Liz Claiborne Closing Outlet Stores
One of 87 Liz Claiborne outlet stores. Photo: JB Reed, Bloomberg News
The show's over, folks.
Liz Claiborne Inc. will be closing its 87 branded outlet stores by early 2011, the company has announced in a press release.
(Pause for a moment of silence.)
In a case of out with the old, in with the new, the company is now focusing on its current ventures with JCPenney and QVC.
As we previously reported, the new deal will see the Liz Claiborne and Claiborne lines being sold exclusively through JCPenney, while the Isaac Mizrahi-designed Liz Claiborne New York line will be sold solely through QVC.
"A number of factors precipitated this decision," explains CEO William McComb in the release.
"Our current fleet of Liz Claiborne branded outlet stores was originally designed and leased to handle clearance for many brands in our portfolio -- an outdated consumer proposition and one that no longer makes economic sense, given the vast changes we have made to our portfolio and business strategy over the past three years."
But fear not, outlet shoppers. Liz Claiborne brands like Juicy Couture, Lucky Brands, Kensie, and Kate Spade will continue to let the good discount shopping times roll.
Meanwhile, read our interview with the late Liz Claiborne's husband, Arthur Ortenberg.
Tags: JCPenney, liz claiborne, outlet stores, Outlets, qvc, Retailers, Store Closings, Stores
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Maureen O'Connor, 7-28-2010, 8:03PM
The Liz corporation made a huge mistake by taking an icon like Liz Claiborne with classic designs of high quality that you could wear year to year just by adding a few wonderful pieces, She was a wonderful woman who knew what women wanted in fashion and she designed what there needs were. The store I worked at used to be a SIX Million dollar store, then they go so far to the other side choosing to turn the line over to Issac Mizrahi how ridiculous what does he know with his clown colors and design??? They have nobody to blame but themselves! Meanwhile people who have been loyal employees are being sent on their way to find new jobs which is not an easy task in todays economy!
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