The iconic Henri Bendel stores are closing their doors after 123 years in business, marking a sad day for the fashion world.
L Brands, the parent company behind Henri Bendel, announced the sad news that due to poor sales, the century-old department store is shutting its doors. If there is any bit of good news coming out of this announcement is that customers and fans of the historic brand have months to prepare before having to say goodbye. The store will not close until January of 2019. A specific date has not yet been revealed.
Live look at me buying up the remaining Henri Bendel stock on 5th Ave pic.twitter.com/1MrzNd6FJu
— Alexandra 🌻 (@missalexgillies) September 14, 2018
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Leslie Wexner, chairman, and chief executive officer of L Brands told WWD that to improve the company's profitability it was necessary to shut down Henri Bendel. It is a move that will allow L Brands to focus on growing their other, more profitable, brands.
Henri Bendel may be closing, but the mark the brand has left on the fashion world will be there forever. The famed designer opened the flagship store in 1895 where he began catering to Manhattan's elite, and he never stopped. His brown and white striped shopping bags became a signature status symbol many dreamed of having. If you could buy something at Henri Bendel then you had made it. It was an achievement of sorts.
Throughout his successful career, Henri Bendel helped launch a couple of names that have earned their place in the fashion and art world. He was the one to bring designer brand Coco Chanel to the United States when he helped orchestrate the company's first ever fashion show. Back in the 1960's he had a young illustrator by the name of Andy Warhol working for him.
Even though Henri Bendel is closing its iconic store in New York City, as well as all other stores across the country, the store's mark will forever remain on 5th Avenue. The man behind the store's presence remains everywhere among the other luxury brands that achieved to be as successful. Sadly, it is the way the world is gravitating more towards online shopping and more affordable lines which compete with the luxury brands that remain on the market.
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