9 Major U.S. Retail Bankruptcies in the Last 5 Years

Sep 06, 2023

By: Sagarika C

9 major U.S. retail bankruptcies and a few turnarounds

In an ever-evolving retail landscape, even the giants of the industry sometimes find themselves facing insurmountable challenges. Over the past five years, several iconic U.S. retailers have experienced financial turmoil, culminating in bankruptcy filings. The...

1. ascena Retail Group, Inc.

In July of the year 2020, the corporate entity overseeing the renowned fashion brands Ann Taylor, Lane Bryant, and Loft confronted the formidable challenges of a Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceeding. Subsequently, through a meticulously executed restructuring proc...

2. Sears Holdings Corp

Sears, once a towering presence in the retail world, faced a pivotal moment when it filed for bankruptcy in October 2018. This marked the culmination of a prolonged period of dwindling revenues and a relentless stream of store closures. The iconic company, whi...

3. JCPenney

In May 2020, a venerable department store chain with a history dating back a century faced the daunting prospect of bankruptcy. However, a lifeline emerged as Simon Property Group and Brookfield Asset Management stepped in to rescue the struggling retailer. Th...

4. Toys "R" Us

In 2017, the iconic toy store Toys "R" Us found itself teetering on the brink of bankruptcy, primarily due to its mounting debt. This financial turmoil marked a pivotal moment in the history of the retail industry. As a beloved destination for genera...

5. Neiman Marcus

Facing a daunting burden of debt, this prestigious luxury department store made a pivotal decision in May 2020 by seeking refuge in bankruptcy protection. However, this was not the end of the story but rather a transformative chapter. Through a meticulous proc...

6. J. Crew Group Inc

J. Crew, succumbing to the economic upheaval caused by the pandemic, filed for bankruptcy in May 2020, marking one of the initial casualties in the retail industry. However, it emerged from this challenging period with a lifeline of financial assistance, allow...

7. Tailored Brands

In August 2020, the proprietor of Men's Wearhouse made a strategic move by filing for bankruptcy. This decision, although seemingly drastic, proved to be a calculated maneuver that enabled the company to shed a significant portion of its burdensome debt. ...

8. Claire's

In March 2018, Claire's, the renowned jewelry retailer, found itself grappling with financial turbulence triggered by a sharp decline in mall foot traffic. Faced with these challenges, the company made a strategic move by filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy....

9. Nine West Holdings Inc

This American fashion company found itself in dire financial straits, prompting a bankruptcy filing in April 2018. After a challenging period of reorganization, the company successfully emerged from bankruptcy, emerging with a fresh identity under the new name...