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Francesca’s IDs “Stalking Horse” Bidder

In addition to Stand Out for Good’s proposal, Hilco soliciting competing bids for bankrupt retailer’s IP.

Published

2 months ago

February 17, 2026

VMSD Staff

Francesca’s IDs “Stalking Horse” Bidder — Stand Out for Good, whose retail chains include Altar’d State (shown), has bid for the intellectual property of bankrupt fashion chain Francesca's. Photo: Courtesy of Altar’d States/Stand Out for Good

Stand Out for Good, whose retail chains include Altar’d State (shown), has bid for the intellectual property of bankrupt fashion chain Francesca's. Photo: Courtesy of Altar’d States/Stand Out for Good

Retailer Stand Out for Good Inc. (Knoxville, Tenn.) has bid $7 million for the intellectual property of Francesca’s (Houston), a bankrupt fashion retailer that’s closing its 400 stores. Stand Out for Good, which runs the Altar’d State chain of about 130 stores among other concepts, has entered into a so-called “stalking horse” agreement for Francesca’s IP.

This latest step in Francesca’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy process was announced by Hilco Global, which the fashion retailer retained to find a buyer for its intangible assets. Competing bids are due by March 5, and an auction, if needed, will take place March 9.

“Francesca’s resonates deeply with its Millennial and Gen Z customer base and draws on a multigenerational emotional connection that is increasingly rare in today’s marketplace,” said Executive Chair Bridgit Lombard. “The company’s recent performance demonstrates that Francesca’s continues to engage its core customer across apparel, accessories, and lifestyle categories. Positive four-wall profitability and a growing eCommerce channel present meaningful omnichannel growth potential for buyers positioned to scale the brand.”

VMSD Staff

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