Department Stores

Henri Bendel to Eliminate Apparel

Retailer will focus on beauty and gifts items

Published

15 years ago

May 1, 2009

VMSD Staff

Henri Bendel announced is will stop selling clothes this summer and focus on accessories and beauty products. In addition, the company says its flagship store on Fifth Avenue will be reduced from three to two floors.

According to The New York Times, the department store decided to eliminate the fashion departments because of ongoing struggles attracting shoppers and selling high-ticket items during the recession. Beauty and gift products remain a strong selling category for Bendel, however, and sell at higher margins.

Bendel, which was founded in 1895 and is a division of Limited Brands, will adapt its business model from the traditional department store to a chain selling Bendel-branded beauty and gift items. The company plans to open six accessories-only stores this year.

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