk by industry analysts, and may close as many as 320 stores in 2020. The chain is "de-densifying" its footprint of stores. | Watch List | 2020 | |
| Gander Mountain | Outdoor recreation retailer. Camping World acquired the company for $37 million at auction. | March 2017 | 2017 | |
| Gap, The | The retailer anticipates closing as many as 230 store closings this year, in a bid to avoid becoming another retailer bankruptcy. In October 2020, the retailer announced its intention to transition a primarily e-commerce and off-mall operator. | Watch List | 2020 | |
| Garbanzo Mediterranean Grill | Based in Centennial, Colorado, with 25 locations. | August 2020 | 2020 | |
| Garden Fresh Restaurant Corp. San Diego, California | Filed Chapter 7; no intent to re-open. Owner of Souplantation and Sweet Tomatoes buffet restaurants. First Established 1983. | May 2020 | 2020 | |
| GNC Holdings, Inc. | 9/20/2020 - GNC cancels bankruptcy auction instead opts for a sale to Harbin Pharmaceutical Group (PRC); Harbin has an existing 40% stake in GNC. There may be U.S. privacy concerns with Harbin's takeover. With BK, the retailer planned to close anywhere from 800 to 1,200 stores, due to the Pandemic but also due to consumers increasingly option for online buys versus in-store purchases. | June 23, 2020 | 2020 | |
| Go Outdoors | UK company, entered into administration in June. A JD Sports company. | June 2020 | 2020 | |
| Gold's Gym | The company owns and operates more than 700 gyms in the U.S. and elsewhere; files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on May 4. | May 4, 2020 | 2020 | |
| Gordmans | Discount department store. | March 2017 | 2017 | |
| Grupo Famsa SA | Mexican retailer filed for bankruptcy, a furniture and appliance dealer with stores in the U.S. and Mexico. | June 25, 2020 | 2020 | |
| Guess | The company plans to close 100 stores in the U.S. and China | 2020 | ||
| Guitar Center | On November 16, the retailer indicated it will file for Chapter 11 and exit before year-end, with a restructuring plan approved. | Watch List | 2020 | |
| Gump's | Department store. | August 2018 | 2018 | |
| Gymboree | The company's 2nd bankruptcy. Goldman Sachs as re-engineered what was a retailer into a tech venture. | January 2019 | 2019 | |
| Hallmark | Store closures are planned in 2020. | 2020 | ||
| Hertz | Files for bankruptcy protection on May 22, included here as a retailer bankruptcy although its services is more of an at-retail type - not quite the traditional retailer. | May 22, 2020 | 2020 | |
| Hillshire Brands Company | Acquired by Tyson Foods Inc in 2014. Formerly the Sara Lee Corporation. | 2014 | ||
| Hollander Sleep Products | Bedding and related accessories. The company was sold in August 2019 to Bedding Acquisition LLC, for $102 million. | May 2019 | 2019 | |
| Il Mulino | Put seven of its 16 locations into bankruptcy. | 2020 | ||
| iMedia Brands, Inc. Prairie, Minnesota www.imediabrands.com | Watch List | 2020 | ||
| Innovative Mattress Solutions | January 2019 | 2019 | ||
| Intu Properties plc | Intu "enters into administration." after seeking a standstill agreement with creditors regarding its debt repayment. Intu is the largest mall owner in the UK. | June 26, 2020 | 2020 | |
| It'Sugar Deerfield Beach, Florida www.itsugar.com | The Chapter 11 filings were made in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Florida. The largest candy store retailer in the U.S. intends to continue to operate its retail locations while the Bankruptcy proceedings are ongoing. The retailer is a subsidiary of BBX Capital Corporation and BBX Capital Florida LLC. First established in 2006. | September 22, 2020 | 2020 | |
| J. Crew Group | J. Crew exited BK on September 11, 2020. Lenders assumed controlling ownership after a federal BK court approved J. Crew's reorganization plan; Anchorage Capital Group is now the retailer's majority owner. The company also owns Madewell, a women’s clothing and accessory brand. The retailer made its Chapter 11 filing in the US Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. | May 4, 2020 | 2020 | |
| J. Hilburn | May 4, 2020 | 2020 | ||
| J. Jill | Women's apparel retailer. September 2020 - The women’s apparel retailer intends to to restructure its debt out of court, avoiding a BK filing. J. Jill operates about 280 stores. | Watch List | 2021 | |
| J.C. Penney | J.C. Penney exited Chapter 11 in early December 2020, wherein Simon Property Group and Brookfield Asset Management acquired substantially all of Penney’s retail and operating assets. September 10 2020 - Simon Property Group and Brookfield Property Partners announce a deal to buy J.C. Penney's retail business, leaving creditors in control of the retailer's real estate. Earlier in 2020, Penney announced that it would permanently close 242 stores in 2020 and 2021 as it filed for bankruptcy protection. | May 15, 2020 | 2020 | |
| John Varvatos | Luxury menswear, at one time carried by Nordstrom. Majority owner is Lion Capital. | May 2020 | 2020 | |
| Justice | Part of Ascena Retailer Group BK. | July 2020 | 2020 | |
| K&W Cafeteria Winston-Salem, North Carolina | Closing locations, looking for a buyer. | 2020 | ||
| KB US Holdings | Parent company for Balducci's and Kings Food Markets, both gourmet grocers. Filed in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York. | August 2020 | 2020 | |
| Kinepolis Group | Acquired Canada's Landmark Cinemas in 2017. | 2020 | ||
| Kohlberg & Company | Private equity firm founded by Jerome Kohlberg, Jr. | |||
| L Brands | During 2020, the company plans to close 238 Victoria's Secrets stores (out of 1,000) in the U.S., and Canada, as well as 50 Bath & Body Works stores. | Watch List | 2020 | |
| L'Occitane | Parent company was founded in 1976 in Manosque, France. | January 26, 2021 | 2021 | |
| Lakeland Tours LLC | Student travel company Lakeland Tours filed for Chapter 11 on July 20, 2020. Once of the company's dba's is Worldstrides. Not a retailer but interesting to us as the company's COVID affects impact retail and restaurant sales in major destination cities. | July 20, 2020 | 2020 | |
| Lane Bryant | Part of Ascena Retailer Group BK. | July 2020 | 2020 | |
| Laura Ashley | UK fashion retailer is placed in administration in March, some operations expected to continue. | March 2020 | 2020 | |
| Le Pain Quotidien | French-inspired bakery and café chain. A sale to Aurify Brands is pending. | May 27, 2020 | 2020 | |
| Lee Longlands | The UK retailer entered into administration in June. The furniture retailer opened for business in 1902. HQ'd in Birmingham. | June 2020 | 2020 | |
| Limited, The | Women's apparel. The company and its I/P were acquired by Sycamore Partners. | January 2017 | 2017 | |
| Logan's Roadhouse | 2021/10/01 | Owned by SPB Hospitality. | March 2020 | 2020, 2016 |
| Lord & Taylor (Le Tote) | As at 8/27 the retailer announced its intention to shutter its 38 stores and go out of business. The retailer has filed for Chapter 11 with the intention of finding a buyer. First established in 1826. In 2019, Le Tote acquired Lord & Taylor from Hudson’s Bay Company (38 stores at the time). | August 2, 2020 | 2020 | |
| Loves Furniture | Created last year out of some of the parts of the liquidated Art Van Furniture. | January 6, 2021 | 2021 | |
| Luby’s, Inc. | Luby's Inc. has elected to liquidated the company, having found no buyers. The company is parent to Luby's Cafeterias and Fuddruckers. | September 8, 2020 | 2020 | |
| Lucky Brand Jeans | Acquired by Authentic Brands Group and Simon Property Group, to be operated by SPARC Group, LLC. | July 3, 2020 | 2020 | |
| Lucky's Market | The regional grocer plans to close most stores in early 2020. | January 27, 2020 | 2020 | |
| Macy's | The company plans to operate at greater efficiency and profit through fewer bricks-and-mortar stores, and plans to close perhaps 125 stores over the next three years. | 2020 | ||
| Maison Kayser | 16-unit French bakery (NYC) chain, being acquired by Aurify Brands LLC, same company that recently purchased Le Pain Quotidien. The U.S. bankruptcy only included units owned by Cosmoledo LLC. The brand continues elsewhere in the world. | September 10, 2020 | 2020 | |
| Marcus Theatres www.marcustheatres.com | October 2020 - MT temporarily closes 17 of the 72 cinemas it had reopened this summer, citing a decline in audience demand and limited new films released. The fourth largest theater circuit in the U.S., with locations in major markets in the Midwest. | 2020 | ||
| Marquee Brands | Brand management group. | |||
| Matchbox Food Group | The 12-unit casual dining operator has units in the D.C.-Maryland area as well as Texas and Florida. | 2020 | ||
| Men's Wearhouse | Watch List | 2021 | ||
| Microsoft Stores | Not a Chapter 11 filing, but Microsoft has announced it is shuttering all of its physical stores. Four high-profile Microsoft stores — on Fifth Ave., Oxford Circus (London), Westfield Sydney, and in Redmond, Washington will become "Microsoft Experience Centers" where customers can experience product, demos, explore device bars, and learn about technology. | June, 2020 | 2020 | |
| Modell's Sporting Goods | With its March bankruptcy filing, the retailer indicated that it intended close all of its 153 stores. | March 11, 2020 | 2020 | |
| Monsoon Accessorize | June 2020 | 2020 | ||
| Muji USA | The U.S. affiliate of Japanese home goods chain, Muji U.S.A. Ltd., filed for Chapter 11 protection. | July 10, 2020 | 2020 | |
| National Stores Inc. | Discount retailer for apparel, accessories, shoes and household items. | August 2018 | 2018 | |
| Nautica | Owned by Authentic Brands Group. | |||
| Neiman Marcus | 9/8/20 - Neiman Marcus secured bankruptcy court approval for a reorganization plan that will cut more than $4 billion of company debt. The company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in May and aims to emerge by the end of this month. Most of the retailer's Last Call (off-price) stores will be shuttered. | May 7, 2020 | 2021 | |
| New York & Company | July 13, 2020 | 2020 | ||
| Nine West Holdings Inc. | 10/1/2021 | Owned by Authentic Brands Group. Filed for BK in 2018 and emerged in 2019 - at the time the company closed all of its physical stores. | Watch List | 2021 |
| Noah's Event Venue | The Company closed its doors permanently in February 2020. Founded in 2003, Noah's Event Venue was an event venue for weddings, corporate functions, and special occasions. At their peak the company had over 39 locations across the U.S. | May, 2019 | 2019 | |
| Nordstrom | The department store chain has announced the permanent closure of 19 stores. | Watch List | 2020 | |
| NPC International | The franchisee is made up of two divisions, one of which operated more than 1,200 Pizza Hut locations, the other of which runs nearly 400 Wendy’s units. Largest Pizza Hut franchisee, along with Wendy's units. | July, 2020 | 2020 | |
| Office Depot | The office supply and equipment retailer will close about 90 stores by year-end 2021. Some 55 stores have already closed over the past year or so. Per a May 15 article, the retailer may cut 13,100 jobs by 2023. The retailer also owns OfficeMax. The company rolled out same-day delivery services, provided by Shipt. | 2020 | ||
| Olympia Sports | The regional sporting goods retailer has been purchased by JackRabbit, and the plan is to close 76 Olympia stores. | 2020 | ||
| Orchard Supply Hardware | Closed by Lowe's Cos. in 2018 following a 2013 acquisition out of OSH's bankruptcy. OSH was first established in 1931. | 2013 | 2018 | |
| Outerstuff | Watch List | 2021 | ||
| Paper Source, Inc. | In March 2020, Paper Source acquired 30 shuttered stores from rival Papyrus after Papyrus’ parent company declared bankruptcy with a plan to close all of its 254 stores. | March 2021 | 2021 | |
| Paper Store, The | Regional gift specialist. A group of investors led by WS Development is supporting The Paper Store's exit from Chapter 11. | July 14, 2020 | 2020 | |
| Party City | A store optimization plan that began in 2019 continued through 2020, which included store closures. | Watch List | 2021 | |
| Payless | The company headed back in bankruptcy protecting after emerging from prior filing in 2017. 8/20 - The company reports a plan to emerge from BK in January with a new store concept and online presence. | February 2019 | 2019 | |
| Perfumania | August 2017 | 2017 | ||
| Pet Valu | Effective in early November 2020, the pet retailer announced that it will wind-down all stores and its corporate offices, and begin "going out of business" sales. Pet Valu has retained Malfitano Partners as its restructuring advisor. The company has licensed its name to Pet Valu Canada which is unaffected by this announcement. | 2020 | ||
| Pier 1 Imports | Since the February 17 filing, Pier 1 has filed a motion to close all of its stores nationwide (5/19/2020). First established, 1962. | February 17, 2020 | 2020 | |
| Punch Bowl Financial | Chapter 11 filed in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware. Just 3 venues remain open, in Austin, Arlington (Virginia) and Atlanta. | December 2020 | 2020 | |
| PVH Corp. | Parent company of Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger and several other fashion brands, will shutter all its 162 IZOD and Van Heusen stores across North America by late 2021. | 2020 | ||
| Quicksilver | Surfwear apparel. | September 2015 | 2015 | |
| Quiz | Fashion group HQ'd in Glasgow (Scotland). Entered into administration in June. | June 2020 | 2020 | |
| RadioShack | Electronics retailer. | March 2017 | 2017 | |
| Regal Cinemas | As of October 5, Regal Cinemas is suspending operations at all U.S. locations. Regal Cinemas is owned by Cineworld Group plc (UK). Cineworld acquired Regal Entertainment Group for $3.6 billion in 2018. | Watch List | 2020 | |
| Regis Corp. | Hair salon operator. Behind on rent due for 2020. | Watch List | 2020 | |
| Remington Outdoor | Firearms manufacturer. | March 2018 | 2018 | |
| Rent the Runway | 8/14 - The fashion rental/subscription giant will not reopen any of its stores, opting for online focus instead. | Business Strategy Change | 2020 | |
| Rite Aid | 2023/10/18 | Chapter 11 filing to allow debt restructuring. Opioid lawsuits are among Rite Aid's problems. | October 2023 | 2023 |
| Rockport | 2023/06/14 | Rockport files for Chapter 11 protection in June 2023, citing inadequate liquidity. Following its 2018 BK filing, the retailer was acquired by Charlesbank Capital Partners for a reported $150 million. | June 2023 | 2023 |
| Roots USA | Chapter 7 filing. Based in Toronto. | April 29, 2020 | 2020 | |
| RTW Retailwinds | Parent company of New York & Co. and Fashion to Figure, will close a significant portion or all of its stores. In early August 2020 RTW sold its e-commerce businesses to Sunrise Brands LLC. | July 13, 2020 | 2020 | |
| Rubie's Costume Company | Rubie’s files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on April 30; claims to be the world’s largest designer and manufacturer of Halloween costumes. | April 30, 2020 | 2020 | |
| Rubio's Restaurants Inc. Carlsbad, California | Chapter 11 petition filed in Delaware. formerly known as Rubio's Fresh Mexican Grill. First established in 1983, in San Diego. | October 26, 2020 | 2020 | |
| Ruby Tuesday Maryville, Tennessee | The restaurant chain has closed almost 300 locations in three years. Owned by NRD Capital Management, LLC. First established in 1972. | October 7, 2020 | 2020 | |
| Rue21 | May 2017 | 2017 | ||
| Ruth’s Chris Steak House | Closed 23 restaurants during 2020. | Watch List | 2020 | |
| Saxon Shoes Richmond, Virginia | The reorganization plan is scheduled for consideration at a hearing on January 5, 2021, following its filing in November 2020. | August 2020 | 2020 | |
| Schurman Retail Group (SRG) | Parent company to Papyrus stores, has announced all stores will be closed. This BK looks due to reasons other than Covid-19. | January 24, 2020 | 2020 | |
| Sears Holding | Sears parent company Transform Holdco will operate just 182 stores after more slated store closings. The parent company also plans Kmart store closings. | 2018 | 2018 | |
| Sequential Brands Group, Inc. | Brand management group. | Watch List | ||
| Service King | Owned by Midas Intermediate Holdco. Based in Richardson, TX. | Watch List | 2021 | |
| SFP Franchise Corp | Papyrus' parent. | January 23, 2020 | 2020 | |
| Shoes for Crews | Owned by SHO Holding. | Watch List | 2021 | |
| Shopko | January 2019 | 2019 | ||
| Signet Jewelers | The multi-concept operator which operates Kay Jewelers, Zales, Jared, and H. Samuel, plans to close 380 stores by year-end 2020. | 2020 | ||
| Sizzler USA | Fast-casual steakhouse. Established in 1958, in Culver City, California. | September 21, 2020 | 2020 | |
| Snap Kitchen | The fast-casual chain has been hard hit by the impacts of the pandemic, its CEO said, and will close at least 20 of its 33 locations. | Watch List | 2020 | |
| Solstice Marketing Concepts | Solstice intends to reorganize and emerging from BK as a going concern. Has retained RCS Real Estate Advisors to evaluate its lease footprint. Total store closures not known. | February 17, 2021 | 2021 | |
| Sonia Rykiel | French brand, filed for BK in the U.S. and France. | April 2019 | 2019 | |
| Souplantation | Filed Chapter 7. Owned by Garden Fresh Restaurants. The chain's first unit was in 1978. | 2020 | ||
| Specialty’s Café & Bakery | The restaurant company closed all of its restaurants due to Covid-19. The company was founded in 1987, the San Francisco region. The chain is owned by Cadena Comercial USA Corp. LLC. | Watch List | 2020 | |
| Spicers | This UK office supplies wholesaler operating since 1985, has been liquidated. | April 2020 | 2020 | |
| Sports Authority | Acquired by Dick's Sporting Goods. | 2016 | 2016 | |
| Sports Chalet | Shuttered after filing bankruptcy, concluded store closings, and joined the list of retailer bankruptcies. | 2016 | 2016 | |
| Stage Stores | Heading to liquidation. Stage intends to shutter all of its more than 800 regional discount department stores under several brands: Bealls, Goody's, Palais Royal, Gordman's and others. Chapter 11 filed on May 10. The history of Stage Stores dates to the 1920's when two of its chains, Bealls and Palais Royal, were founded as family-owned businesses. | May 11, 2020 | 2020 | |
| Steak n' Shake | Biglari Holdings Inc. (San Antonio) closed 57 units during 2020. Biglari owns the Steak ‘n Shake and Western Sizzlin’ brands. | Watch List | 2020 | |
| Steamer Trading | This UK kitchen items store entered into administration in January. | January 2020 | 2020 | |
| Stein Mart | Filed in Florida. The company has launched a store closing and liquidation process. October 19 - the company hired Hilco Streambank to help sell off its I/P. | August 12, 2020 | 2020 | |
| Steinhoff | Mattress retailer | Watch List | 2020 | |
| Styles for Less | Teen apparel chain. | November 2017 | 2017 | |
| Sugarfina | Luxury candy / confections geared toward millennial adults. | September 2019 | 2019 | |
| Sur la Table | 8/2020 - sold for nearly $89 million to a joint venture between e-commerce investment firm CSC Generation and Marquee Brands LLC. Sur la Table was first established at Pike Place Market in 1972. As part of its bankruptcy reorganization the retailer intends to shutter about one-half of its stores. | July 8, 2020 | 2020 | |
| Sustainable Restaurant Holdings | Parent company for seafood chains Bamboo Sushi and QuickFish. Is searching for a buyer. | May 12, 2020 | 2020 | |
| Sweet Tomatoes | Filed Chapter 7. Garden Fresh Restaurants. First unit was established in 1990. | June 23, 2020 | 2020 | |
| Taco Cabana | The chain closed 19 units in 2020. | Watch List | 2020 | |
| Tailored Brands | December 2020 - Tailored Brands exited Chapter 11, and has eliminated $686 million of debt from its balance sheet, effectively converting its lenders to owners. TB is the parent company for Men's Wearhouse, Jos. A. Bank and K&G brands. | August 2, 2020 | 2020 | |
| Talbots | Women's clothing retailer. | Watch List | 2021 | |
| Things Remembered | Largely a result of online competition in its product class. | February 2019 | 2019 | |
| Tilton Fitness | Gym chain Tilton Fitness announced in June 2020 it has permanently closed due to the financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic. | 2020 | ||
| TooJay's Deli West Palm Beach, Florida www.toojays.com | Emerged from BK with 21 locations in September 2020, acquired by Monroe Capital. Filed for Chapter 11 in April 2020. The company accepted a PPP Loan so it appears it intends to continue to operate. First established in 1981 in Palm Beach, Florida. Parent company is TooJay’s Management LLC | April 2020 | 2020 | |
| Town Sports International Holdings Inc. | TSIH gym brands include Boston Sports Club, New York Sports Club, Washington, and Philadelphia sports clubs; also Total Woman, Around the Clock Fitness, and Lucille Roberts. Established 1973. | September 2020 | 2020 | |
| Toys “R” Us | Now owned by Tru Kids, Inc., operating primarily outside the U.S. First established by Charles Lazarus, in 1948. WHP Global (New York) has acquired a controlling interest in Tru Kids Inc., the parent company to Toys R Us, Babies R Us, Geoffrey the Giraffe brands and additional toy and baby brands. | September 18, 2017 (U.S.) | 2017 | |
| True Religion Apparel Inc. | October 20 - TR exits BK with 50 operating stores. October 7 - TR received court approval of its reorganization plan. TR filed for bankruptcy on April 13. The company also filed for bankruptcy in 2017. The retailer was first established in 2002. | April 13, 2020 | 2020 | |
| Tuesday Morning | 2023/05/01 | In May 2023, the company announced it was going out of business. Back in 2020, the deep-discount home wares retailer then operating in 39 states, announced plans to shut down around 230 of its nearly 700 locations during the summer of 2020. | February 2023 | 2023 |
| Twisted Root | Filed Chapter 11 proceedings for several of its restaurants. | 2020 | ||
| U.S. Outdoor Store Portland, Oregon | Per press reports, the landmark store in downtown Portland (for decades) filed for BK and closed its downtown store. The retailer blamed fallout from COVID-19, civic unrest, shifts to online purchasing and a lender dispute. | September 11, 2020 | 2020 | |
| Vapiano | German chain of Italian fast casual restaurants; operated six units in the U.S. | April 2020 | 2020 | |
| Victoria’s Secret | 2020 | |||
| Vince | Watch List | 2020 | ||
| Vitamin World | Vitamin retailer. | September 2017 | 2017 | |
| Walgreens | The drugstore chain started downsizing in 2019, intending to close about 200 stores (out of 9,600) in the U.S. | Watch List | 2020 | |
| Walking Company, The | Footwear retailer. | March 2018 | 2018 | |
| Wet Seal | Teen apparel. Acquired by Gordon Brothers for $3 million in March 2017. | February 2017 | 2017 | |
| WHP Global | Brand management group helmed by Yehuda Shmidman. | |||
| Wisconsin Apple | Wisconsin Apple is a 25-unit Applebee's franchisee. | August 20, 2020 | 2020 | |
| Xcel Brands, Inc. | Brand management group founded by Robert W. D’Loren in 2011. | 2011 | ||
| YogaWorks | The company will permanently shutter all 55 locations nationwide, as part of its bankruptcy filing. | October 14, 2020 | 2020 | |
| YouFit Health Clubs Deerfield Beach, Florida | The clubs were first established by Rich Berks in 2008. | November 9, 2020 | 2020 | |
| Z Gallerie | Another of the 2019 bankruptcy class, we included due to fond memories of this brand among the roster of so many destination retail centers. | March 2019 | 2019 | |
| Zara | In June 2020, Inditex announced that it will close as many as 1,200 Zara stores over the next two years. | Watch List | 2020 | |
| Revlon | Filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. | August, 2022 |
Retail & Restaurant Tenant Bankruptcies
StoneCreek Partners, Retailer Database - Major Retailer Bankruptcies due to Covad-19 and other industry issues.