Bed Bath & Beyond and buybuy BABY are going out of business, and it’s the end of an era

Take a deep breath. There’s some big news in the retail world. Two popular stores, buybuy BABY and Bed Bath & Beyond, are closing their doors for good. Filing for bankruptcy on April 23, Bed Bath & Beyond (the parent company of buybuy BABY) announced that its 360 locations and 120 buybuy BABY stores and their respective websites will remain open for now after securing a $240mil loan to fund its operations while they navigate bankruptcy. It’s possible they’ll find a buyer for some or all of their business. If so, the company said they’ll “pivot away” from store closings. They may also end up becoming online-only retailers. All that being said, the future of both buybuyBABY and Bed Bath & Beyond is still up in the air, so we’ll be keeping a close eye on what comes next.

Bed Bath & Beyond/buybuy BABY

Before you start mourning the loss of your favorite shopping destinations, there’s a silver lining: starting Wednesday, they’ll begin offering massive discounts to clear out their inventory. That’s right, you can snag some incredible deals on everything from baby gear to home decor. So, whether you’re a new parent looking to stock up on baby essentials or a home decor enthusiast on the hunt for a great bargain, now’s the time to hit up buybuy BABY and Bed Bath & Beyond before it’s too late. Here’s what you need to know.

What about all those coupons you've been saving?

Bed Bath & Beyond/buybuy BABY

Okay, bad news first. As of Wednesday, April 26, those famous 20% off coupons won't be accepted anymore. Creditors aren't going to love the idea of tacking on another 20% off liquidation prices (more on that in a minute). What about gift cards and store credit? The company says those will still be accepted for a limited time. They expect customers to be able to use gift cards through May 8 and to be able to redeem merchandise credits until May 15.

What kind of sales come along with this whole thing?

Canva

buybuy BABY and Bed Bath & Beyond will be offering "deep discounts," but what that ultimately means as far as percentages remains to be seen. Just remember that everything purchased after April 23 is final sale and can't be returned or exchanged. “We encourage you to come shop for your favorite products while merchandise selection is best,” the company's FAQ sheet says.

buybuy BABY and Bed Bath & Beyond registries will be moving to a new platform

Canva

“We expect to partner with an alternative platform where you will be able to transfer your data and complete your registry,” a statement from the chains included. “We will provide details in the coming days.” As of right now, your registry data with both Bed Bath & Beyond and buybuy BABY is safe, can be accessed, and will be moved to a new provider soon.

Update:  Babylist is stepping in to help support expecting and new parents registered with buybuy BABY. Customers can find instructions on how to easily transfer their registry here. In order to support customers as they move their registry, Babylist has created a dedicated customer support email: buybuybaby@babylist.com to ensure that the transition is smooth.

As bummed as we are about the news, we’re staying on top of any updates. We also really encourage you to start your shopping ASAP to grab the best deals at the buybuy BABY and Bed Bath & Beyond going-out-of-business sales. According to The New York Times, stores are expected to be closed by June 30.

 

If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.

Unless otherwise noted, all images are courtesy of retailers.

Say it isn’t so. Ascena Retail Group Inc., the owner of beloved brands such as Ann Taylor, Lane Bryant, and Justice has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. They join a growing list of retailers having to do so as a result of the pandemic. 

 

 

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A note to our community, from all of us at Ann Taylor

A post shared by Ann Taylor (@anntaylor) on

Ascena owns nearly 3,00 stores found in malls across the country. As part of its bankruptcy plan, the company said it would close at least 1,200 locations including all of its Catherines stores, a significant number of Justice stores and a select number of Ann Taylor, Loft, Lane Bryant and Lou & Grey stores.

 

 

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From our heart to yours; an update ❤️

A post shared by Catherines Plus Sizes (@catherinesplus) on


Gary Muto, Chief Executive Officer of ascena commented, “Ann Taylor, LOFT, Lane Bryant, Justice and Lou & Grey have incredibly loyal customers who are at the center of everything we do. These iconic brands have significant long-term potential and we continue to deliver on their mission to provide all women and girls with fashion and inspiration to live confidently every day. This comprehensive restructuring, as well as the actions we are taking to optimize our brand portfolio and store fleet, mark a new start for our company and will allow us to expand our customer-focused strategies across her mobile, online, and store experiences.”

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

An important message to our community, from all of us at Justice.

A post shared by Justice (@justice) on

Ascena temporarily closed their locations in mid-March due to the coronavirus pandemic. They began reopening locations in early may as state authorities began lifting restrictions. The company noted lower than normal traffic at their reopened stores.

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

We’re in the lane beside you.

A post shared by Lane Bryant (@lanebryant) on

Muto continued, “I am incredibly proud of the entire team for their commitment to serving our customers during what continues to be a challenging period for retail, our communities and our friends and families. We have a clear vision for our future and we will continue delivering meaningful experiences for our customers each and every day. We look forward to our continued partnerships with our valued vendors, landlords and other stakeholders as we emerge from Chapter 11, and this pandemic, as a stronger company.”

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: M.O. Stevens / CC BY-SA 

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Necco Wafers fans rejoice!  America’s original candy treat is coming back. Spangler Candy Company has announced the return of Necco Wafers to store shelves. 

Necco Wafers

Created in 1847, Necco Wafers are one of the oldest candy brands in existence. The iconic, wax paper rolls filled with assorted flavored discs have quite literally been enjoyed the world over, carried in pockets stateside, shipped to armed forces overseas and even transported by intrepid explorers on Arctic journeys. Due to its enduring popularity, the original recipe for the Necco Wafer has remained essentially unchanged over the years, and now is no exception. Spangler purchased the brand out of bankruptcy two years ago and has been working on its return ever since.

“Just when comfort food is experiencing a resurgence, Necco Wafers is back with that very kind of familiar, comfortable feeling we all seem to be craving,” said Kirk Vashaw, CEO of Spangler Candy Company. “We are delighted to bring Necco Wafers back into production and to share in their sweet return with fans old and new.”

Necco Wafers

There are eight all-time favorite flavors and colors in the Necco Wafers’ comeback collection: lemon (yellow), lime (green), orange (orange), clove (light purple), cinnamon (white), wintergreen (pink), licorice (dark grey) and chocolate (brown). Seven of the eight flavors were designed to identically match the originals. True Necco Wafers connoisseurs may detect a richer cocoa flavor in the chocolate wafers due to a minor improvement made in the cooking process.

“We know fans have been waiting anxiously for the return of Necco Wafers and anticipate high demand. Our production lines will continue to run as fast as possible to keep stores in-stock,” said Vashaw.

Necco Wafers are rolling out across the nation throughout the summer, beginning with major drugstores, followed by a larger segment of retailers. A complete list of retailers is available on the Spangler Candy Necco Wafers web page: https://www.spanglercandy.com/our-brands/necco-wafers.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

All photos courtesy of Spangler Candy Company

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We need to find a new favorite place to buy scented candles, seasonal decor and wicker furniture. Pier 1 announced today that they would be permanently closing all of their locations. In a news release the retailer stated that they were not able to find a buyer after filing for bankruptcy earlier this year. 

Robert Riesbeck, Pier 1’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer said, “We are grateful to our dedicated and hardworking associates, millions of customers and committed vendors who have collectively supported Pier 1 for decades. We deeply value our associates, customers, business partners and the communities in which we operate, and this is not the outcome we expected or hoped to achieve. This decision follows months of working to identify a buyer who would continue to operate our business going forward. Unfortunately, the challenging retail environment has been significantly compounded by the profound impact of COVID-19, hindering our ability to secure such a buyer and requiring us to wind down.”

Pier 1 is still accepting orders on its website and said it will “initiate store closing efforts and liquidation sales once store locations can reopen, in compliance with COVID-19 guidelines from local government and health officials.”

The company says it has approximately 541 U.S. stores and in the court filing says it plans to reopen some stores on or around May 22.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: Mike Mozart from Funny YouTube, USA 

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Destination Maternity, the parent company behind expectant mama fave retailers Motherhood Maternity and A Pea in the Pod, is reportedly shuttering more than 180 of its stores.

The closings come as the company recently voluntarily filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. According to Lisa Gavales, Chair of the Office of the CEO, in a press release, “This decision is a difficult, but necessary one.”

Gavales continued, “In a challenging retail environment, we have had to make some very tough choices, but we are confident that the steps taken today provide an opportunity to continue a marketing process that provides the most efficient means of maximizing value to our stakeholders. Throughout this process we will be focused on developing the promising interest already shown by potential bidders, and maintaining operational momentum toward a stronger business.”

Several Motherhood Maternity locations were already slated for closing prior to the Chapter 11 filing announcement. Look for deep discounts during liquidation sales. These stores include:

  • Central Mall: 5111 Rogers Ave., Fort Smith, Arkansas
  • The Avenue Viera: 2261 Town Center Ave., Melbourne, Florida
  • Waterford Lakes Town Center: 385 N. Alafaya Trail, Orlando, Florida
  • CherryVale Mall: 7200 Harrison Ave., Rockford, Illinois
  • Great Lakes Mall: 7850 Mentor Ave., Mentor, Ohio
  • Denton Crossing: 1800 S Loop 288, Denton, Texas
  • Sunrise Mall: 2370 North Expressway, Brownsville, Texas
  • Town East Mall: 2204 Town East Mall, Mesquite, Texas
  • North Town Mall: 4750 N Division St., Spokane, Washington
  • Southridge Mall: 5300 S. 76th Street, Greendale, Wisconsin

Along with the Motherhood Maternity locations, A Pea in the Pod located at The Groves at Shrewsbury: 597 Route 35, Shrewsbury, New Jersey will also close.

U.S. Motherhood Maternity and A Pea in the Pod stores that will close as part of the company’s latest bankruptcy filing announcement include, according to USA Today:

Alabama

  • Foley – Motherhood Maternity Outlet
  • Mobile – Motherhood Maternity
  • Montgomery – Motherhood Maternity

Arizona

  • Chandler – Motherhood Maternity
  • Mesa – Motherhood Maternity
  • Tucson – Motherhood Maternity (two locations)

Arkansas

  • Fort Smith – Motherhood Maternity

California

  • Cerritos – Motherhood Maternity
  • Corte Madera – A Pea in the Pod
  • El Cajon – Motherhood Maternity
  • Escondido – Motherhood Maternity
  • Folsom – Motherhood Maternity Outlet
  • Glendale – Destination Maternity
  • Huntington Beach – Motherhood Maternity
  • Irvine – Motherhood Maternity
  • Lakewood – Motherhood Maternity
  • Manhattan Beach – Destination Maternity
  • Mission Viejo – A Pea in the Pod
  • Torrance – A Pea in the Pod
  • Montebello – Motherhood Maternity
  • Palmdale – Motherhood Maternity
  • Palm Desert- Motherhood Maternity
  • Petaluma – Motherhood Maternity Outlet
  • Riverside – Motherhood Maternity
  • San Bernardino – Motherhood Maternity Outlet
  • San Jose – Motherhood Maternity
  • Santa Rosa – Motherhood Maternity
  • Sherman Oaks – A Pea in the Pod
  • Temecula – Motherhood Maternity
  • Thousand Oaks – Destination Maternity
  • Torrance – Motherhood Maternity
  • Valencia – Motherhood Maternity
  • Vacaville – Motherhood Maternity Outlet
  • Visalia – Motherhood Maternity

Colorado

  • Denver – A Pea in the Pod
  • Grand Junction – Motherhood Maternity
  • Lakewood – Motherhood Maternity Outlet

Connecticut

  • Milford – Motherhood Maternity
  • South Windsor – Destination Maternity
  • Waterford – Motherhood Maternity
  • Westport – Destination Maternity

Delaware

  • Newark – Motherhood Maternity

Florida

  • Clearwater – Motherhood Maternity
  • Destin – Motherhood Maternity Outlet
  • Fort Lauderdale – Motherhood Maternity Outlet
  • Gainesville – Motherhood Maternity
  • Jensen Beach – Motherhood Maternity
  • Lutz – Motherhood Maternity Outlet
  • Melbourne – Motherhood Maternity
  • Miami – Motherhood Maternity
  • Orlando – Motherhood Maternity
  • Palm Beach Gardens – A Pea in the Pod
  • Panama City – Motherhood Maternity
  • Pembroke Pines – Motherhood Maternity
  • Sanford – Motherhood Maternity
  • Sarasota – Motherhood Maternity
  • St. Augustine – Motherhood Maternity Outlet
  • Tallahassee – Motherhood Maternity Outlet

Georgia

  • Atlanta – Motherhood Maternity
  • Newnan – Motherhood Maternity
  • Dawsonville – Motherhood Maternity Outlet
  • Columbus – Motherhood Maternity
  • McDonough – Motherhood Maternity

Idaho

  • Idaho Falls – Motherhood Maternity

Illinois

  • Aurora – Motherhood Maternity
  • Aurora – Motherhood Maternity Outlet
  • Chicago – A Pea in the Pod
  • Gurnee – Motherhood Maternity Outlet
  • Peoria – Motherhood Maternity
  • Rockford – Motherhood Maternity
  • Schaumburg – Destination Maternity
  • Skokie – Destination Maternity
  • Springfield – Motherhood Maternity Outlet
  • Vernon Hill – Motherhood Maternity

Indiana

  • Carmel – Motherhood Maternity
  • Greenwood – Motherhood Maternity
  • Lafayette – Motherhood Maternity
  • Merrillville – Motherhood Maternity
  • Michigan City – Motherhood Maternity Outlet
  • Plainfield – Motherhood Maternity

Iowa

  • Williamsburg – Motherhood Maternity Outlet

Kentucky

  • Bowling Green – Motherhood Maternity
  • Florence – Motherhood Maternity
  • Simpsonville – Motherhood Maternity Outlet

Louisiana

  • Bossier City – Motherhood Maternity
  • Lake Charles – Motherhood Maternity
  • Mandeville – Motherhood Maternity

Maryland

  • Annapolis – Motherhood Maternity
  • Baltimore – Motherhood Maternity
  • Towson – Motherhood Maternity

Massachusetts

  • Boston – A Pea in the Pod
  • Braintree – Destination Maternity
  • Methuen – Motherhood Maternity
  • Natick – Destination Maternity
  • Plymouth – Motherhood Maternity

Michigan

  • Howell – Motherhood Maternity Outlet

Minnesota

  • Columbia – Motherhood Maternity
  • Coon Rapids – Motherhood Maternity
  • Duluth – Motherhood Maternity
  • Mankato – Motherhood Maternity
  • Minnetonka – Motherhood Maternity
  • Rochester – Motherhood Maternity

Mississippi

  • Gulfport – Motherhood Maternity Outlet

Missouri

  • Independence – Motherhood Maternity
  • Joplin – Motherhood Maternity
  • Osage Beach – Motherhood Maternity Outlet
  • St. Louis – Motherhood Maternity
  • St. Peters – Motherhood Maternity

Montana

  • Billings – Motherhood Maternity
  • Missoula – Motherhood Maternity

Nebraska

  • Gretna – Motherhood Maternity Outlet

Nevada

  • Henderson – Motherhood Maternity
  • Las Vegas – A Pea in the Pod

New Jersey

  • Bridgewater – Destination Maternity
  • Deptford – Motherhood Maternity
  • Elizabeth – Motherhood Maternity Outlet
  • Shrewsbury – A Pea in the Pod

New York

  • Bronx – Motherhood Maternity
  • Carle Place – Destination Maternity
  • Elmhurst – Motherhood Maternity
  • Manhasset – Destination Maternity
  • Nanuet – Destination Maternity
  • Niagara Falls – Motherhood Maternity Outlet
  • Riverhead – Motherhood Maternity Outlet
  • Staten Island – Motherhood Maternity
  • Middletown – Motherhood Maternity
  • Lake Grove – Destination Maternity
  • Waterloo – Motherhood Maternity Outlet

North Carolina

  • Cary – Motherhood Maternity Outlet
  • Charlotte – Destination Maternity
  • Raleigh – Motherhood Maternity
  • Smithfield – Motherhood Maternity Outlet
  • Wilmington – Motherhood Maternity

North Dakota

  • Bismarck – Motherhood Maternity

Ohio

  • Akron – Motherhood Maternity
  • Burbank – Motherhood Maternity Outlet
  • Columbus – A Pea in the Pod
  • Dayton – Motherhood Maternity
  • Jeffersonville – Motherhood Maternity Outlet
  • Mentor – Motherhood Maternity

Oregon

  • Medford – Motherhood Maternity
  • Salem – Motherhood Maternity
  • Troutdale – Motherhood Maternity Outlet

Pennsylvania

  • Altoona – Motherhood Maternity
  • Erie – Motherhood Maternity
  • Lancaster – Motherhood Maternity
  • North Wales – Motherhood Maternity
  • Philadelphia – Destination Maternity
  • Philadelphia – Motherhood Maternity Outlet
  • Wayne – Motherhood Maternity
  • Whitehall – Motherhood Maternity
  • Willow Grove- Motherhood Maternity

South Carolina

  • Myrtle Beach – Motherhood Maternity
  • Myrtle Beach – Motherhood Maternity Outlet

South Dakota

  • Rapid City – Motherhood Maternity

Tennessee

  • Franklin – Motherhood Maternity
  • Johnson City – Motherhood Maternity
  • Nashville – A Pea in the Pod

Texas

  • Abilene- Motherhood Maternity
  • Arlington – Motherhood Maternity
  • Austin – A Pea in the Pod
  • Austin – Motherhood Maternity
  • Beaumont – Motherhood Maternity
  • Brownsville – Motherhood Maternity
  • Cedar Park – Motherhood Maternity
  • Denton – Motherhood Maternity
  • El Paso – Motherhood Maternity
  • Humble – Motherhood Maternity
  • Laredo – Motherhood Maternity
  • Live Oak – Motherhood Maternity
  • Mesquite – Motherhood Maternity
  • Pearland – Motherhood Maternity
  • Waco – Motherhood Maternity

Vermont

  • South Burlington – Motherhood Maternity

Virginia

  • Arlington – Motherhood Maternity
  • Charlottesville – Motherhood Maternity
  • Dulles – Motherhood Maternity
  • McLean – A Pea in the Pod
  • Prince William – Motherhood Maternity
  • Springfield – Motherhood Maternity

Washington

  • Bellingham – Motherhood Maternity
  • Kennewick – Motherhood Maternity
  • Spokane – Motherhood Maternity

Wisconsin

  • Appleton – Motherhood Maternity
  • Oshkosh – Motherhood Maternity Outlet
  • Green Bay – Motherhood Maternity
  • Greendale – Motherhood Maternity

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Philip Pessar via Flickr

 

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The Children’s Place recently announced it will relaunch fave kiddo clothing brand Gymboree in early 2020.

As many a mom already knows, Gymboree shuttered all of its stores after filing for bankruptcy. Reportedly, The Children’s Place bought the rights associated with Gymboree (and the Crazy 8 brand) for $76 million.

In a press statement Jane Elfers, President and Chief Executive Officer for The Children’s Place, said, “We have embarked upon an exciting journey to bring this iconic brand back to the loyal Gymboree customers, who continue to voice an unrivaled passion and affinity for it. We are thrilled to be able to revitalize bow-to-toe collections that create magical childhood moments.” Elfers also added, “We are making every effort to meet her high standards for curated and elevated product and eagerly anticipate welcoming her back to the Gymboree brand.”

The company plans to launch a personalized online shopping experience on Gymboree.com and sell the brand’s products in more than 200 of The Children’s Place stores across the United States and Canada starting in 2020. The new website will include Gymboree clothing collections in sizes 12M-8T, an enhanced loyalty program and the ability to buy by collection.

Claudia Lima-Guinehut, Senior Vice President, Global Merchandising for The Children’s Place, said, “We believe a multichannel offering combining an enhanced online shopping experience with inviting in-store locations will best serve long-standing Gymboree customers, and also welcome a new generation of moms to the iconic brand.” Lima-Guinehut continued, “The goal is to provide a Gymboree brand experience that reconnects mom to the branded product that she loves, and also provides her with enhanced capabilities she’s come to expect from best-in-class, omni-channel retailers.”

Visit Gymboree.com from late October through mid-January to enter to win an entire Spring 2020 collection in the brand’s Superfan Sweepstakes. Shoppers can also snag one of the weekly $2,500 Gymboree gift card giveaways.

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Phillip Pessar via Flickr

 

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Charming Charlie is shuttering stores in 38 states. The jewelry and accessory chain recently filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and like many other brick and mortar stores (such as Toys “R” Us and Gymboree), Charming Charlie’s days are coming to an end.

This isn’t the first time the retailer has filed for Chapter 11. Charming Charlie’s first bankruptcy ended last year, but included the closure of 100 stores. With the second filing, the company will now need to close its remaining 261 locations.

photo: Mike Mozart via Flickr

So what pushed Charming Charlie over the edge? Reportedly, “unsustainable operating expenses,” including the rising cost of leases, are at fault.

According to recent reports, the chain plans to complete the closure by the end of August. This means saddened fans of the retailer will get a last chance to score deep discounts immediately—many locations are already in going out of business sale mode.

—Erica Loop

 

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Following on the heels of the biggest airbag recall in modern motoring history, there’s been another Honda vehicle recall—and again, Takata airbags are source of the issue. Representatives from Honda could not immediately be reached for comment.

Takata issued its first nationwide recall at the behest of the U.S. National Highway Transportation Safety Administration in 2014. Since then, tens of millions of vehicles have been recalled because of Takata’s faulty airbags. (As a result of the recalls and associated fines and penalties, the Japanese-based company filed for bankruptcy in 2017.) This current recall from the NHTSA includes more than one million Honda and Acura vehicle models.

Recalled Vehicle Descriptions

The recall includes multiple models of 2001-2016 Honda and Acura cars, SUVs, minivans and pickup trucks. Visit the Consumer Reports website here for a full list or check the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s website for recalls by VIN or vehicle.

Why These Hondas & Acuras Were Recalled

According to reports, the defective inflators were exposed to too much moisture during the manufacturing process. This increased the risk of rupture—presenting the possibility of shrapnel (sharp metal) fragments shooting out from the airbag and into the driver during a crash.

How to Tell If Your Car Was Recalled

Visit NHTSA’s website and enter your vehicle or VIN number. If you’re still not sure, contact your local Honda or Acura dealer ASAP.

What Car Owners Can Do

If your car is on the recall list, contact your dealer immediately. The dealer will replace the defective parts.

For questions or concerns, contact Honda via the car-maker’s website or call the Recall Line at 888-234-2138 Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. PT, Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. PT or Sunday from 6 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. PT.

Acura owners can find more information on the Acura website or by calling 800-382-2238.

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Pixel-mixer via Pixabay

 

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With the brick-and-mortar retail model ever-evolving at lightning speed, we’ve seen tons of store closures this last year as shoppers flock to online shopping. With several brick-and-mortar chains going out of business, it was a nice surprise when we learned this week that Gap Inc., will buy Janie and Jack and The Children’s Place will acquire Gymboree brand’s other stores, keeping some of our favorite kids clothing shops open (for now).

Keeping the bankruptcies, closures, and sell-offs straight is nothing short of confusing. There are a lot of brands in the mix, with plenty of details to keep track of, so keep reading to see what you need to know.

In January 2019, San Francisco-based Gymboree filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The announcement meant the company would close about 800 Gymboree and Crazy 8 stores in the United States and Canada. It hoped that the release of those brands would help the company focus on its remaining Janie and Jack brand.

But things have changed in the last month and Gymboree Inc. is now selling off all of its brands under the bankruptcy plan. So who is buying who?

The Gap Is Buying Janie & Jack

Gap Inc. will pay $35 million for Janie & Jack, a high-end children’s line. The purchase price will cover the leases to all stores, customer data and its online business.

The transaction comes a mere three days after Gap Inc. announced it’s breaking up with Old Navy and splitting the brand into its own company, resulting in a closure of about 230 of its Gap stores. While no one can argue the recent success of Old Navy over the last few years, perhaps the split with Gap is also a means to make room for Janie & Jack?

As of this writing, it appears Janie & Jack stores will remain open, allowing for ample spending of those gift cards. No other news about down-sizing the existing chain of Janie & Jack stores has been announced.

The Children’s Place Is Buying Gymboree & Crazy 8

The Children’s Place will pay $76 million for the rights to Gymboree and the Crazy 8 brands. It will also take on the current contract with Zeavion Holding Co., who owns the Gymboree’s Play & Music business.

Since all Gymboree and Crazy 8 stores have already closed, you’re out of luck when it comes to spending any remaining gift cards. Sit tight to see just how The Children’s Place plans to revive the brands, either through carrying the line in their existing stores, selling them online or bringing back stand-alone brick-and-mortar options.

It’s also important to note that both purchases will need to be approved in bankruptcy court, so only time will tell exactly how and if we’ll see these brands brought back to life.

––Karly Wood

All photos: Phillip Pessar via Flickr/Composites: Keiko Zoll for Red Tricycle

 

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In Memoriam 2018: Remembering Toys”R”Us

Don’t cry for Geoffrey anytime soon—because Toys”R”Us is back. The toy store of our childhoods is returning, but with a whole new name.

By now you already know the sad saga of the toy giant. After decades of catering to kids (and their parents’ wallets), Toys”R”Us was forced closed its doors for good after declaring bankruptcy. Following the closures in 2018, reports and rumors swirled about new potential buyers.

Photo: Mike Mozart via Flickr

Last holiday season we all got a sneak peek into the could-be future of the toy retailer with Geoffrey’s Toy Box—a partnership with Kroger that brought beloved Toys”R”Us brands back to select store shelves for a limited time. But don’t expect to see a Geoffrey’s Toy Box as a stand-alone store anytime soon.

Instead, the new “Toys”R”Us is now Tru Kids. So what, or rather who, is Tru Kids? With former global chief merchandising officer of Toys”R”Us, Richard Barry, at the helm, Tru Kids is now the parent company of both the Toys”R”Us and Babies”R”Us brands. Tru Kids also owns the rights to Geoffrey the Giraffe and many of the store’s original brands.

While Tru Kids hasn’t announced specific plans for opening U.S. stores (don’t worry, reportedly these will come eventually), the new Toys”R”Us reported has 70 stores across Asia, Europe and India in the works.

When Tru Kids does hit the U.S. market, don’t expect it to look like the Toys”R”Us you remember. Instead of competing with other big box stores, Tru Kids will reportedly focus on e-commerce, using technology to improve in-store customer experiences and different types of retail approaches, such as pop-ups shops and partnerships with other brands.

—Erica Loop

 

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