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The Retail Industry Is Constantly Changing

Retail industry feels the pain of a volatile economy as much as, if not more than, any other industry. Consumers are fickle and established brands have disappeared. Consumers’ spending habits are rapidly changing and there is an ongoing and seemingly never-ending risks when world events cause incalculable changes. “Trendy” items can grow cold. More expensive items are experiencing a longer shelf life, and consumers are purchasing in smaller quantities.

Retail outlets are being forced to increase budgets on advertisements while offering more sales and specials. When a retailer comes to the brink of insolvency and begins to consider options including whether to seek relief under the Bankruptcy Code, these and more issues are taken into consideration.

Retailers are especially impacted by cyclical markets and the need for capital to continue business operations in the early stages of bankruptcy. Being able to plan a strategic time to file bankruptcy can be crucial to start a retailer’s bankruptcy case off on the right foot and raise the probability of a successful reorganization.

Common administrative issues that arise when a bankruptcy petition has been filed include keeping the lights and other utilities turned on, dealing with unexpired leases, honoring gift cards, staying competitive in the market, and appeasing secured lenders upfront in order to assure the availability of inventory, customer loyalty and brand recognition during the bankruptcy proceedings.

DelCotto Law Group PLLC looks at all options with retail business owners, exploring the timing and whether to file for bankruptcy or work on restructuring outside of a court process. Chapter 11 bankruptcy can be a critical tool to use in order to restructure debts or provide a sale of assets or wind-down of operations. We have experience in the retail industry and can be of service in addressing industry-specific issues such as:

  • Lease assumption, rejection or assignment
  • True lease/finance lease analysis
  • Critical vendors
  • Administrative claims including 503(b)(9) claims for 20-day goods
  • Franchise or trademark agreements
  • 363 sales and gob sales
  • Timing of filing/cyclical nature of business
  • Gift card issues

For further reading, please visit our blog:
Forever 21: Only the Strong Survive in Today’s Retail Economy

Fred’s Closing its Stores in Chapter 11 Bankruptcy

We are a debt relief agency. We help people file for bankruptcy relief under the Bankruptcy Code.