The long-standing mall staple Express Inc. has officially filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, marking the end of an era. As part of its restructuring, the retailer will be closing approximately 95 of its 500 Express locations along with all 10 of its smaller, more casual UpWest stores.
For those who came of age in the early 2000s, Express was synonymous with its stylish blouses, cocktail dresses, and statement jewelry. However, what many may not realize is how deeply intertwined Express was with the growth of other “mall brands.” In 1980, Limited Brands opened the first Express store, originally called Limited Express, in Chicago. By 1986, this single store had expanded to 250 locations and began testing men’s clothing concepts. Express’s line of beauty products was so successful that it eventually spun off into the popular Bath and Body Works brand in 1990.
Despite its initial success, Express has faced challenges in recent years. The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted its business, as the demand for office wear and formal attire decreased with more people working remotely. Additionally, analysts have criticized Express for its comparatively higher prices and perceived lack of innovation, stating that its products were often seen as overpriced and bland compared to competitors.
In an effort to turn things around, Express announced a spin-off concept, UpWest, focused on more casual and sustainable clothing in 2023. The company also acquired Bonobos from Walmart and management firm WHP Global. However, despite these efforts, Express has struggled to stay relevant in an increasingly casual fashion landscape.
As Express navigates through bankruptcy, other retailers are taking note of its challenges. Some, like Shane, are focusing on physical retail experiences over e-commerce to avoid a similar fate. Others, such as H&M, are shifting their focus back to brick-and-mortar stores after previously scaling back their physical presence in favor of online platforms.
Ultimately, the future of Express remains uncertain. Whether its focus on store revamps and increased e-commerce efforts will be enough to save the brand is a question that only time will answer. Nevertheless, Express’s journey serves as a reminder of the ever-changing nature of the retail industry.
