If the past few years have been characterized by “failures” and store closures in the retail world, 2019 may just be the year of the comeback. From Sears, to Town Shoes and Jean Machine, even longtime mall staples, sadly, haven’t been able to stay afloat in today’s climate.
But now, a few retailers are rising from the ashes, rebuilding their brand and reclaiming their place on the North American retail scene.
Here’s a look at 3 retailers making a comeback in 2019:
Bebe
Instagram/@michelleinfusino
Bebe was a go-to for teens and 20-something females with places to be for decades. Blame the rise of fast fashion, a decrease in mall traffic, or a loss of interest in the often risque clothing, the brand – which was founded in San Francisco back in 1976 – closed about 168 stores in North America in 2017. Unlike others, Bebe wasn’t grossly bankrupt in its graceful and drama-free disappearance from the mall and maintained a presence online for its loyal shoppers. Showing no sign of becoming a thing of the past — even if physical stores are absent from the equation — the brand has recently unveiled a new and improved loyalty program and a revamped e-commerce site.
Bebe’s new e-commerce site is filled with stunning imagery and is easy to navigate. Its freshly updated loyalty program ClubBebe offers a points system: the more points earned, the higher the discount granted on the next purchase. Clever digital branding has also helped Bebe’s cause and has included ad campaigns with global influencers and wide-reaching social media content. Brand management firm Bluestar Alliance, which has a $35-million stake in the company and manages its daily operations, has led the Bebe’s impressive comeback.
BiWay
As the name suggests, everything in the store will be $10 and under and will include clothing, toys, household furnishings, toiletries, and food. Under the direction of 89-year-old retail veteran Mal Coven, who helped build the original brand, the plan is to open four more stores by the end of 2020. If a brand can comeback after 15 years out of business and live to talk about it, then we also have hope for some of our favourite brands that have shuttered operations as of late (RIP).
American Apparel
Instagram/@americanapparel
It was a sad time in 2017, when iconic fashion brand American Apparel went bankrupt and announced it would shut down its stores, leaving countless young people wondering where they would now turn for for basics, weekend wear, and costume parties. Despite the shuttering of all of its brick and mortar shops, it didn’t take long for the brand to re-launch south of the border and announce an international e-commerce expansion last year. Canada is now one of the 200 countries that the company will ship to. There is one lone bricks and mortar shop, located on Melrose in Los Angeles, the place where the brand rose to success.
The refreshed American Apparel stays true to its tradition of classic, timeless fashion styles, but is more focused on body positivity and diversity than ever before — something that’s reflected in its progressive vs. provocative ad campaigns — featuring a more inclusive range of sizes and fits. Naturally, American Apparel still features core basics, along with all-time fan favourites like the iconic disco pants, bodysuits, metallic leggings, unisex hoodies, and fisherman pullovers. The best part is that the pieces are available at lower prices than before.
While the fate of these beloved brands is unknown, what they do have is a strong sense of brand recognition and loyal customers who are just as excited as they are to be back in the retail game.
Featured Image: Facebook/Nancy Vink
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Over the years, Canadian shoppers have lost a lot of their once-favourite retailers.
Unfortunately, with upped competition in the mid-priced fashion market, many longstanding brands have struggled to stay afloat and are forced to close stores or shut down business for good. In the past few years, we’ve said goodbye to retailers like Town Shoes, Jean Machine, and Aéropostale to name a few.
But despite retailers closing doors and filing for chapter 11 bankruptcy, some of the retailers we thought we had seen the last of are seeing a rebirth. We’ve seen comebacks by American Apparel and Mexx, and now we’re seeing a comeback from a nostalgic womenswear brand.
Related story: American Apparel Is Back In Business
Cristina Avila
Bebe has slowly been making its way back into the market.
In 2017, Bebe closed around 168 stores across North America. With some cash in the bank, the retailer was able to exit the market gracefully, buying its way out of leases and saying goodbye to malls, while maintaining its presence online.
In the past two years, Bebe has been easing its way back into the market and recently unveiled a new and improved loyalty program and e-commerce site.
Related story: 18 Online Outlet Stores To Take Advantage Of
Instagram/@bebe_stores
Bebe’s new online destination offers a more personalized shopping experience.
The revamped website is an elevated version of Bebe’s previous e-commerce store, with beautiful imagery and content meant to inspire, entertain, and educate the shopper. The design is mobile-friendly, making it super easy for shoppers to browse new products, access deals, and get recommendations based on their personal interests.
In addition, Bebe has updated its loyalty program ClubBebe. The program offers loyal shoppers more incentive to shop through a points system. The more points a shopper earns, the higher the discount the shopper is able to receive on their next purchase.
Related story: The Best Loyalty Programs For Students
Instagram/@thestyledseed
At this point, it doesn’t look like Bebe will be reopening stores any time soon.
However, we’ll continue to see the brand evolve over time. And who’s to say they can’t champion once again? Living in a time where nostalgia and logomania rules fashion, it certainly makes sense that Bebe, the logo that was emblazoned in jewels on every girl’s chest in the ’90s, could be popular once again.
With plans to launch additional product offerings and website accessibility in a variety of different languages, the brand is slowly making their way back into our closets.
Featured image: Cristina Avila
This year has been a tough one for retailers. Stores that have been around as long we can remember have shut their doors due to lack of sales. As previously mentioned, the decline in department store purchases has led to the demise of many businesses. With so many people preferring to shop online, there’s less need for malls. This has vastly changed the overall retail landscape. Instead of wading through the crowds at department stores, people are able to shop without the hassle on their phones while traveling on a bus or passing time in a waiting room. According to Global News, millennials are teaching the older generation how to use these new technological advances. “Speeding up the learning process when it comes to new shopping venues is the rise of the millennial generation and the fact that four out of 10 young people, these days, are still living with their parents,” noted Kruh.
Below, we’ve summed up the biggest store closings in Canada in 2017:
1. Sears
2. Bebe
3. BCBG
4. hr2
5. Express
7. HMV
10. Le Chateau
Are we missing any major retailers who have closed locations in Canada this year?
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Every day it seems like another chain retail store is struggling to stay afloat in Canada. We’ve seen some of our favourite retailers close their doors so far in 2017. Whether the closure is a result of increased competition or aggressive expansion, we are disappointed when we lose beloved brands and employees are put out of work. Keep reading for a list of all of the major retailers that closed locations in Canada this year (so far).
HMV
At the start of 2017, struggling HMV announced the closure of all of its stores. While we were sad to see this music and movie mecca close, it’s understandable that the retailer could not compete against endless streaming services. Since closing 102 stores in April 2017, at least 70 Sunrise Records stores have popped up in former HMV locations.
Bebe
In March 2017, ladies apparel retailer Bebe announced the shutdown of 170 stores (including eight Canadian locations,) in an effort to reduce expenses and focus on online sales. Given the sameness of this women’s fashion retailer, was anyone really disappointed to see Bebe close their doors?
BCBG
We were surprised in March 2017 when upscale women’s fashion apparel and accessories brand BCBG announced the closure of all 51 Canadian locations. Fashion-forward BCBG ladies wear can still be purchased through major department stores including Hudson’s Bay and off-price retailers like Winners.
EXPRESS
May 2017 saw the demise of Express as they announced the closure of 17 Canadian locations. The Canadian marketplace proved to be all too difficult for Express, as they decided to not only close stores but also discontinue Canadian operations through its subsidiary, Express Fashion Apparel Canada.
Gymboree
In July 2017, children’s retailer, Gymboree announced the closure of 350 stores in an effort to restructure after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, like so many other struggling brands.
Teavana
Starbucks announced in July 2017 that it would be closing all 379 Teavana stores (mostly located in shopping centres.) Landlords and employees are angry! Lucky for customers, Teavana products can still be purchased at any Starbucks location.
Shoes.com
No retailer (or e-tailer) is safe… In January 2017, Shoes.com announced the shutdown of all operations including two physical retail stores in Vancouver and Ontario. While we weren’t surprised to see this brand fold (given the heavy competition in the footwear market,) it is impressive how long they dominated the online shoe market for.
Sears
Sears Canada is closing forever. After serving Canadians since 1953, Sears Canada announced in October 2017 the closure of all Canadian operations and the start of liquidations sales across the country. Attempts to restructure and reinvent the Sears brand over the past 18 months failed miserably, leaving Sears with no choice but to close all remaining full-line Sears, Sears Home and Hometown locations.
Are you sad that these retailers closed store locations in 2017?
Featured image: Cristina Avila
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Ah, doesn’t it finally feel like spring?
Cherry blossoms have bloomed, the streets are crowded, and you’ve probably got an itching for a brand new wardrobe. Luckily, as always, we’ve got the low down on the best sales, so that you don’t have to spend a fortune on your hot new spring stuff.
Take a peek at some of our favourite sales happening this weekend:
GEOX Warehouse Sale
Shoes, shoes and more shoes. Oh, and some apparel, too. This year, the GEOX Warehouse Sale is taking place at the International Centre in Mississauga. Shop for your entire family and save huge – they’re even offering a bigger and better selection than last year. Get full sale details here.
Coach
Consider this fair warning: Mother’s Day is right around the corner, so it’s time to get the lady you love something nice and show her how much you appreciate her. In Coach’s sale section right now, there are tons of things worthy of your mom, all up to 50% off. We love this embellished heart bag charm and this blanket scarf, perfect for summer nights. Shop the sale here.
Bebe
By now you’ve probably heard that Bebe is closing. That means, you’ve got a limited time to shop – all stores are slated to close by the end of May. Shop their liquidation sale in-stores (you can get a preview here) to save up to 30% off regular priced merchandise and an extra 50% off on already-reduced merchandise. Or shop online where they’re taking 30% off all regular priced merchandise with the code, “SPRING30”. Shop the sale here.
Steve Madden
“I have too many shoes,” said no one ever. Show off those gams and stock up on shoes for spring and summer at Steve Madden. They are taking an extra 20% off select footwear styles and handbags. Just use the code, “COOL”. Additionally, you can get free shipping on orders over $75 with the code, “SMCAFREE75”. Shop the sale here.
Classica Sample Sale
Hey fellas, this sale is just for you! There are only a couple of days left of this sample sale in Toronto. They’re taking up to 60% off suits, shoes and more, all from luxury European lines and of the highest quality. The sale only runs until April 30th, so hurry over. Get more details about the sale here.
Featured Image: Instagram/@SteveMadden
Did we miss any of the best sales happening this weekend?
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Another mid-sized retailer has faced the competition from online stores and fast-fashion retailer and will be forced to close all of its stores. The Huffington Post is reporting that clothing chain Bebe says that it is likely that all Canadian Bebe stores will be closed by the end of May.
Bebe’s current Candian footprint saw them with stores in some of Canada’s most productive malls. With Stores in Yorkdale, Square One, CF Chinook Centre and The West Edmonton mall, their failure stems not from a lack of exposure, but due to changing shopper retail patterns and consumer wants.
Currently, there has not been a public plan for the future of Bebe, however, it looks likely that the chain will continue to service Canadian customers through their online portal bebe.com
In an attempt to avoid losses, Bebe Stores Inc. is planning on shuttering stores and increasing their online presence. The retailer, whose focus is on dressing the “confident, sexy, modern woman” is looking to close around 170 stores, according to Bloomberg.
We’ve seen the strategy with many retailers before; closing stores to decrease costs like rent and employees. But will the strategy work? According to sources, the company is trying to make moves without filing for bankruptcy, though, if landlords aren’t willing to negotiate, the process may be inevitable.
Things don’t look so bad for the womenswear retailer, though. Unlike some of the other retailers that have recently shuttered or decreased physical store locations, Bebe has no significant debt. They did, however, lose approximately $200 million over the past four years. It’s not great but there is still hope for the 2000s mall favourite.
Currently, the majority of Bebe stores are located in the U.S with only 8 full-price stores and outlets across Canada. The retailer has already announced store closures for the year and in February, said it could be shuttering as many as 25 locations. No store closures have been announced for Canada yet.
Are you sad that Bebe might shut down stores? Let us know in the comment section.
Featured Image: Instagram/@bebe_stores
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