After a vicious year of bankruptcies, some retailers are still at risk. 13 companies, including Rite Aid, Belk, and Neiman Marcus, could be the next to default. (2024)

  • Moody's identified 13 retailers at the highest risk of defaulting or filing for bankruptcy in 2021.
  • Apparel and department store retailers, they said, remain the most at-risk.
  • Men's Wearhouse, Talbots, Belk, and Party City all made the list.

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Apparel and department stores are the most at risk for defaulting on their loans in 2021, analysts with Moody's Investors Service said in an April 7 report.

After a brutal year in 2020, in which dozens of retailers filed for bankruptcy, more filings could be coming, but not as many as last year, the analysts said.

Apparel stores accounted for about half of defaults in 2020, and the sector is still "in the eye of the storm," as it confronts long-term pressures, like declining mall traffic, the analysts said.

Although the 2021 forecast "marks a vast improvement over the prior year, it is still historically high relative to prior recoveries, pointing to significant ongoing risk for an industry not yet out of the woods," the report said.

Read more: Experts say brick-and-mortar retailers could rebound post-pandemic — but only if they channel the e-commerce boom back to their physical outposts

The analysts identified 13 stores at the highest risk of defaulting, and most of them are apparel stores.

After a vicious year of bankruptcies, some retailers are still at risk. 13 companies, including Rite Aid, Belk, and Neiman Marcus, could be the next to default. (1)

MIKE BLAKE/Reuters

Rite Aid, the US pharmacy chain with 2,500 stores in 19 states, struggled amid the pandemic as fewer people came down with colds or coughs as they sheltered at home. The company cut its full-year forecast for 2021, and it has $1.5 billion in outstanding debt rated high risk. Moody's said its competitive disadvantage and near-term maturities are putting it in danger of default.

After a vicious year of bankruptcies, some retailers are still at risk. 13 companies, including Rite Aid, Belk, and Neiman Marcus, could be the next to default. (2)

Richard Drew/AP Images

"Debt-strapped" Party City eased its heavy burden last year when it announced a bond restructuring, Moody's said. While the party retailer is still at risk of default because of ongoing challenges from low demand, the risk isn't "immediate," the analysts said.

After a vicious year of bankruptcies, some retailers are still at risk. 13 companies, including Rite Aid, Belk, and Neiman Marcus, could be the next to default. (3)

Reuters

Women's clothing store Talbots is among apparel retailers at risk. The company is facing sector challenges, as many consumers have turned away from malls amid the pandemic. Talbots doesn't have much cash on hand, and it's debt is coming due soon, analysts said.

After a vicious year of bankruptcies, some retailers are still at risk. 13 companies, including Rite Aid, Belk, and Neiman Marcus, could be the next to default. (4)

John Greim/Getty Images

Belk, a private apparel retailer with locations in 16 states, already marked the first bankruptcy of 2021. The Charlotte, North Carolina-based department store chain has struggled like other apparel retailers amid the pandemic. Plus, it has a lot of debt and not a lot of cash on hand.

After a vicious year of bankruptcies, some retailers are still at risk. 13 companies, including Rite Aid, Belk, and Neiman Marcus, could be the next to default. (5)

REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni

Men's Wearhouse was among the long-struggling companies that defaulted in 2020, along with retailers like J.C. Penney and J. Crew. The formal apparel retailer was hit hard during the pandemic as people stayed at home and opted to wear comfy clothes instead of formal wear. Moody's said the company's outlook is currently stable, though it's still at risk amid continued sector challenges.

After a vicious year of bankruptcies, some retailers are still at risk. 13 companies, including Rite Aid, Belk, and Neiman Marcus, could be the next to default. (6)

Katie Warren/Business Insider

Neiman Marcus was also among retailers that filed for bankruptcy in 2020, as it was under "inexorable" pressure from the pandemic. The department store chain was "one of the highest-profile companies to succumb to bankruptcy" in 2020, analysts said, but it "emerged from Chapter 11 in September after shedding more than $4 billion of debt." The company's debt rating remains below investment-grade, however, keeping it at risk of default.

After a vicious year of bankruptcies, some retailers are still at risk. 13 companies, including Rite Aid, Belk, and Neiman Marcus, could be the next to default. (7)

Jeffrey Greenberg/Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

J. Jill, owned by Jill Acquisition, restructured its debt in 2020, giving the company "additional time to recover from coronavirus-driven disruption in the apparel retail industry," Moody's said at the time. Though the women's apparel retailer still has risky debt on hand with weak liquidity, Moody's rated it at stable.

After a vicious year of bankruptcies, some retailers are still at risk. 13 companies, including Rite Aid, Belk, and Neiman Marcus, could be the next to default. (8)

The Container Store

Shoes for Crews, owned by SHO Holding, extended the deadline for its debt maturity last year during the pandemic. Still, the maker of slip-resistant, safety footwear for workers is at risk of default, as it faces the continued challenges of the apparel industry and is strapped with debt.

After a vicious year of bankruptcies, some retailers are still at risk. 13 companies, including Rite Aid, Belk, and Neiman Marcus, could be the next to default. (9)

AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes

Outerstuff, the maker of major league sports apparel for youth, is one of the several retailers facing challenges as an apparel store. The private company is at risk of default as it has an "unsustainable capital structure at current levels of performance, small revenue scale, narrow product concentration primarily in licensed children's sports apparel in North America with a small, but growing, adult and international presence, and reliance on licensing arrangements from several sports leagues for a significant majority of revenue," Moody's said in a March 26 analysis.

After a vicious year of bankruptcies, some retailers are still at risk. 13 companies, including Rite Aid, Belk, and Neiman Marcus, could be the next to default. (10)

AP

Nine West, owned by Premier Brands Group Holdings, filed for bankruptcy in 2018. It reduced debt and emerged from bankruptcy in 2019 and sold its Anne Klein trademark. Still, the retailer is at risk of default because of a drop in revenue during the pandemic, and "it will take some time for the company to demonstrate a sustainable turnaround in light of the ongoing challenges in key segments of its wholesale customer base and the overall global apparel environment," Moody's said in a March 29 note.

After a vicious year of bankruptcies, some retailers are still at risk. 13 companies, including Rite Aid, Belk, and Neiman Marcus, could be the next to default. (11)

Michael Stuparyk/Toronto Star via Getty Images

Midas Intermediate Holdco, which owns Service King, has a lot of debt, and the bill is coming due. The Richardson, Texas-based car repair company has $1.1 billion in debt rated below investment-grade, Moody's said.

After a vicious year of bankruptcies, some retailers are still at risk. 13 companies, including Rite Aid, Belk, and Neiman Marcus, could be the next to default. (12)

Facbook/99 Cents Only

Dollar-store chain 99 Cents Only, which has 350 stores in four states, had distressed exchanges in 2017 and 2019. The discount retailer is at risk because of a competitive disadvantage and operational and execution issues, Moody's said.

After a vicious year of bankruptcies, some retailers are still at risk. 13 companies, including Rite Aid, Belk, and Neiman Marcus, could be the next to default. (13)

Frank McKenna/Unsplash

Boardriders, the maker of popular surfing, skateboarding, and snowboarding apparel brands like Billabong and Roxy, went bankrupt in 2015, and now it's at risk of default again as the company faces sector challenges and a lot of debt amid the continued pandemic, Moody's said. In the future, though, the analysts expect the company will see benefits from its acquisition of Billabong.

After a vicious year of bankruptcies, some retailers are still at risk. 13 companies, including Rite Aid, Belk, and Neiman Marcus, could be the next to default. (2024)

FAQs

What are the consequences of bankruptcies? ›

Your credit score evaluates your ability to repay debt, so filing for bankruptcy will probably result in a blow to your credit. A bankruptcy remains on your credit report for up to 10 years and will continue to impact your score that entire time. That said, it's possible to rebuild your credit after bankruptcy.

Which companies are in financial trouble? ›

10 Struggling Companies That Might Not Survive 2023
  • Twitter. Twitter had a crisis as parody accounts ran wild with Twitter Blue (now disabled), and Elon Musk is far from being able to raise more revenue for the platform. ...
  • Kohl's. ...
  • GameStop. ...
  • Peloton. ...
  • Netflix. ...
  • Everlywell. ...
  • Lyft. ...
  • Electronic Arts.
Nov 23, 2022

What has happened to Neiman Marcus? ›

The company filed for Chapter 11 in September 2020 and exited bankruptcy later that month. Neiman Marcus Group is privately held and not required to report comprehensive financial information.

Is Talbots in trouble financially? ›

Over the first three quarters of fiscal year 2020, Talbots' revenue declined by about 40 percent, and at the time the report was released, sales were still anticipated to decline in the “double-digit percent area.”

Can creditors come back after bankruptcies? ›

Debt collectors cannot try to collect on debts that were discharged in bankruptcy. Also, if you file for bankruptcy, debt collectors are not allowed to continue collection activities while the bankruptcy case is pending in court.

Can a company come back after bankruptcies? ›

Key Takeaways. Filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy allows a company to restructure its debts. In some cases, companies are able to emerge from bankruptcy stronger than ever. General Motors, Texaco, and Marvel Entertainment are three of many companies that have emerged from bankruptcy successfully.

How do you get a company out of financial trouble? ›

Seven Steps to Help Resolve a Business Crisis
  1. Don't go it alone. ...
  2. Learn from other business owners. ...
  3. Fine-tune your budget and optimize for cash flow. ...
  4. Negotiate with creditors. ...
  5. Reevaluate your business plan. ...
  6. Make difficult choices. ...
  7. Communicate with stakeholders.

What companies will go out of business 2023? ›

  • More than a dozen major retailers have said they will close more than 1,400 US stores in 2023.
  • Amazon, Bath & Body Works, Walmart, and Foot Locker are among the chains shutting down stores.
  • Bed Bath & Beyond is planning to close 416 locations — the second most of any retailers on the list.
Apr 24, 2023

What companies don't use debt? ›

15 Companies With Zero Debt
  • Debt-Free, Cash-Rich Companies. Data source: SEC Filings, Capital IQ and Thomson Reuters || Photo: George Schuster | Photographer's Choice RF | Getty Images. ...
  • American Express (AXP) ...
  • Apple (AAPL) ...
  • Citrix Systems (CTXS) ...
  • LSI Corp. ( ...
  • F5 Networks (FFIV) ...
  • Amazon.com (AMZN) ...
  • Bed Bath and Beyond (BBBY)
Jul 24, 2012

How is Neiman Marcus doing financially? ›

NMG delivered over $5 billion in gross merchandise value ("GMV") and year-over-year meaningful gross margin expansion supported by healthy 80 percent full price selling. This led to 11 percent EBITDA margin for FY22.

Is Neiman Marcus considered high-end? ›

Originally established in 1907, Neiman Marcus Group is a leader in luxury retail incorporating the internationally recognized names of several high-end brands.

Who is Neiman Marcus laying off? ›

All Change At Neiman Marcus. Announcing the layoffs, the company also said its Chief Product & Technology Officer, Bob Kupbens will leave, while Neiman Marcus President, Ryan Ross will lead customer insights for the group.

What age range is Talbots for? ›

Talbots is making great strides to become a cult brand for women between the ages of 45 to 65 years old and right now it is focusing on reclaiming its brand DNA and sense of style.

Is Talbots going out of business 2023? ›

Talbots, 2023

23, a spokesperson for Talbots told the outlet. According to the spokesperson, the clothing store's lease is up at the end of January, and the company has chosen not to renew it. The closure was "mutually agreed upon," the spokesperson told Providence Business News.

Did Talbots buy J Jill? ›

J. Jill was founded in Great Barrington, Mass. In 1955, and was named after the owner's daughter Jill. It was sold to Talbots TLB 0.0% in 2006 who topped Liz Clayborne's bid for the brand by bidding $517 Million, In 2009 Gold Gate Capital acquired the company for a mere $63 million.

Are debts forgiven after bankruptcies? ›

Not all debts are discharged. The debts discharged vary under each chapter of the Bankruptcy Code. Section 523(a) of the Code specifically excepts various categories of debts from the discharge granted to individual debtors. Therefore, the debtor must still repay those debts after bankruptcy.

What is the 11 word phrase to stop debt collectors? ›

The 11-word phrase that's supposed to stop debt collector calls. “Please cease and desist all calls and contact with me immediately.”

Can a bank take your money after bankruptcies? ›

A big concern of many people in San Diego County who are considering bankruptcy is, "can banks take your money after you file bankruptcy?" Generally, the answer is no. However, your bank may have setoff rights.

Can bankruptcies be removed anytime? ›

Yes, you can remove a bankruptcy from your credit report under the right circ*mstances. Bankruptcy can stay on your credit report for between seven and ten years. This timeline is similar to how long negative information generally stays on your credit (about seven years).

How far does your credit drop after bankruptcies? ›

If you know your score and file for bankruptcy, get ready to watch it plunge. A person with an average 680 score would lose between 130 and 150 points in bankruptcy. Someone with an above-average 780 score would lose between 200 and 240 points.

How long are bankruptcies held against you? ›

Filing for bankruptcy can hurt an individual's credit, and the impact can last for years. A Chapter 7 bankruptcy may stay on credit reports for 10 years from the filing date, while a Chapter 13 bankruptcy generally remains for seven years from the filing date.

How do I get myself out of financial ruins? ›

7 Steps to Break Out of a Financial Crisis
  1. Analyze your spending habits to find expenses to trim down.
  2. Build up an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses.
  3. Liquidate assets you don't need to pay down debt (and boost your savings)
  4. Set a realistic debt pay off date to keep you motivated and on track.

How do you turn around a distressed company? ›

Here, he offers ten ways ailing companies can get started on the turnaround work they need.
  1. Throw away your perceptions of a company in distress. ...
  2. Force yourself to criticize your own plan. ...
  3. Expect more from your board. ...
  4. Focus on cash. ...
  5. Create a great change story. ...
  6. Treat every turnaround like a crisis.
Mar 1, 2014

What is financial distress cost? ›

What Is Distress Cost? Distress cost refers to the expense that a firm in financial distress faces beyond the cost of doing business, such as a higher cost of capital. Companies in distress tend to have a harder time meeting their financial obligations, which translates to a higher probability of default.

What companies will never go out of business? ›

  • Food. Food is required for life and this means demand will always be high. ...
  • Pharmaceutical. The pharmaceutical industry has experienced impressive growth globally. ...
  • Healthcare. ...
  • Education. ...
  • Sin Industry. ...
  • 6. Entertainment and Media. ...
  • Professional Services.

What is the most valuable company 2023? ›

As of March 23, 2023, with its market capitalization of $2,514 billion, APPLE INC. is the world's most valuable company, according to the CEOWORLD magazine, a list of the world's biggest companies by market cap.

Is it safe to start a business in 2023? ›

Despite some recent gloomy headlines from Silicon Valley and Wall Street and some painful downturns in the stock market, there are strong signs that 2023 might be an even better year for entrepreneurs to start a business — especially in the online small business space.

What company is in the most debt? ›

The 20 companies with the highest debt in 2021.
...
2021 Top 20.
Rank1
CompanyToyota
CountryJapan
Debt (billions of US$)186
19 more columns

What debts never go away? ›

No matter which form of bankruptcy is sought, not all debt can be wiped out through a bankruptcy case. Taxes, spousal support, child support, alimony, and government-funded or backed student loans are some types of debt you will not be able to discharge in bankruptcy.

Which company is debt free in USA? ›

Columbia Sportswear Company (NASDAQ:COLM) doesn't have any debt payments given it has a debt to equity ratio of 0 and a long term debt to equity ratio of 0 according to FINVIZ.com.

What is the average income of a Neiman Marcus shopper? ›

Average Neiman Marcus Group Personal Shopper hourly pay in the United States is approximately $21.13, which is 6% above the national average.

What percent commission do Neiman Marcus employees make? ›

100% commission and lots of good things to sell. Managers don't care about being fair, top sellers don't have to assist in duties like setting up, moving, inventory, opening registers. There is no hourly pay for that.

Can you negotiate at Neiman Marcus? ›

Use the price adjustment

If you buy something at regular price and Neiman subsequently drops the price, you can get a price adjustment. You only have 10 days to request it though. Plan on watching the price of the items you buy carefully.

Will Neiman Marcus go out of business? ›

By September 2020, it completed its restructuring plan and eliminated $4 billion in existing debt. “With the successful implementation of our restructuring, Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman will continue to be the preeminent luxury shopping destinations for years to come.

Who are Neiman Marcus target customers? ›

Unlike other retailers with highly loyal customers — Walmart, for example — Neiman Marcus' customers are highly affluent: the top 2% of the group's customers drive roughly 40% of its total sales, and 80% of those customers are worth at least $1 million.

Is Nordstrom better than Neiman Marcus? ›

Neiman Marcus's brand is ranked #567 in the list of Global Top 1000 Brands, as rated by customers of Neiman Marcus. Their current market cap is $426.19M. Nordstrom's brand is ranked #97 in the list of Global Top 100 Brands, as rated by customers of Nordstrom.

Is Neiman Marcus laying off employees? ›

The Neiman Marcus Group is realigning part of its leadership structure and laying off employees. The luxury department store company, which also owns Bergdorf Goodman, said that as part of a “strategic realignment” to accelerate customer growth it is eliminating certain positions across the organization.

Who buys from Neiman Marcus? ›

More than 60% of the company's customer base is now Gen X, Millennials or Gen Z, moving the average age of its customers from the mid-40s to the high 30s. 2. Neiman Marcus is acquiring more new customers who spend at least $10,000 a year with the retailer.

Did Neiman Marcus last call go out of business? ›

Neiman Marcus is shutting down most of its Last Call stores, the discount offshoot owned by the luxury retailer. The Dallas-based company announced Wednesday that a “majority” of its 22 Last Call stores in the United States will shutter in the fall as it focuses on full price, luxury selling.

Why did Talbots go out of business? ›

Talbots is the first to close up shop.

According to the spokesperson, the clothing store's lease is up at the end of January, and the company has chosen not to renew it. The closure was "mutually agreed upon," the spokesperson told Providence Business News.

What age group is Ann Taylor for? ›

Ann Taylor has a specific target market of affluent female buyers in the age group of 25-50 years, which justifies its small presence (in terms of stores) in the U.S.

What do the Talbots do for a living? ›

Talbots is a leading retailer of merchandise such as clothing, shoes, accessories and home furnishings. Headquartered in Hingham, Massachusetts, Talbots is at the leading edge in American women's fashion and provides timeless classics and timely trends to its customers.

Is Talbots financially stable? ›

Talbots. Women's clothing store Talbots is among apparel retailers at risk. The company is facing sector challenges, as many consumers have turned away from malls amid the pandemic. Talbots doesn't have much cash on hand, and it's debt is coming due soon, analysts said.

Is Kohl's going out of business 2023? ›

With sales declining and inflation still kicking, analysts suggest we could see department store closures in 2023, which might include Kohl's.

What to expect in retail in 2023? ›

Retail is expected to change significantly in 2023, with omnichannel retail, social commerce, and the metaverse shaping the industry. Experiential retail, personalized shopping experiences, and frictionless shopping are also predicted to be key trends.

What happened to Talbots kids? ›

BOSTON (AP) — Talbots will close its 78 children's and men's apparel stores to focus on its core middle-age female customer, the company said Friday. The closings will affect 800 full- and part-time employees.

Who competes with Talbots? ›

talbots.com's top 5 competitors in January 2023 are: anntaylor.com, chicos.com, jjill.com, landsend.com, and more.

Who are Talbots top competitors? ›

Talbots competitors include Ann Taylor, Gap Inc. and ANN INC.. Talbots ranks 1st in Customer Net Promoter Score on Comparably vs its competitors.
...
Talbots Ranks 2nd in Overall Culture Score
  • 1st. Ann Taylor. 69 / 100.
  • 2nd. Talbots. 67 / 100.
  • 3rd. Gap Inc. 65 / 100.
  • 4th. ANN INC. 64 / 100.

Do you lose everything after a bankruptcies? ›

Most people who file bankruptcy are able to keep all of their assets. Filing for bankruptcy may seem like an overwhelming experience. However, a lawyer from our firm can help you through the process.

What are the downside of personal bankruptcies? ›

Bankruptcy destroys your credit. Your credit score indicates how likely it is you'll repay debt, so bankruptcy can do tremendous damage to your credit. A bankruptcy will remain on your credit report for up to 10 years, but you can begin rebuilding your credit right away.

Can you live a normal life after bankruptcies? ›

There will be hardships you'll have to endure — from cash flow management to establishing good credit and rebuilding your financial profile — but it's possible to financially recover from bankruptcy and give yourself a fresh start.

Is it smart to claim bankruptcies? ›

According to Experian, one of the three major national credit bureaus, “Declaring bankruptcy has the greatest single impact on credit scores.”10 It may also make you appear to be a poor risk to companies that request your report, including other lenders, insurance companies, and potential employers.

What debt follows you after bankruptcies? ›

The bills you rack up after filing for Chapter 7 are considered "post-petition" debts. You'll remain responsible for paying post-petition balances, including those incurred during your bankruptcy case.

What assets are safe from bankruptcies? ›

Assets & Property That Are Exempt in Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
  • Your main vehicle.
  • Your home.
  • Personal everyday items.
  • Retirement accounts, pensions, and 401(k) plans.
  • Burial plots.
  • Federal benefit programs.
  • Health aids.
  • Household goods.

Why do millionaires file bankruptcies? ›

Sometimes only bankruptcy can satisfy all of their creditor obligations. When a millionaire's income source is strong and constant, they have the ability to indulge in an expense lifestyle. If this lifestyle cannot be supported after a financial downturn, the assets of the millionaire are depleted quickly.

Can you lose your bank account in bankruptcies? ›

To preserve the assets for creditors, some banks will freeze your account as soon as they receive notice of your bankruptcy. If the funds are yours—for instance, the money is post-filing income—you or your attorney should contact the bankruptcy trustee.

What is the highest Chapter 13 payment? ›

If you filed for bankruptcy to avoid foreclosure or are behind in house payments, your Chapter 13 plan payment could be more or less $1500 per month. Additionally, high income, high debt Chapter 13 filers would usually be required to make payments between $2000 and $3000, or even more.

How much does credit drop after bankruptcies? ›

If you know your score and file for bankruptcy, get ready to watch it plunge. A person with an average 680 score would lose between 130 and 150 points in bankruptcy. Someone with an above-average 780 score would lose between 200 and 240 points.

What does your credit score start at after bankruptcies? ›

What will my credit score be after bankruptcy? The average credit score after bankruptcy is about 530, based on VantageScore data. In general, bankruptcy can cause a person's credit score to drop between 150 points and 240 points.

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