Topshop and Topman: Part of Sir Philip Green’s Arcadia Group, these stalwarts of the British high street might be being thrown a last-minute reprieve if UK e-tailer Asos buys them out. However, as Asos is strictly online, the absorption would result in mass job losses and store closures. Bloomberg
Topshop and Topman: Part of Sir Philip Green’s Arcadia Group, these stalwarts of the British high street might be being thrown a last-minute reprieve if UK e-tailer Asos buys them out. However, as Asos is strictly online, the absorption would result in mass job losses and store closures. Bloomberg
Debenhams: Another part of Arcadia, although Debenhams can trace its heritage back to 1778, its storied history couldn’t save the department store. UK e-tailer boohoo has stepped in to buy it, but all UK stores will close with 12,000 jobs lost. Bloomberg
Debenhams: Another part of Arcadia, although Debenhams can trace its heritage back to 1778, its storied history couldn’t save the department store. UK e-tailer boohoo has stepped in to buy it, but all UK stores will close with 12,000 jobs lost. Bloomberg
The Modist: The London and Dubai-based e-tailer — which specialised in modest fashion — closed in April last year after less than three years of trading. 'Many businesses are going through very difficult times, and that includes our young business,' said founder Ghizlan Guenez. 'At this stage, our focus is on the wellbeing of our employees.' Courtesy The Modist
The Modist: The London and Dubai-based e-tailer — which specialised in modest fashion — closed in April last year after less than three years of trading. 'Many businesses are going through very difficult times, and that includes our young business,' said founder Ghizlan Guenez. 'At this stage, our focus is on the wellbeing of our employees.' Courtesy The Modist
John Varvatos: The US fashion label filed for bankruptcy in May last year and was auctioned off in a deal worth around $97 million, amid reports the founder, Varvatos, would step down from the company. AFP
John Varvatos: The US fashion label filed for bankruptcy in May last year and was auctioned off in a deal worth around $97 million, amid reports the founder, Varvatos, would step down from the company. AFP
Century 21: The US store, which sold designer apparel, footwear, cosmetics and home decor filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, closing all 13 locations in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Florida. Co-chief executive Raymond Gindi told ‘Fox 5 New York’ the blame lay with their insurance company having 'turned their backs on us at this most critical time.' Bloomberg
Century 21: The US store, which sold designer apparel, footwear, cosmetics and home decor filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, closing all 13 locations in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Florida. Co-chief executive Raymond Gindi told ‘Fox 5 New York’ the blame lay with their insurance company having 'turned their backs on us at this most critical time.' Bloomberg
Godiva: The chocolate company plans to close all of its US locations by the end of March, according to 'USA Today'. However, the brand will still be available to buy online or at other stores, with the Belgium-based company blaming 'changes in consumers’ shopping behaviour.' Bloomberg
Godiva: The chocolate company plans to close all of its US locations by the end of March, according to 'USA Today'. However, the brand will still be available to buy online or at other stores, with the Belgium-based company blaming 'changes in consumers’ shopping behaviour.' Bloomberg
Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spas: The spa chain, which had rebranded to Mynd Spa & Salon, declared bankruptcy in March 2020, just a few days after it closed all its US locations due to Covid-19 restrictions. Getty Images
Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spas: The spa chain, which had rebranded to Mynd Spa & Salon, declared bankruptcy in March 2020, just a few days after it closed all its US locations due to Covid-19 restrictions. Getty Images
Lord & Taylor: The almost 200-year-old US department store shuttered all 38 of its stores last year filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. AFP
Lord & Taylor: The almost 200-year-old US department store shuttered all 38 of its stores last year filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. AFP
JC Penney: The department store chain has already seen some of its locations across the US be snapped up by property developers, following its May 2020 bankruptcy filing. Bloomberg
JC Penney: The department store chain has already seen some of its locations across the US be snapped up by property developers, following its May 2020 bankruptcy filing. Bloomberg
Chuck E Cheese: With 559 Chuck E Cheese units and 122 Peter Piper Pizza locations in 47 states and 15 countries and territories, the family favourite restaurant and entertainment venue was among the first outlets to file for bankruptcy after the pandemic hit last year. However, this week, the parent company CEC Entertainment said it had removed roughly $705 million in debt from its balance sheet. AFP
Chuck E Cheese: With 559 Chuck E Cheese units and 122 Peter Piper Pizza locations in 47 states and 15 countries and territories, the family favourite restaurant and entertainment venue was among the first outlets to file for bankruptcy after the pandemic hit last year. However, this week, the parent company CEC Entertainment said it had removed roughly $705 million in debt from its balance sheet. AFP
Laura Ashley: The traditional British fashion retailer was bought out of administration by American restructuring company Gordon Brothers, although all the high street stores remain closed. Reuters
Laura Ashley: The traditional British fashion retailer was bought out of administration by American restructuring company Gordon Brothers, although all the high street stores remain closed. Reuters
Monsoon: The British high street clothing and accessories store went into administration in June last year, and was promptly bought out by its founder Peter Simon. A total of 35 stores are expected to close altogether, with 162 remaining. PA
Monsoon: The British high street clothing and accessories store went into administration in June last year, and was promptly bought out by its founder Peter Simon. A total of 35 stores are expected to close altogether, with 162 remaining. PA
Miss Selfridge: Part of Green’s Arcadia Group, these stalwarts of the British high street might be being thrown a last-minute reprieve if UK e-tailer Asos buys them out. Bloomberg
Miss Selfridge: Part of Green’s Arcadia Group, these stalwarts of the British high street might be being thrown a last-minute reprieve if UK e-tailer Asos buys them out. Bloomberg
New York & Company: The clothing brand, which had collaborated on collections with the likes of Eva Mendes and Gabrielle Union closed all aspects of its business, including e-commerce and brick and mortar stores late last year. Sipa
New York & Company: The clothing brand, which had collaborated on collections with the likes of Eva Mendes and Gabrielle Union closed all aspects of its business, including e-commerce and brick and mortar stores late last year. Sipa
Diane von Furstenberg: The New York label laid off 75 per cent of its 400 staff and closed 18 of its 19 stores. According to a report in ‘Business of Fashion’ the label will pivot to a 'digital-only, China-focused' business model. The DVF store in New York’s Meatpacking District, where the offices are and von Furstenberg lives, will be the only outlet that remains. Bloomberg
Diane von Furstenberg: The New York label laid off 75 per cent of its 400 staff and closed 18 of its 19 stores. According to a report in ‘Business of Fashion’ the label will pivot to a 'digital-only, China-focused' business model. The DVF store in New York’s Meatpacking District, where the offices are and von Furstenberg lives, will be the only outlet that remains. Bloomberg
Long Tall Sally: The women’s specialty retailer announced its permanent closure in June 2020, following up by shuttering its e-commerce site a couple of months later. Bloomberg
Long Tall Sally: The women’s specialty retailer announced its permanent closure in June 2020, following up by shuttering its e-commerce site a couple of months later. Bloomberg
Lane Bryant: The women’s clothing brand is part of the Ascena Retail Group in the US, which announced last year that it had secured restructuring support while also filing Chapter 11 petitions. Sipa
Lane Bryant: The women’s clothing brand is part of the Ascena Retail Group in the US, which announced last year that it had secured restructuring support while also filing Chapter 11 petitions. Sipa
Le Pain Quotidien: The casual dining bakery chain suffered different fates in the US and UK. In America, it announced the closure of all 98 locations, later stating that 35 stores may reopen following a partial buyout by Aurify Brands. In the UK, the 26-outlet chain was sold to BrunchCo 21 which entered into a deal to try and keep 16 open. Bloomberg
Le Pain Quotidien: The casual dining bakery chain suffered different fates in the US and UK. In America, it announced the closure of all 98 locations, later stating that 35 stores may reopen following a partial buyout by Aurify Brands. In the UK, the 26-outlet chain was sold to BrunchCo 21 which entered into a deal to try and keep 16 open. Bloomberg
Bella Italia: The Casual Dining Group, the parent company of both the Cafe Rouge and Bella Italia dining chains, permanently closed 91 of its 250 locations, resulting in 1,900 jobs lost. Bloomberg
Bella Italia: The Casual Dining Group, the parent company of both the Cafe Rouge and Bella Italia dining chains, permanently closed 91 of its 250 locations, resulting in 1,900 jobs lost. Bloomberg
True Religion: The designer denim brand filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection for the second time in three years last year, according to ‘Forbes’. Bloomberg
True Religion: The designer denim brand filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection for the second time in three years last year, according to ‘Forbes’. Bloomberg
Brooks Brothers: The US brand which was founded in 1818 and calls itself 'the country’s oldest clothing retailer' filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in June 2020. Bloomberg
Brooks Brothers: The US brand which was founded in 1818 and calls itself 'the country’s oldest clothing retailer' filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in June 2020. Bloomberg
Victoria’s Secret: The undergarments store, which had been accused of falling out of step with modern trends, planned to close 250 stores in the US and Canada in 2020. The UK arm of the retailer, where there are 25 stores, fell into administration in June. AFP
Victoria’s Secret: The undergarments store, which had been accused of falling out of step with modern trends, planned to close 250 stores in the US and Canada in 2020. The UK arm of the retailer, where there are 25 stores, fell into administration in June. AFP
M&Co: The low-price clothing retailer, confirmed back in August that it would be closing 47 stores with the loss of 381 jobs as part of a major restructure. Getty Images
M&Co: The low-price clothing retailer, confirmed back in August that it would be closing 47 stores with the loss of 381 jobs as part of a major restructure. Getty Images
DW Sports: The UK sportswear and gym retailer which also owns Fitness First, said its income was decimated by the government-enforced closure of gyms and stores because of the lockdown. The company is set to close their 75-outlet retail presence for good. Reuters
DW Sports: The UK sportswear and gym retailer which also owns Fitness First, said its income was decimated by the government-enforced closure of gyms and stores because of the lockdown. The company is set to close their 75-outlet retail presence for good. Reuters
Antler: The luxury luggage retailer, which was founded in 1914, went into administration as a result of the pandemic. The company operates 18 retail stores and one concession outlet, in addition to selling via their website, Amazon and wholesale to several large retail chains across the UK. Reuters
Antler: The luxury luggage retailer, which was founded in 1914, went into administration as a result of the pandemic. The company operates 18 retail stores and one concession outlet, in addition to selling via their website, Amazon and wholesale to several large retail chains across the UK. Reuters
Warehouse: The group behind UK fashion retailers Oasis and Warehouse went into administration in April 2020, with auditing and advisory firm Deloitte saying all stores will close indefinitely and online sales will be halted. Reuters
Warehouse: The group behind UK fashion retailers Oasis and Warehouse went into administration in April 2020, with auditing and advisory firm Deloitte saying all stores will close indefinitely and online sales will be halted. Reuters
Ann Taylor: The women’s clothing brand is part of the US Ascena Retail Group, which announced last year that it had secured restructuring support while also filing Chapter 11 petitions. Bloomberg
Ann Taylor: The women’s clothing brand is part of the US Ascena Retail Group, which announced last year that it had secured restructuring support while also filing Chapter 11 petitions. Bloomberg
Lucky Brand: The LA-based denim brand filed for bankruptcy, after it struggled to move from brick and mortar stores to online. The ‘Wall Street Journal’ reported that the brand experienced 'month-over-month decline in revenue of about 50 per cent' during the pandemic. Bloomberg
Lucky Brand: The LA-based denim brand filed for bankruptcy, after it struggled to move from brick and mortar stores to online. The ‘Wall Street Journal’ reported that the brand experienced 'month-over-month decline in revenue of about 50 per cent' during the pandemic. Bloomberg
Neiman Marcus: The US department store, along with Bergdorf Goodman, which was owned by the same parent company, permanently closed its 43 stores after filing for bankruptcy, affecting more than 14,000 employees. Bloomberg
Neiman Marcus: The US department store, along with Bergdorf Goodman, which was owned by the same parent company, permanently closed its 43 stores after filing for bankruptcy, affecting more than 14,000 employees. Bloomberg
Jaeger UK: clothing store Jaeger (76 stores and concessions) is part of the UK’s Edinburgh Woollen Mill (EWM) Group, which went into administration in November last year. Around 4,700 jobs are at risk across the whole group. Bloomberg
Jaeger UK: clothing store Jaeger (76 stores and concessions) is part of the UK’s Edinburgh Woollen Mill (EWM) Group, which went into administration in November last year. Around 4,700 jobs are at risk across the whole group. Bloomberg
Oasis: The group behind both UK fashion retailers Oasis and Warehouse went into administration in April 2020, with auditing and advisory firm Deloitte saying all stores will close indefinitely and online sales will be halted. Bloomberg
Oasis: The group behind both UK fashion retailers Oasis and Warehouse went into administration in April 2020, with auditing and advisory firm Deloitte saying all stores will close indefinitely and online sales will be halted. Bloomberg
Aldo: In the UK, the Canadian footwear brand went into administration last May. Bloomberg
Aldo: In the UK, the Canadian footwear brand went into administration last May. Bloomberg
Cafe Rouge: The Casual Dining Group, the parent company of both the Cafe Rouge and Bella Italia dining chains, permanently closed 91 of its 250 locations, resulting in 1,900 jobs lost. Bloomberg
Cafe Rouge: The Casual Dining Group, the parent company of both the Cafe Rouge and Bella Italia dining chains, permanently closed 91 of its 250 locations, resulting in 1,900 jobs lost. Bloomberg
California Pizza Kitchen: The globally franchised casual dining chain filed for voluntary Chapter 11 protection in the US last year, citing 'the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and lease related challenges with our landlords.' AFP
California Pizza Kitchen: The globally franchised casual dining chain filed for voluntary Chapter 11 protection in the US last year, citing 'the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and lease related challenges with our landlords.' AFP
Cath Kidston: The retro fashion chain will not reopen any of its stores after the UK lockdown ends. The brand owner will buy back the brand and its online presence, excluding brick and mortar shops. Bloomberg
Cath Kidston: The retro fashion chain will not reopen any of its stores after the UK lockdown ends. The brand owner will buy back the brand and its online presence, excluding brick and mortar shops. Bloomberg
J Crew: The preppy casual label had long been a favourite of celebrities including Michelle Obama and Meghan Markle. But its celebrity endorsement couldn’t save the over 70-year-old brand, and it was among the first retailers to go under last year. Bloomberg
J Crew: The preppy casual label had long been a favourite of celebrities including Michelle Obama and Meghan Markle. But its celebrity endorsement couldn’t save the over 70-year-old brand, and it was among the first retailers to go under last year. Bloomberg
Peacocks: UK clothing stores Peacocks (423 stores) is part of the UK’s Edinburgh Woollen Mill (EWM) Group, wand went into administration in November last year. Around 4,700 jobs are at risk across the EWM group. Bloomberg
Peacocks: UK clothing stores Peacocks (423 stores) is part of the UK’s Edinburgh Woollen Mill (EWM) Group, wand went into administration in November last year. Around 4,700 jobs are at risk across the EWM group. Bloomberg

Fashion

38 global retailers that have shut up shop due to the pandemic – from Topshop to J Crew

A look at some of the brands that have fallen victim to the pandemic

Gemma White
Dubai

January 26, 2021

  • English
  • Arabic

As the pandemic continues to change the landscape of many industries forever, retail continues to be one of the sectors that has been affected the most.

It was announced this week that British e-tailer Asos is in talks to buy Topshop, Topman and Miss Selfridge, and fellow UK e-fashion success story, boohoo, might be snapping up Debenhams. While the buyouts are good news for the brands, the opposite is true for employees. With Asos and boohoo's presence strictly online, the new owners will have no need for the staff nor the bricks and mortar stores.

In news that caused Asos shares to rise by 6 per cent, the company issued a statement saying: "Asos notes recent media speculation and confirms that it is in exclusive discussions with the administrators of Arcadia over the acquisition of the Topshop, Topman, Miss Selfridge and HIIT brands.

"The board believes this would represent a compelling opportunity to acquire strong brands that resonate well with its customer base. However, at this stage, there can be no certainty of a transaction and Asos will keep shareholders updated as appropriate. Any acquisition would be funded from cash reserves."

As high street fashion institutions in the UK and US either close for good or evolve into something else according to the wishes of their new owners, we take a look at some of the retail and dining brands that have shut up shop due to the effects of the pandemic.

Scroll through our gallery for 38 global brands that have been bought up, restructured or haven’t survived the shift in customer spending trends …

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Read more:

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Generation Start-up: Tratok founder says blockchain can cut out middlemen in travel bookings

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Muguruza's singles career in stats

WTA titles 3

Prize money US$11,128,219 (Dh40,873,133.82)

Wins / losses 293 / 149

Whiile you're here
What can victims do?

Always use only regulated platforms

Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion

Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)

Report to local authorities

Warn others to prevent further harm

Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence

If you go

The flights
There are various ways of getting to the southern Serengeti in Tanzania from the UAE. The exact route and airstrip depends on your overall trip itinerary and which camp you’re staying at. 
Flydubai flies direct from Dubai to Kilimanjaro International Airport from Dh1,350 return, including taxes; this can be followed by a short flight from Kilimanjaro to the Serengeti with Coastal Aviation from about US$700 (Dh2,500) return, including taxes. Kenya Airways, Emirates and Etihad offer flights via Nairobi or Dar es Salaam.   

Muslim Council of Elders condemns terrorism on religious sites

The Muslim Council of Elders has strongly condemned the criminal attacks on religious sites in Britain.

It firmly rejected “acts of terrorism, which constitute a flagrant violation of the sanctity of houses of worship”.

“Attacking places of worship is a form of terrorism and extremism that threatens peace and stability within societies,” it said.

The council also warned against the rise of hate speech, racism, extremism and Islamophobia. It urged the international community to join efforts to promote tolerance and peaceful coexistence.

Dark Souls: Remastered
Developer: From Software (remaster by QLOC)
Publisher: Namco Bandai
Price: Dh199

The specs
 
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo
Power: 398hp from 5,250rpm
Torque: 580Nm at 1,900-4,800rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L/100km
On sale: December
Price: From Dh330,000 (estimate)
Essentials

The flights
Emirates and Etihad fly direct from the UAE to Los Angeles, from Dh4,975 return, including taxes. The flight time is 16 hours. Alaska Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Aeromexico and Southwest all fly direct from Los Angeles to San Jose del Cabo from Dh1,243 return, including taxes. The flight time is two-and-a-half hours.

The trip
Lindblad Expeditions National Geographic’s eight-day Whales Wilderness itinerary costs from US$6,190 (Dh22,736) per person, twin share, including meals, accommodation and excursions, with departures in March and April 2018.

 

List of alleged parties

 May 15 2020: PM and Carrie attend 'work meeting' with at
least 17 staff members

May 20 2020: PM and Carrie attend 'bring your own booze'
party

Nov 27 2020: PM gives speech at leaving do for his staff

Dec 10 2020: Staff party held by then-education secretary
Gavin Williamson

Dec 13 2020: PM and Carrie throw a flat party

Dec 14 2020: London mayor candidate Shaun Bailey holds staff party at Conservative
Party headquarters

Dec 15 2020: PM takes part in a staff quiz

Dec 18 2020: Downing Street Christmas party

While you're here
Fashion