Which luxury department-store chain filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in August 2019?

Barneys New York filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in August 2019.

The luxury retailer had operated in the United States since 1923, when Barney Pressman opened a small men’s clothing store in Manhattan. It later expanded into a nationally recognized chain known for designer fashion, high-end accessories, and distinctive merchandising.

Barneys faced heavy debt, expensive retail leases, changing shopping habits, and competition from online luxury sellers. In August 2019, it sought bankruptcy protection while looking for a buyer or restructuring plan. Authentic Brands Group ultimately acquired the Barneys name and intellectual property.

Most Barneys stores closed after the acquisition, although the brand name continued through licensing arrangements and selected retail partnerships. The case is sometimes confused with the later bankruptcies of Neiman Marcus and other luxury retailers, but those were separate proceedings.