Vienna, Va. — The Ratner Cos., the parent company of salon concepts such as Hair Cuttery, Bubbles and Salon Cielo, plans to trim its 844-store portfolio by 10%. The company plans to maintain a presence in all existing markets as it looks to shift resources to its best-performing salons. Ratner Cos. cites “intense competition and rising operating costs,” as well as shifting consumer shopping methods, as the basis for its decision. The firm has engaged in discussions with landlords to renegotiate terms or exit some of its leases. In addition …
store closings
Los Angeles — Forever 21, Inc., and its U.S. subsidiaries have filed for voluntary Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The company’s Canadian subsidiary also has filed for bankruptcy protection. Forever 21 plans to facilitate a global restructuring that will allow it to focus on a profitable core part of its operations. As part of its restructuring strategy, the company plans to exit most of its international locations in Asia and Europe, but will continue operations in Mexico and Latin America. “This was an important and necessary step to secure the future of …
Rochelle Park, N.J. — Avenue Stores LLC will close all 222 of its Avenue stores across 33 states after failing to procure a buyer for the plus-size women’s clothing chain. It was not made immediately clear if the retailer will continue to operate its e-commerce platform. Philadelphia-based Versa Capital Management acquired Avenue Stores LLC in bankruptcy in 2012 when the retailer operated 433 stores. Avenue will hold liquidation sales in all of its stores, offering 30% to 50% off clothes, accessories and even store fixtures. Hilco Merchant Resources and Gordon …
Chesapeake, Va. — Variety store chain Family Dollar will close 390 stores this year and make changes to the stores it is keeping open as the retailer seeks a turnaround. Dollar Tree Inc., which purchased Family Dollar in 2015 for nearly $9 billion in cash and stock, plans to revitalize the brand with store closures and a rebranding of some locations to Dollar Tree. In addition, some locations will be renovated to include $1 Dollar Tree merchandise sections. Family Dollar sells a variety of items for under $10 at rural …