Los Angeles — Forever 21 has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and will begin the process of closing all its U.S. stores. According to Reuters, the U.S. store count is about 350. The Los Angeles-based apparel retailer filed over the weekend in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware. Forever 21 has entered into a plan support agreement with its lenders to begin the voluntary closure process while continuing to look for sales opportunities of existing U.S. assets. Forever 21 was founded in 1984 and had a footprint …
retailers
Secaucus, N.J. — The Children’s Place, Inc., the largest pure-play children’s specialty retailer in North America with an omnichannel portfolio of brands, has appointed John Szczepanski as chief financial officer, effective March 31, 2025. He will report to Muhammad Umair, president and interim chief executive officer. As CFO, Szczepanski will oversee finance, accounting, financial planning & analysis, tax, treasury, procurement, investor relations, internal audit and real estate. “Today marks an exciting new chapter for our company as we welcome John to be our chief financial officer,” says Umair. “During this …
Sycamore Partners Agrees to Acquire, Privatize Drugstore Giant Walgreens in Multibillion-Dollar Deal
Deerfield, Ill. and New York City — Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA) has entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by an entity affiliated with private equity firm Sycamore Partners. The total value of the transaction is $23.7 billion, according to WBA, including an equity value of $10 billion, as well as debt, capital leases and potential future payouts from the opioid and Everly Health Solutions COVID-19 testing settlements. Upon completion of the transaction, which is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2025, WBA common stock will be …
Murray, Utah — The board of directors of Beyond, Inc., owner of Bed Bath & Beyond, Overstock and buybuy BABY, has appointed its executive chairman, Marcus Lemonis, to serve as its principal executive officer and appointed Adrianne Lee to serve as its president and chief financial officer. “We are committed to making money and returning this business to growth and will not let any obstacles deter that goal,” Lemonis says. “This leadership team is best suited to carry out our mandate of delivering profitable commerce.” As part of these leadership …
Katy, Texas — Academy Sports + Outdoors, a leading full-line sporting goods and outdoor recreation retailer, has appointed Sumit Anand to the role of executive vice president and chief information officer. He will oversee all enterprise technology operations including cybersecurity, IT infrastructure and operations, and IT shared services supporting the company’s corporate, distribution center and retail initiatives. Prior to joining Academy, Anand served in a variety of executive roles for At Home, based in Dallas, including chief information officer and head of strategy and was previously senior vice president of …
Hudson, Ohio — JOANN, the fabric and crafts retailer, has commenced store closing sales at all 790 locations nationwide. The store closing process is being managed by GA Group, a leading asset disposition, valuation, appraisal and real estate services firm with extensive expertise in large-scale retail liquidations, together with Tiger Group as part of a joint venture. “JOANN has been a beloved destination for makers and craft enthusiasts for more than 80 years,” says Tim Shilling of GA Group. “As we begin this store closing process, our priority is to …
Atlanta — The Home Depot® has named Michael Rowe as executive vice president (EVP) of Pro, effective immediately. He will be responsible for The Home Depot’s strategy to grow its business with professional customers. Most recently, he served as president of The Home Depot Canada. In his new role, Rowe will lead the expansion of key capabilities to serve the Pro market, including delivery capabilities, salesforce development, technology and CRM tools, order management and more. A 19-year veteran of the company, Rowe has held several leadership roles for the Canadian …
Marlborough, Mass. — BJ’s Wholesale Club plans to open 25-30 clubs over the next 2 fiscal years, including several clubs set for the Dallas-Fort Worth area starting in early 2026. BJ’s Wholesale Club is a membership-based retailer that has been delivering value and convenience to families for over 40 years. “We are eager to continue our expansion by bringing unbeatable value, convenience and assortment to the Dallas-Fort Worth community,” says Bob Eddy, chairman and CEO, BJ’s Wholesale Club. “Economic expansion and a growing population make Texas a great fit for …
Liberty Township, Ohio — Wawa, Inc. has named April 16, 2025 as the grand opening of the first Wawa store in the state of Ohio, kickstarting the retailer’s expansion into the Midwest. Located in Liberty Township, Ohio, this is the first of 8-10 Wawa stores slated to open in Ohio by year’s end. Not only does this grand opening date mark Wawa’s debut in its 10th state, but it coincides with the founding date of the first Wawa store that opened on April 16, 1964 in Delaware County, Pa. “We …
London — Whole Foods Market is expanding internationally, with a new store planned in London that will open on March 25, 2025. The store is the first new U.K. location for Whole Foods Market since 2014 and will serve as a premium retailer for the historic and celebrated destination of London’s King’s Road in Chelsea. “Whole Foods Market has roots deeply planted in the U.K., and we are thrilled to be bringing more natural and organic food to this market with the opening of our new King’s Road store this …