GOING OUT OF STYLE
Luxe retailer Henri Bendel to shutter after 123 years
You won’t be able to be a Bendel Girl for much longer.
The 123-year old Henri Bendel — an upscale women’s brand known for its iconic brown-and-white striped shopping bags and products — will close all 23 of its stores, including its flagship Fifth Ave. location, in January. The Bendel website will also shut down.
L Brands, which took over the specialty store in 1985 and also owns brands like Victoria’s Secret, PINK and Bath & Body Works, announced that the move will let the company concentrate on its more profitable brands.
“We are committed to improving performance in the business and increasing shareholder value,” Leslie Wexner, chairman and CEO of L Brands, said in a statement. “As part of that effort, we have decided to stop operating Bendel to improve company profitability and focus on our larger brands that have greater growth potential.
“This decision is right for the future growth of our company, but not easy because of the impact to our L Brands family,” Wexner added. “I want to thank our Bendel associates for their dedication to this iconic brand and to our loyal Bendel customers.”
Bendel — which encouraged women to “become a Bendel Girl” and sells handbags, jewelry, scented candles and other accessories — will continue to roll out new merch throughout the holiday season.
Louisiana-born businessman and fashion designer Henri Willis Bendel opened his first namesake shop in Manhattan’s Greenwich Village in 1895.
The Midtown flagship location is as much a destination as a place to shop, especially during the Christmas season. Each year, its holiday windows are decked with dazzling displays.
Fans of the brand mourned the soon-to-close shops Friday. “I just read Henri Bendel is closing after 123 years. Now I really need to go to NYC,” Twitter user Morgana Daniella posted. “I can’t let this store close without visiting it once!”
Another user named Erika tweeted her fashion fury at owner L Brands: “What the heck, @L_Brands?! Closing my beloved @HenriBendel in favor of the extremely common VS?! Every time I’ve been in VS in the last few years, I’m disappointed at how chaotic & disorganized it is. Not surprised earnings are bad. Total shame to lose a gem like Henri Bendel.”