Express, the once-trendy clothing retailer, has filed for bankruptcy and is closing 95 Express retail stores and all 10 of its UpWest stores. The closures include two stores in the Tampa Bay area, located at Citrus Park Town Center and Countryside Mall in Clearwater.
Founded in 1980, Express was a pioneer in casual office attire. However, it has struggled to keep up with fast-fashion competitors like Zara and H&M, leading to its bankruptcy filing.
According to court filings, the following Express locations will be closing:
[Table of closing locations]
Despite the closures, Express plans to continue operating its remaining 530 Express retail and Express Factory Outlet stores in the United States and Puerto Rico, as well as its online operations. The company also operates approximately 60 Bonobos Guideshop locations.
In its Chapter 11 petition, Express reported nearly $1.2 billion in total debts and $1.3 billion in total assets as of March 2nd. The filing was made in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
