Core Insights - U.S. fashion and footwear firms are performing relatively well compared to other sectors in terms of corporate bankruptcies [1] Bankruptcy Statistics - In 2025, only two fashion firms, Claire's Holdings LLC and F21 OpCo LLC, filed for bankruptcy with liabilities exceeding $1 billion, out of a total of 26 firms in various sectors [2] - The healthcare and information technology sectors have seen a higher number of bankruptcies, while other consumer discretionary firms like At Home Group Inc. and Joann Inc. were not in apparel or footwear [2] Reorganization vs. Liquidation - The third quarter saw a 23% increase in bankruptcy reorganizations, totaling 137, while liquidations decreased by over 9% to 69 [3] - Claire's managed to avoid liquidation by selling assets for $140 million, resulting in the closure of 300 stores but preserving 960 locations [4] Overall Bankruptcy Trends - The total number of large bankruptcies is on track to reach the highest level since 2010, with 582 cases filed through September [5] - The S&P report attributes the rise in bankruptcies to overleveraged firms facing macroeconomic challenges, particularly in refinancing low-interest debt amid high interest rates [7] Specific Company Bankruptcies - Notable bankruptcies in the footwear sector include Soleply, Amiga Shoes, and CaaStle, with the latter two filing for Chapter 7 liquidation [6]

Corporate Bankruptcy Trends - Corporate bankruptcies in 2025 have reached the highest level since 2010, following the Great Financial Crisis [1][3] - As of July 2025, there have been 446 large corporate bankruptcies, defined as public companies with at least $2 million in debt or private companies with at least $10 million in assets or liabilities [1][3] - The increase in bankruptcies is linked to the rate hike cycle in 2022 and 2023 [3] Contributing Factors to Bankruptcies - Artificially suppressed interest rates at zero for an extended period allowed companies to raise excessive capital, delaying inevitable bankruptcies [6][7] - The lack of "creative destruction" in American company formation since the GFC has led to a backlog of companies that should have failed [9][10] - Relaxed constraints on M&A activity may lead to more aggressive acquisitions of assets from floundering businesses, contributing to bankruptcies [12][13] - Increased competition from unexpected companies is putting pressure on various business categories [14] Retail Sector Vulnerability - Retail businesses with physical locations are particularly vulnerable due to the leverage associated with long-term leases, which are akin to debt [18][19] - Macro trends of declining foot traffic to physical locations, influenced by companies like Amazon and Shein, exacerbate the challenges for retailers [18] Commercial Real Estate Debt Crisis - Approximately $2.2 trillion of commercial real estate (CRE) debt is maturing before 2028, posing refinancing challenges [24] - Higher interest rates and declining real estate valuations are making it difficult for developers to refinance debt, potentially leading to foreclosures [26][27] - Banks are hesitant to foreclose on commercial real estate due to the negative impact on their balance sheets, leading to restructuring efforts [24] - Traditional office construction is facing headwinds as financing flows shift towards data centers, further straining the commercial real estate sector [30]