Department Store Barneys New York Weighs Bankruptcy, Reuters Says

(Bloomberg) -- Luxury department store Barneys New York is considering a bankruptcy filing, Reuters reported, citing unidentified people familiar with the matter.

The retailer is working with Kirkland & Ellis LLP to prepare for a potential bankruptcy that could come in the coming weeks, Reuters cited one of the people as saying. Barneys has not yet made a final decision and is weighing other solutions.

“Our board and management are actively evaluating opportunities to strengthen our balance sheet and ensure the sustainable, long-term growth and success of our business,” a company spokesman said in an emailed statement.

The company continues to evolve on strategy and business model, as seen in the announcement of store openings in New Jersey, Miami Beach, Las Vegas and its plans in Boston, the statement said.

Earlier this year, the company sought to downsize its Madison avenue store in an effort to reduce the store’s $30 million annual rent cost, according to the New York Post. Barneys also opened started selling luxury cannabis products at its Beverly Hills outpost.

To contact the reporter on this story: Maria Jose Valero in New York at mvalero3@bloomberg.net

To contact the editors responsible for this story: Polina Noskova at pnoskova@bloomberg.net, James Ludden, Matthew G. Miller

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