A beloved women’s clothing retailer known for its boutique-feel shopping experience is reportedly closing its doors.
According to Women’s Wear Daily’s exclusive report, a customer service representative for Francesca’s told the outlet on Jan. 15 that the company was “liquidating our inventory and closing soon.”
On its website, Francesca’s says it has been in business for over 25 years.
“Over the past 25 years, the brand has continued to evolve to match the ever-changing fashion and lifestyle trends, always meeting our customer where she’s at,” the statement says. “Our mission is to deliver unique, free-spirited fashion & lifestyle products and create a space to amplify the voices of everyone seeking self-expression and we are proud to have been there for the major moments of our customers’ lives from celebrations, weddings, graduations, and more!”
In the Jacksonville area, both the Francesca’s storefront in Jacksonville at the St. Johns Town Center and the outlet location in St. Augustine have been permanently closed for some time now. However, many shoppers have continued their shopping experience through the store’s online website.
Here’s what we know about the closures impacting other Francesca’s across Florida, and if you can still shop online.
When did Francesca’s close in Jacksonville?
The Jacksonville Francesca’s store, which was once located at St. Johns Town Center at 4712 River City Drive, No. 113, has been closed since 2024, according to The Jacksonville Daily Record.
As of January 20, the closest Francesca’s store to Jacksonville is located in The Oaks Mall in Gainesville, which is among the stores reportedly expected to close in Florida.
What is Francesca’s? When did it first open?
Francesca’s is a clothing retailer started in Houston in 1999. Its website states it is known for a “unique, fun, and personalized shopping experience with a diverse merchandise assortment of apparel, jewelry, accessories, and gifts.”
Over the last 25 years, it has grown to 457 boutiques in 45 states, including Florida. It employs more than 3,400 associates.
Why is Francesca’s closing?
It is unknown why Francesca’s is closing its doors. Or if they even are. As of Jan. 20, Francesca’s has not publicly addressed whether it is closing.
According to Women’s Wear Daily’s report, one of Francesca’s vendors also told them that the liquidation is believed to include “inventory that has not been paid for.” The vendor alleged that the firm is owed $250 million in unpaid invoices, telling WWD that “there has been no correspondence whatsoever from corporate to any of the vendors.”
Did Francesca’s file for bankruptcy?
Some reports about Francesca’s alleged closure note that it filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2020. USA TODAY reported that the chain had about 700 stores at the time and planned to close 140 of its locations.
The company planned to “attempt to renegotiate a number of leases during this process, which may include closing additional boutiques.” They also stated that it would obtain $25 million in financing from Tiger Finance to facilitate the sales process.
People Magazine reported that in 2021, Francesca’s Holdings Corporation announced the sale of “substantially all of its assets” to TerraMar Capital’s affiliate, Francesca’s Acquisition LLC, in an investor notice, stating that the private company would be “doing business outside of the chapter 11 bankruptcy process.”
What day is Francesca’s closing?
An exact closing date has not been publicized by Francesca’s or WWD.
Currently, its website is housing a “last chance” warehouse sale. It does not indicate that the store is closing.
Can you still shop at Francesca’s online?
As of Jan. 20, Francesca’s website remains active. But according to the website, all sales made after January 14 are final. If you bought something before January 14, eligible items can still be returned to any open store within 21 days — just bring your receipt and tags.
The company hasn’t announced when its physical stores will close, so online shopping may still be possible for now. However, the answer is uncertain.
See Florida Francesca’s locations
According to its website, there are 25 Francesca’s stores across Florida. In Jacksonville and St. Augustine area, both locations have officially closed. To find a location near you, click here.
Contributor: Samantha Neely is a trending reporter for the USA TODAY NETWORK-Florida, covering pop culture, theme parks, breaking news and more.
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Francesca’s to close stores nationwide. Can you shop online now?
Reporting by Doris Alvarez Cea and Samantha Neely, Jacksonville Florida Times-Union / Florida Times-Union
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
