Betsey Johnson closing its doors
The end of the iconic brand opens up room for competing luxury retailers.
By Katey Stapleton, Benzinga Staff Writer
Long-time luxury retailer Betsey Johnson has seen the last of its flowery patterns and animal prints. The funky, gleefully spirited brand is going out of business, announcing an "everything must go" blowout sale that even includes the actual store shelves themselves.
During the 20% to 50% off sale, customers can purchase the newest Betsey styles at a discounted rate with no chance of return. Inventory will not be replenished following the sales at the privately held chain's 54 stores and nine outlets.
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"While the sales are ongoing, Betsey Johnson customers are still our main priority. We hope that they use this opportunity to find great discounts on all of the latest Betsey Johnson fashions," Friedman said.
While Betsey and her fans may be crying tears flecked with cobalt blue eye shadow and chunks of thick black mascara, other high-end retailers are able to rejoice at the prospect of attracting her groovy clientele.
Michael Kors (KORS) could potentially see share interest from investors after the demise of Betsey Johnson. Her loss is his gain, as the two brands compete at a comparable price level and attract a fairly similar customer base.
Express (EXPR) has seen a recent spike in men's retail spending, but has lost some of its female fan base. According to Piper Jaffray, men have been picking up their fashion game lately, and the ladies in their lives are likely not far behind. With this extra push from Betsey Johnson's abandoned female shoppers, there is an even better chance that EXPR will experience better-than-expected summer months.
For many women, the news of Betsey Johnson's goodbye marks the end of an era. Merchandise is expected to sell at warp speed, since the brand usually sells inventory at full price until pushing it off-price stores such as T.J. Maxx and Marshalls (TJX). With the discounted price tags and coveted outfits, Betsey Johnson has seen the last of its retail reign.
My daughter got a Betsy Johnson purse last Christmas and it was expensive. Expensive junk that is; from China. The zipper broke and the metalic shine of the fabric wore at the seams. Contacted Betsy Johnson and they would not do anything. I would not buy her one again, now i'm glad i didn't.
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