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Shining a light on PE ownership.

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AV

Avenue Stores

retail
PE-OWNED

Plus-size women's apparel retailer specializing in sizes 14-32.

PE-OWNED

Acquired by Sun Capital Partners2012-07-11

View PE Firm Profile

What Made It Great

“

Leading plus-size fashion retailer with trendy styles for larger women

What PE Will Likely Do

Predictions

Avenue Stores will likely reduce the quality and selection of their plus-size women's apparel, including thinner, less durable fabrics, fewer trendy styles, and a smaller overall inventory

HIGH LIKELIHOODBased on: Sun Capital Partners' track record of high bankruptcy rates and cost-cutting tactics in acquired companies

Avenue Stores will likely close underperforming retail locations, leading to a reduced physical retail presence and fewer convenient shopping options for their target customers

HIGH LIKELIHOODBased on: The industry playbook for PE-backed retail companies, which frequently involves debt loading, dividend recapitalizations, store closures, inventory reductions, and deferred maintenance

Avenue Stores will likely defer maintenance and renovations on their remaining retail stores, leading to a decline in the overall store atmosphere and shopping experience

HIGH LIKELIHOODBased on: The historical precedent of similar past cases, where PE-backed retailers like Avenue Stores, Boston Market, and Shopko have ultimately filed for bankruptcy

Expected Timeline

Phases
0-6 monthsCompleted

“0 to 6 months months”

Announcements about 'transformation' and 'optimization' efforts, potentially hinting at upcoming changes

6-12 monthsYOU ARE HERE

“6 to 12 months months”

First round of store closures, staff reductions announced, leading to a reduced retail footprint

12-24 months

“12 to 24 months months”

Noticeable decline in the quality and selection of Avenue Stores' apparel offerings, with thinner fabrics, fewer trendy styles, and a smaller overall inventory

24-48 months

“24 to 48 months months”

Continued store closures, further reductions in staff and maintenance, potentially leading to bankruptcy rumors and more aggressive cost-cutting measures

48-60 months

“48 to 60 months months”

Potential restructuring, liquidation, or fire sale of Avenue Stores assets

Similar Cases

Other companies that followed a similar path after PE acquisition

Operating

Toys R Us

KKR·2005

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Bankruptcy

Sports Authority

Leonard Green & Partners·2006

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Operating

Payless ShoeSource

Golden Gate Capital·2012

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Operating

99 Cents Only Stores

Ares Management·2012

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Joann

Leonard Green & Partners·2011

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What You Can Do

Take Action

Actions

  • Consumers should expect a decline in the quality and selection of Avenue Stores' plus-size apparel offerings, with thinner fabrics, fewer trendy styles, and a smaller overall inventory

  • Customers should be prepared for a reduced retail footprint, as Avenue Stores is likely to close underperforming locations, making it harder to access their products

  • Shoppers should be aware of a potential decline in the overall store atmosphere and shopping experience, as Avenue Stores may defer maintenance and renovations on their remaining retail locations

Alternatives

CostcoSAFE

Employee-owned warehouse retailer

TargetSAFE

Publicly traded retailer with strong values

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"Avenue Stores is now PE-owned. Here's what that means for you."