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Shining a light on PE ownership.

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Gordmans

retail
PE-OWNED

Off-price department store chain offering brand-name merchandise at discount prices.

PE-OWNED

Acquired by Sun Capital Partners2008-06-12

View PE Firm Profile

What Made It Great

“

Off-price retailer with brand-name merchandise at significant discounts

What PE Will Likely Do

Predictions

Gordmans will likely experience a significant decline in the quality and selection of brand-name merchandise, as Sun Capital Partners implements aggressive cost-cutting measures to improve short-term profitability.

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

Gordmans stores will likely experience noticeable deterioration in terms of cleanliness, organization, and overall shopping experience as the company defers maintenance and renovations.

HIGH LIKELIHOODBased on: The retail industry playbook, which indicates a high likelihood of debt loading, dividend recapitalization, store closures, inventory reductions, and deferred maintenance under PE ownership.

Gordmans may eventually file for bankruptcy or be sold off in a fire sale, as the PE firm's business model proves unsustainable for the retailer.

HIGH LIKELIHOODBased on: The negative consumer impact score associated with Sun Capital Partners, suggesting their actions can be harmful to the customer experience.

Expected Timeline

Phases
0-6 monthsCompleted

“0 to 6 months months”

Announcements about 'transforming' Gordmans into a more efficient 'off-price' retailer, with promises of improved value for customers.

6-12 monthsYOU ARE HERE

“6 to 12 months months”

First round of store closures and staff reductions announced, as the company looks to cut costs.

12-24 months

“12 to 24 months months”

Customers begin to notice a decline in the quality and selection of brand-name merchandise, as Gordmans reduces inventory levels and sources cheaper, lower-quality products.

24-48 months

“24 to 48 months months”

Gordmans stores show visible signs of neglect, with fewer renovations, outdated fixtures, and a generally unkempt appearance. Bankruptcy rumors start to circulate.

48-60 months

“48 to 60 months months”

Gordmans files for bankruptcy or is sold off in a fire sale, as the PE firm's debt-heavy model proves unsustainable for the retailer.

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What You Can Do

Take Action

Actions

  • Be prepared for a decline in the quality and selection of brand-name merchandise at Gordmans stores.

  • Expect a deterioration in the overall shopping experience, with stores becoming less clean, organized, and well-maintained.

  • Consider shopping at alternative off-price retailers that may be able to provide a more consistent and reliable customer experience.

Alternatives

CostcoSAFE

Employee-owned warehouse retailer

TargetSAFE

Publicly traded retailer with strong values

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