Lauren Stephens

The news of Saks Global's bankruptcy filing is a wake-up call for the retail industry. Just over a year ago, they acquired Neiman Marcus in a deal worth approximately $2.7 billion, hoping to create a new luxury department store giant. However, the debt burden from the highly leveraged acquisition quickly plunged the company into a liquidity crisis. ([NJBIZ][1]) For me, this has three lessons: 1️⃣ Scale does not equal competitiveness. Mergers and acquisitions can expand size, but if the profit model doesn't improve, the risks are actually greater. 2️⃣ Cash flow is always more important than the story. ven luxury retail brands cannot ignore cash flow and supply chain stability. 3️⃣ The retail industry is being reshaped. Online competition, direct-sales branding, and changing consumer preferences are all challenging the traditional department store model. Often, the strategy itself is not wrong. The problem lies in the timing, structure, and execution. [1]: https://lnkd.in/g6z99hge "Luxury retailer Saks files Chapter 11"

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Independent designers presenting at New York Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2026 gained strong attention from retailers and buyers. U.S. fashion stores are increasingly sourcing smaller designer labels to attract customers seeking originality and craftsmanship rather than mass-produced clothing https://lnkd.in/ezWNZTeF

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Bankrupt jewelry chain Claire's announced plans to sell intellectual property and some of its U.S. stores to a private holding company for $104 million in cash as well as other inducements. https://lnkd.in/ekZyBcNh

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In a major shake-up following its January 14, 2026, Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing, Saks Global has confirmed the departure of Roopal Patel, its Senior Vice President of Fashion. Patel, a highly respected industry veteran who led the fashion offices of both Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus, exits after more than a decade with the company as it undergoes a massive leadership reorganization under new CEO Geoffroy van Raemdonck. The group is currently evaluating the future leadership of its fashion office while managing a $1.75 billion restructuring aimed at stabilizing the business after a year of heavy debt and strained vendor relationships. While a successor has not yet been named, the exit marks the end of an era for Patel, whose expert trend forecasting and discovery of emerging designers were central to the identity of the two legendary American luxury retailers. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eN4yd9u5 #SaksGlobal #RoopalPatel #LuxuryRetail #FashionBusiness #RetailLeadership #NeimanMarcus #SaksFifthAvenue #Chapter11

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Joseph Sarachek was recently featured on The Brian Lehrer Show, alongside Vanessa Friedman (Fashion Director + Chief Fashion Critic, The New York Times), discussing the Saks Global bankruptcy filing — what it means for shoppers and vendors, and what it signals about the state of retail. Listen here: https://lnkd.in/euE5aP8S #Bankruptcy #RetailNews #Saks #Vendors #CreditorsRights #Restructuring

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Retail is changing, but the fundamentals haven't. I recently joined the NYSE Floor Talk at the ICR Conference to discuss the current state of the apparel industry and where Faherty is headed. In a world obsessed with "tech-first" retail, we’ve found success by being a lil old school. A few takeaways from the conversation: 1. In-Person Retail (wholesale + stores) is a superpower: It’s not just about distribution; it’s about brand discovery and building trust in-person. 2. The "Modern Comfort" Shift: Post-pandemic style isn't going back into a box. People want high-quality pieces that work for the city, the beach, and everywhere in between. 3. Team is Everything: As a former college athlete, I look at business through a coaching lens. Our success is a direct result of the incredible team we’ve built. Check out the full interview here: https://lnkd.in/eppjpqCv

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