Houston-Based Charming Charlie Files Chapter 11 Bankruptcy

HOUSTON, TX — Charming Charlie, the Houston-based retailer and fashion accessory chain, announced Thursday the company is filing Chapter 11 bankruptcy and closing the remaining 261 store locations in 38 states.

Coming out of its first bankruptcy in 2017, the company "continued to face challenges that make it impossible for Charming Charlie to continue as a going concern," CFO Alvaro E. Bellon said in a court filing.

Charming Charlie, founded in 2004, closed 100 stores in December 2017 in an effort to rebound against online retailers in a time when traditional brick and mortar stores have become less popular with shoppers.

In its court filing, company officials said operating expenses had become unsustainable. As a result, Charming Charlie joins Payless Shoe Source, and Toys R US among retailers that have closed their doors.

The company expects to hold going out of business liquidation sales through the summer and close their doors August 31. Charming Charlie stores employ more than 3,300 people nationwide.

Jack Kramer, Patch Staff contributed to this report.

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