Express Inc. Files for Bankruptcy, Closing 95 Stores and All 10 UpWest Locations

Express, which was founded in 1980, has faced numerous challenges in adapting to the changing retail landscape. Neil Saunders, managing director of GlobalData, noted that the brand has been beset by quality issues and the shift towards remote work has lessened the demand for office clothing.

“Everyone has been nibbling at Express from all sides, and Express doesn’t have a defensible proposition,” Saunders commented. The company has received a non-binding letter of intent from a group led by brand management firm WHP Global, which owns a 60% stake in Express through a joint venture formed last year.

The potential acquisition would include the majority of Express’s stores and operations. To facilitate the sale process, Express filed for bankruptcy in Delaware.

Despite the closures, Express stated that it will continue to serve customers through its remaining stores and online platforms across its Express, Bonobos, and UpWest brands. The company expects to conduct business as usual while working to optimize its lease portfolio and operations…