MajorsAug 16, 2021
Post-Bankruptcy, Neiman Marcus Looks to Reintroduce ItselfMajorsApr 18, 2023
David’s Bridal Files for Bankruptcy, Plans to Lay Off 9K Workers
The wedding dress retailer said it is evaluating its network of around 300 stores as it looks for a buyer.
David’s Bridal, one of the country’s largest wedding dress retailers, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.
Conshohocken, Pa.—David’s Bridal has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, its second filing in five years, and is on the lookout for a buyer as it rethinks its store count.
The announcement came two days after the bridal giant said it would lay off 9,236 workers nationwide in phases beginning now through mid-August, according to a Pennsylvania WARN notice.
David’s Bridal has around 10,000 employees, including 2,000 full-time and 8,000 part-time workers, as per court filings.
Its stores will remain open throughout the bankruptcy proceedings, said the company, and it expects to fulfill all customer orders “without disruption or delay.”
Its online platforms and vendor marketplace remain available, and members of its Diamond loyalty program can continue to earn and redeem awards. Gift cards, returns, and exchanges also will continue to be honored.
David Bridal’s said it is re-evaluating its network of around 300 stores. If it does not find a buyer, it would likely prepare to wind down its operations, according to court filings.
It has 294 stores in total, including 278 in the U.S., 12 in Canada, and four in the U.K.
Related stories will be right here …
The announcement came two days after the bridal giant said it would lay off 9,236 workers nationwide in phases beginning now through mid-August, according to a Pennsylvania WARN notice.
David’s Bridal has around 10,000 employees, including 2,000 full-time and 8,000 part-time workers, as per court filings.
Its stores will remain open throughout the bankruptcy proceedings, said the company, and it expects to fulfill all customer orders “without disruption or delay.”
Its online platforms and vendor marketplace remain available, and members of its Diamond loyalty program can continue to earn and redeem awards. Gift cards, returns, and exchanges also will continue to be honored.
David Bridal’s said it is re-evaluating its network of around 300 stores. If it does not find a buyer, it would likely prepare to wind down its operations, according to court filings.
It has 294 stores in total, including 278 in the U.S., 12 in Canada, and four in the U.K.
In a statement, David’s Bridal CEO James Marcum said the company has taken steps in recent years to modernize its stores and systems to provide top-level service to brides-to-be.
The retailer announced plans for a new store format late last year, and has added new offerings, like a fragrance collection, a wedding planning platform, a prom season pop-up, and an “eco-minded” bridal collection.
It also announced a partnership with Diamond Nexus, which sells lab-grown diamonds, diamond simulants and moissanite.
One in four U.S. brides wear a David’s Bridal gown at their wedding, said Marcum in court filings, while 87 percent visit the company’s website at least once during the wedding planning process.
“Nonetheless, our business continues to be challenged by the post-COVID environment and uncertain economic conditions, leading us to take this step to identify a buyer who can continue to operate our business going forward,” said David’s Bridal in a statement.
While the number of weddings spiked last year, the increase mostly was due to pent-up demand from the pandemic and likely does not signal a long-term, significant increase in the number of U.S. couples getting married.
In Signet Jeweler’s most recent fiscal year results, the company said its engagement ring sales struggled, down by low double digits for the year, a pattern it expects to repeat in fiscal 2024.
The jewelry giant said the pandemic impacted the formation of new relationships and, thereby, engagements, though it thinks the slowdown is temporary. A rebound is expected to begin at the end of the next fiscal year.
David’s Bridal’s Chapter 11 filing lists its estimated liabilities to be in the range of $100 million to $500 million, in line with its estimated assets.
The company has $256.9 million in debt, as per court filings.
The company said it is seeking authorization to pay its employee wages and benefits, maintain select customer programs, and pay “critical” vendors.
It won court approval Monday to borrow as much as $85 million to keep operations running during the proceedings.
David’s Bridal previously filed for bankruptcy in 2018, weighed down by debt and lagging wedding dress sales. It emerged from bankruptcy the following year.
U.S. corporate bankruptcies are on the rise in 2023, according to S&P Global Market Intelligence data, with the first two months of the year clocking the highest number of bankruptcies for any comparable period since 2011.
In January, 54 bankruptcy petitions were filed, and, in February, 57 were filed, the most in a month since March 2021.
MajorsJun 11, 2021
Alex and Ani Files for Bankruptcy 
MajorsJan 26, 2021
Francesca’s Finds Buyer, Saves 275 StoresMore on Majors
The Latest
IndependentsJul 14, 2025
It’s the Summer of Love at Long’s JewelersThe New England jeweler is hosting a bridal event for the month of August.
SourcingJul 14, 2025
Ethical Gem Fair Heads to SeattleThe trade-only event will host its debut fair in the Emerald City later this month.
Events & AwardsJul 11, 2025
The Edge’s Annual Conference Returns in SeptemberIts sessions will focus on inventory strategies, staff performance, retention and acquisition, emerging market trends, and more.
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench JewelersThe Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.
CollectionsJul 11, 2025
Piece of the Week: Miseno’s ‘Arco’ EarringsFor its 10th anniversary, Miseno designed the “Arco” earrings based on the Arco Felice, an arch conceptualized in A.D. 95 in Miseno, Italy.
Weekly QuizJul 10, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Policies & IssuesJul 11, 2025
James Avery to Donate $1M to Texas Hill Country Relief EffortsThe jewelry company is one of several contributing to relief efforts in the region after the recent floods.
TrendsJul 11, 2025
Kelly Osbourne’s Engagement Ring Is Sweet as HoneyInspired by fiancé Sid Wilson’s nickname for her, the white and yellow diamond ring features a unique honeycomb design.
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America is Headed to Las Vegas for JCK 2025The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.
CollectionsJul 10, 2025
Penny Preville Celebrates 5 Decades of Jewelry DesignThe brand is marking its 50th anniversary with a limited-edition bangle, high jewelry suites, new collections, and more.
IndependentsJul 10, 2025
Steven Goldfarb to Retire, Close Alvin Goldfarb JewelerGoldfarb said changes in the industry, coupled with his age and the updates needed to modernize his business, drove his decision.
Events & AwardsJul 10, 2025
IAC Gold and Diamond Conference Returns to NYC Central topics of next week’s event include climate action, labor rights, artisan preservation, and value retention in producing countries.
MajorsJul 10, 2025
Hearts On Fire Appoints New Sales DirectorVickie Rokkos has joined the jewelry company as its new national sales director of North America.
SurveysJul 09, 2025
Jewelry Stays Strong as Luxury Market Slows, Bain & Co. Says Turbulence will be the new baseline for luxury as it faces its biggest potential setbacks in 15 years, a recent report said.
Supplier BulletinJul 09, 2025
JCK Unwrapped: Trends, Insights & Post-Show TipsSponsored by Rio Grande Jewelry Supply
CollectionsJul 09, 2025
Cece Jewellery’s New Fruit Jewels Celebrate Life’s SweetnessThe “For the Love of Fruits” collection features five fruit pendants, each holding a different meaning.
EditorsJul 09, 2025
The Most-Read Stories of 2025, So FarDiamonds and crimes (some involving diamonds) top the list of National Jeweler’s most popular stories halfway through the year.
SourcingJul 09, 2025
Florida Couple Finds 3-Carat Diamond in ArkansasThey discovered “The Dash Diamond,” named for their dog, at the Crater of Diamonds State Park earlier this month.
CollectionsJul 08, 2025
Mikimoto’s High Jewelry Collection Turns Pearls into PetalsThe “Les Pétales” collection imagines roses caught mid-bloom as a tribute to nature’s beauty.
ColumnistsJul 08, 2025
Peter Smith: Why Jewelers Struggle With Premium PricingLuxury brands charge thousands for their shoes and handbags. Jewelers pricing diamond products should take note, Peter Smith writes.
IndependentsJul 08, 2025
David Rotenberg of David Craig Jewelers Dies at 79Rotenberg was an active member of the American Gem Society and an accomplished appraiser who also worked with therapy dogs at a hospital.
TechnologyJul 08, 2025
‘Diamond Divas’ Brings the Showroom to Social Media Reality SeriesIt follows New York-based brand Shahla Karimi Jewelry’s all-women team in “Say Yes to the Dress” meets “The Office”-style episodes.
Policies & IssuesJul 08, 2025
SMO Gold Launches New FoundationIn its inaugural year, the SMO Foundation will focus on supporting two organizations in West Africa and one in South America.
Policies & IssuesJul 07, 2025
Higher Tariffs Set to Take Effect Aug. 1, Officials SayThe announcement comes just as the 90-day freeze on the “reciprocal” tariffs nears its end, giving countries more time to negotiate.
SourcingJul 07, 2025
Natural Diamond Council CEO David Kellie To Step DownKellie, who joined the organization in 2019, will remain in his role through the end of 2025.
CrimeJul 07, 2025
7 Suspects Charged in California Jewelry Store BurglaryPolice officers apprehended the suspects as they were allegedly attempting to gain entry into another jewelry store.
Events & AwardsJul 07, 2025
Applications Open for Ella Klein Internship The program, a collaboration between Julius Klein Diamonds and the Women’s Jewelry Association, is in its second year.
Supplier BulletinJul 03, 2025
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessSponsored by the Gemological Institute of America
