The women’s boutique chain Francesca’s is closing all of its stores for good — including those in Western Pennsylvania.
After more than 25 years in business, a representative confirmed to Women’s Wear Daily that it’s “liquidating our inventory and closing soon,” People reported.
Francesca’s began liquidating its inventory on Friday, according to WWD.
The company opened its first location in Houston, Texas, and was known for selling fashionable clothing and trendy accessories, People said.
A “warehouse sale” is happening on the Francesca’s website — with all clearance items $15 and under. Regularly priced items are also on sale for various percentages, and there’s free standard shipping for orders over $50 online.
Though the entire site says items are 20% off, some exclusions apply, according to Francesca’s.
Francesca’s filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and had plans to sell the business due to financial struggles that were exacerbated by the covid-19 pandemic, People said.
USA Today reported that afterward, 558 of Francesca’s 700 stores would remain open, with a planned “attempt to renegotiate a number of leases during this process, which may include closing additional boutiques.”
The Francesca’s boutiques in the Monroeville Mall and on Walnut Street in Shadyside have already permanently closed.
Other locations in the area are inside the following shopping centers:
- Ross Park Mall
- The Mall at Robinson
- South Hills Village
- Tanger Outlets Pittsburgh
- Grove City Premium Outlets
One of Francesca’s vendors said that the liquidation is believed to include “inventory that has not been paid for,” according to People. The vendor also alleged that the firm is owed $250 million in unpaid invoices, saying “there has been no correspondence whatsoever from corporate to any of the vendors.”
Francesca’s merchants were “let go (Jan. 14) with no warning,” according to a WWD source.
