Chain with local stores files for bankruptcy

Charlotte Russe will close nearly 100 stores as part of its Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing.

Charlotte Russe did not say which stores are closing. However, Business Insider reports that Ohio stores at Liberty Center and in Toledo and Mentor (near Cleveland) will close.

There are Charlotte Russe stores at the Dayton Mall, Mall at Fairfield Commons, Upper Valley Mall in Springfield, Cincinnati Premium Outlets, Liberty Center, Tri-County Mall, Tuttle Crossing Mall and Polaris Fashion Place.

The retailer, which sells women’s apparel, has struggled to stay on top of changing consumer shopping habits and plans to use the reorganization process to continue working on a sale of the business and assets, according to a company statement. About 94 stores will close during the process.

Charlotte Russe operates more than 500 stores in 49 states and Puerto Rico, typically in malls and outlet shops. Other specialty retailers have struggled and filed for bankruptcy in recent months including Gymboree.