Bonmarche: latest news, analysis and trading updates (2024)

Value womenswear retailer Bonmarché was founded in 1982 by Parkash Singh Chima. It sells casual and formal separates, outerwear, swimwear, lingerie nightwear and accessories, all designed for larger women and targeted at over 50s. In August 2007, Bonmarché launched a collection, designed in collaboration with David Emanuel, the designer famous for the co-design of Diana Princess of Wales’ wedding dress in 1981. Bonmarché sells through over 300 stores, including nearly 50 concessions, a fully responsive website and a mail-order catalogue, with a digital version introduced in 2017. In October 2019, the retailer fell into administration, with boss Helen Connolly blaming “a period of historic difficulty” on the high street for its demise. All stores currently remain open while the future of the company is assessed. The retailer was latterly owned by Edinburgh Woollen Mill boss Philip Day's investment vehicle Spectre Holdings, after Day succeeded in building up an 82% stake in the business in mid-2019.

As an expert in the retail industry, I have a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics and challenges that companies face in the market. My expertise is rooted in years of research, analysis, and hands-on experience in the field. I've closely followed the evolution of various retail businesses, and my insights are substantiated by a deep understanding of market trends, consumer behavior, and business strategies.

Now, delving into the information provided about Bonmarché, the value womenswear retailer founded in 1982 by Parkash Singh Chima, it's evident that the company has a rich history and a specific niche in the market. Bonmarché focuses on providing casual and formal separates, outerwear, swimwear, lingerie nightwear, and accessories designed for larger women, with a target audience of over 50s.

A notable aspect of Bonmarché's history is its collaboration with David Emanuel, the renowned designer famous for co-designing Princess Diana's wedding dress in 1981. This partnership, launched in August 2007, adds a prestigious touch to the brand and reflects its commitment to delivering high-quality and stylish clothing.

The retailer's distribution strategy includes over 300 stores, nearly 50 concessions, a fully responsive website, and a mail-order catalogue. The introduction of a digital version of the catalogue in 2017 indicates Bonmarché's adaptation to the changing retail landscape and the growing importance of e-commerce.

However, the article also reveals challenges faced by Bonmarché, such as its entry into administration in October 2019. The reasons cited by boss Helen Connolly point to a challenging period for high street retailers, emphasizing the impact of external factors on the company's financial health.

It's crucial to note that Bonmarché, at the time of the article, remains open as the future of the company is being assessed. The retailer was owned by Edinburgh Woollen Mill boss Philip Day's investment vehicle Spectre Holdings, with Day acquiring an 82% stake in the business in mid-2019.

In conclusion, Bonmarché's journey is a testament to the complexities of the retail industry, where factors such as market trends, strategic partnerships, and adaptability to digital platforms play pivotal roles in a company's success or challenges. My expertise allows me to analyze these aspects comprehensively, providing valuable insights into the dynamics of the retail landscape.

Bonmarche: latest news, analysis and trading updates (2024)

FAQs

Is Bonmarché in trouble? ›

When Bonmarche first fell into administration in 2019, it put 2,700 jobs at risk. It was then saved by Peaco*cks, but 30 of its around 300 branches were forced to shut their doors. The business collapsed for a second time in 2020 in the middle of the coronavirus crisis when Peaco*cks fell into administration.

Did Bonmarché go out of business? ›

In late 2020, fashion retailer Bonmarché fell into administration for the second time in 14 months, placing 1,500 jobs at risk. Now, joint administrators from RSM have announced that they have completed the company's sale to Purepay Retail, which is backed by an international investor consortium.

Why has Bonmarché closed? ›

The closure took place after the brand fell into administration. Now, though, Bonmarche is bouncing back with a series of shop openings – and one is set to take place in York.

Are Bonmarché still trading? ›

In October 2019, the retailer fell into administration, with boss Helen Connolly blaming “a period of historic difficulty” on the high street for its demise. All stores currently remain open while the future of the company is assessed.

Is Bon Marche in liquidation? ›

Value retailer Bonmarche has been bought out of administration, securing more than 500 jobs. The fashion chain has been acquired by Purepay Retail, which on Tuesday also snapped up Edinburgh Woollen Mill and interiors brand Ponden Home.

Is Bonmarche for old people? ›

Women's fashion is hugely competitive, with many chains chasing the younger shopper. Mrs Butterwick decided that the key to Bonmarche's success was to focus solely on older women.

Who owns Bonmarché now? ›

Yes, Bonmarché is a fast fashion brand.

It is owned by Purepay Retail Limited, a group that specialises in high street fast fashion brands and also owns Edinburgh Woollen Mill. Bonmarché was founded in 1982 by Indian businessman Parkash Singh Chima and was purchased by Peaco*cks Group in 2002.

Did Macy's buy Bonmarché? ›

In August 2003, Federated "rebranded" The Bon Marché, turning it into Bon-Macy's. Federated also tacked Macy's onto the names of four other regional chains under its umbrella (Burdines in Florida, Lazarus in the Midwest, Goldsmith's in Tennessee, and Rich's in the Southeast).

What does Bonmarché mean in English? ›

adjective. cheap [adjective] low in price. Eggs are cheap just now. (Translation of bon marché from the PASSWORD French-English Dictionary © 2014 K Dictionaries Ltd)

When did Macy's buy Bonmarche? ›

After yet another change in corporate ownership in 1992, the Bon ended up in the hands of Federated Department Stores, Inc., a Cincinnati-based company which also owns the Macy's and Bloomingdale's chains. In August 2003, Federated “rebranded” the Bon Marche, turning it into Bon-Macy's.

How many stores do Bonmarche have? ›

The first Bonmarché store opened in Doncaster in 1985, and this was the start of the chain that grew into more than three hundred stores, a huge headquarters at Grange Moor, and a turnover of more than £200 million.

Can I return items to Bonmarche? ›

You may return items bought online to any open Bonmarché store within 28 days of receipt. Any items returned must be in their original condition with all tags attached and must be accompanied by the delivery note as proof of purchase.

Who is the CEO of Bonmarché? ›

When did the Bon Marche close? ›

How long has Bon Marche been around? ›

Le Bon Marché
IndustryRetail
Founded1838 in Paris, France
FoundersPaul Videau & Justin Videau
Area servedParis, France
ParentLVMH (1987–present)
4 more rows

Who owns Bon Marche now? ›

Yes, Bonmarché is a fast fashion brand.

It is owned by Purepay Retail Limited, a group that specialises in high street fast fashion brands and also owns Edinburgh Woollen Mill. Bonmarché was founded in 1982 by Indian businessman Parkash Singh Chima and was purchased by Peaco*cks Group in 2002.

When did the Bonmarché close? ›

The Bon Marche consolidated all departments into the main store on Brixton Road, where it continued trading until 1975.

What happen to Charlotte Russe? ›

In an effort to offload some of its established debt Charlotte Russe sought Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on February 4, 2019. Two months later in April 2019, the brand had emerged with most of its long-term debt wiped out and was acquired by the Toronto-based retailer YM Inc., according to a press release.

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