The Biggest Retail News of 2019: Nordstrom, Barneys, Forever 21 – WWD

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By WWD Staff on November 5, 2019

This photo shows the Barneys department store in New York. The luxury retailer could be joining a growing list of retailers that have filed for bankruptcy. Barneys New York is filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, the latest retailer to buckle as shoppers move online. The iconic clothier founded almost a century ago will keep the doors open at its 10-story Madison Avenue store, but it has secured $75 million in financing to pay employees and vendors as it seeks a buyerBarneys Bankruptcy, New York, USA - 16 Jul 2019

The exterior of Barneys New York.

Bebeto Matthews/AP/Shutterstock

2019 isn’t even over, but it’s already been full of changes for the retail industry. Retailers provided plenty of headlines, from store bankruptcies to grand openings and multimillion-dollar deals. Scroll down to revisit some of the biggest retail news so far.

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With one week left to go until Election Day, fashion players are making a final push to get out the vote in what may be one of the most pivotal elections in recent history. This election season inspired a revived conversation about the value of voting and a cultural shift in communicating that message led, in part, by a swell of vote fashion. From Ts to masks to Christian Siriano’s redefinition of a "statement dress" for spring 2021, emblazoned with the word "vote" — fashion has been doing its part to spread the message that beyond a civic duty, voting in this election could impact what’s in store for the industry and the fundamental rights of the people within it. The verdict is out on whether vote merchandise is actually driving votes, but with celebrities’ and influencers’ steady social posts featuring the latest sock or sneaker or slip-on loafer, vote fashion is, at the very least, inviting a conversation. "The fashion industry is made up of women, immigrants, LGBTQ-plus people, people of color, and other groups whose fundamental rights are on the line this election. Voting is always important, but now more than ever we need to vote to defend the rights of all Americans and restore decency to the presidency," said Jim Kuerschner, president of @Kule, who is seen above. At the link in bio, WWD asked the purveyors of the recent months’ most popular merchandise to weigh in on what this election means for fashion. Report: @tararielle
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@OliviaCulpo and her two sisters, Aurora and Sophia, have launched a collaborative line for Macy’s. The trio will debut their comfort-oriented, figure-flattering pieces today via Macy’s site and a select number of the retailer’s stores. The Culpos x INC International Concepts label offers styles that are meant to be dressed up or down. Like most siblings, they often raided each other’s closets growing up and imagined one day they might work together. Realizing that dream during a pandemic posed its share of challenges. In a joint interview with her siblings, Olivia said Monday, “We didn’t know if fashion would ever be what it once was. We weren’t sure if we were going to be quarantined for a year. I was always thinking about the best fashion concepts given the circumstances. The unpredictable nature of COVID-19 made it difficult to figure out where I wanted the collection to go.” Today’s drop is geared more toward loungewear — joggers, bike shorts, hoodies and luxe sweaters and other stay-at-home looks. The other two drops are more street-style with some nightlife-worthy looks mixed in. Tap the link in bio for more. Report: Rosemary Feitelberg
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The nominations for the American Music Awards 2020 have been revealed. @theweeknd and @RoddyRicch are leading the pack with eight nominations each. This year’s ceremony, which will air on Nov. 22 on ABC, is introducing several awards in the rap, hip-hop and Latin categories. Tap the link in bio for the full list of the American Music Awards 2020 nominees. Report: @laylailchi

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