Luxury Chain Henri Bendel To Close All Stores [VIDEO]

Fortune Magazine reports:

After 123 years in business, department store Henri Bendel is closing up shop for good after the holiday season. Known for its brown-and-white-striped bags, Henri Bendel was founded in 1895 by its namesake, a designer from Louisiana.

When L Brands acquired Henri Bendel in 1985, it was by far the most luxury holding in its portfolio of mall retailers, which includes Bath & Body Works. It expanded Henri Bendel outside of New York City in 2008, and in 2009 stopped selling apparel to focus on just handbags and accessories.

Now all 23 of its stores and its e-commerce website will close in early 2019. In its heyday, Henri Bendel was as iconic a New York department store as Bergdorf’s and Bloomingdale’s.

L Brands also owns Victoria’s Secret and used to own Lane Bryant, Express, The Limited, and Abercrombie & Fitch.