C. Wonder is closing all of its stores

The New York Daily News ^ | January 6, 2015 | Victoria Taylor

[2ndDivisionVet]

The preppy lifestyle brand started by Tory Burch’s ex-husband, Chris Burch, is shutting down its remaining locations ‘due to the highly competitive nature of the current retail environment,’ a spokesman said.

It’s curtains for C. Wonder. The retailer confirmed that it will shutter its remaining locations.

C. Wonder is closing up shop.

The retailer, which was launched by designer Tory Burch’s ex-husband, Chris Burch, will be shutting down its remaining stores, a spokesman confirmed.

“Due to the highly competitive nature of the current retail environment, C. Wonder will be closing its remaining stores," a spokesman said in a statement to the Daily News. "The Company continues to evaluate its best alternative to maintain the C. Wonder experience for its customers."

The lifestyle brand, which is known for its bright colored apparel and monogramed home goods, has already shut down its Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest pages.

Chris Burch launched C. Wonder in 2011. C. Wonder's aesthetic was immediately compared to that of Tory Burch's eponymous brand.

Previous

Next Chris Burch launched C. Wonder in 2011.. C. Wonder's aesthetic was immediately compared to that of Tory Burch's eponymous brand..

C. Wonder’s website is still online — and having a 50% off sale — but will be taken down by the end of next week, BuzzFeed reported.

Rumors circulated in late 2014 that the struggling retailer was shuttering 20 of its 32 freestanding locations by Jan. 1. Executives called the reports "off-base" and said the brand was working on a new business plan.

However, according to BuzzFeed, the company alerted its 100 remaining employees Monday that the chain was shutting down for good.

C. Wonder was launched in 2011. It immediately faced criticism for selling items that called to mind Tory Burch's more expensive clothing line.

[2ndDivisionVet]

This is that "recovery" you've been reading all about. Looks like Sears, Radio Shack and JC Penney are close behind.

[ClearCase_guy]

‘due to the highly competitive nature of the current retail environment,’

AKA -- Bush's fault.

[Oliviaforever]

Preppy is not cool, not marketable.

Sears, Penny’s and Radio Shack market as it is 1978.

That’s why they are failing.

[nascarnation]

I’ve never heard of “C. Wonder” but most of the wounds at Sears, Penney, and Radio Shack are self inflicted.

[Veggie Todd]

[PghBaldy]

I have heard of two other chains shutting down in last week. This has been the worst stretch of economy I can remember. It just drags on and on.

[Autonomous User]

Couldn’t compete.

[Ouderkirk]

This is what the Great Depression was like....FDR kept it going, and going and going.

The is Great Depression 2

[smokingfrog]

Maybe a little too preppy.

And Old Navy is cheaper.

[alstewartfan]

Obama said it; it is so. Winter of recovery.

[SkyDancer]

That the same as Body Central? They’re closing all their stores ... 2500 out of work.

[2ndDivisionVet]

Different companies.

[SkyDancer]

Okay, well that makes two then ....shame. Folks out of work.

[2ndDivisionVet]

I could post 3 to 5 a day.

[golux]

Preppy is not cool, not marketable.

I keep saying the same thing to myself as I continue in my frustration to buy Brooks, Lauren, J. Press, Bass, Bostonian, Land's End, Bean, Ray Ban, Lacoste, Persol, Gold Toe, and other high-quality brands I've worn since I was a boy... (usually from the thrift store)


Goodness gracious what shall I wear when these companies go under?


Style and fine workmanship are beyond fashion.


Screw the marketing people: I have Polo shirts I wore almost THREE decades ago. They still look great. Faded, like me, but great. How can "Dolce and Gabbana" compete with that, with their skimpy fairy weenie threads?


I have "Men's Wearhouse" suits that failed after a year, and old Pringle sweaters that were my GRANDFATHER'S, that I've worn since they were too big on me.


Quality is real. Style is real.

[Secret Agent Man]

many haven’t changed their store insides and outsides since 1978 too. doesn’t help.

[proxy_user]

There are quite a few specialty companies that cater to that market. Most of their stuff is appallingly expensive, so it had better be good.

[SkyDancer]

Heard that JCP is closing some store also ... Sears as well. Interesting that big box stores like Nordstrom (my fav) is doing okay but then Macy’s is closing some stores. Wonder how Bloomingdale is doing. And Gimbels used to have the Thanksgiving parade the oldest parade in the US (before the Rose Parade even)and before Macy’s.

[E. Pluribus Unum]

Not guilty!

[wideawake]

Actually, preppy is still a strong trend.

There are more made-to-measure tailoring firms out there now than there have been in 30 years - Indochino, Dragon Inside, MySuit, etc. New retailers like SuitSupply, Frank & Oak, Bonobos. They sell the same standards: charcoal suits, tweed sportcoats, navy blazers, oxford cloth button downs, repp ties as well as classic Neapolitan looks and more "modern" items. J. Crew is one of the most popular retailers among 20 somethings as is Uniqlo, Ralph Lauren among 30 somethings and also Brooks Brothers Black Fleece.

Popular blogs like Articles of Style, Permanent Style, Put This On, The Fine Young Gentleman promote these looks.

In NYC boutiques like The Armoury, Epaulet, and Carson Street Clothiers and online shops like No Man Walks Alone and Kent Wang.

There are new shoe firms that feature classic brogues and loafers like Jack Erwin, Paul Evans, Meermin, and Cobbler's Union.

Sears, Penney, and others have been criticized for being unimaginative and for having lower quality clothing - not for being preppy, but for being a cheap facsimile. Of course, when you have to buy fabric and also pay rent on thousands of stores something has to give.