Bendel's Strips Down

In this recession, strategy is key.

When the news arrived that Henri Bendel's would no longer be carrying clothing in an effort to focus on accessories, beauty products and gifts, the entire fashion industry let out a big sigh. WWD reports that Bendel's plans to downsize it's preeminent flagship store located on Fifth Avenue in New York by renting out the third floor which previously housed apparel in an effort to concentrate on the more profitable sectors of the business which would include accessories and beauty items.

Perhaps the most notable part of the report though, was that Bendel's plans to extend this concept into shopping malls where little units will offer Bendel's merchandise. Manhattanites and fashionistas everywhere are mourning the loss of the Fifth Avenue institution to corporate America. While shoppers did not necessarily frequent Bendel's for clothing (sources say that apparel sales make up only 25% of Bendel's income), the aura of exclusivity and authenticity surrounding the fashion empire is not something that could be reproduced in a chain of mall stores. I mean really, looking out the brown and white striped facade to see a Claire's staring back at you is just not the same as Berdorf Goodman luring you in with promises of Hermes scarves and Manolo Blahniks.

The third floor of Bendel's was once home to Balmain, Alice & Olivia, Jason Wu and Matthew Williamson among other esteemed designers. Known for bold pieces and taking chances with unknown designers, Bendel's has helped some of today's most talented and revered designers who they are, just by giving them a chance. But with less of a demand for gutsy fashion with the faltering economy, it is a relief to hear that Bendel's will not be giving up with their "Open See" days which they held in order to give up and coming designers an avenue for discovery.
The hope for the new business plan is to take Bendel's global, reaching more people than the devotees who currently flock to New York to laud the brown and white. Bendel's will also focus more on handbags which they previously relied on "third-party" designers for but are now aiming to come up with designs of their own, furthering the idea of Bendel's as a brand rather than a store.

And if you hurry, Gabay's Outlet in the East Village is where Bendel's is putting to rest the remainder of it's clothing. There will be regular shipments of brands like GoldSign, Sass & Bide, Rock & Republic, J Brand, AG, Ya Ya Aflalo, Jil Sander, Ralph Lauren and the eponymous Henri Bendel knits {Racked}. If you get there soon, you just may be able to snag some merchandise for up to 50-80% off the retail price!

-Alix