Lab-GrownMay 08, 2026
NDC Publicly Criticizes Pandora Over ‘Misleading’ Natural Diamond ClaimsNDC said in an open letter that Pandora’s statements about the carbon footprint of lab grown versus natural diamonds are inaccurate.
MajorsSep 18, 2019
Charming Charlie Founder Plans To Relaunch Company
Charles Chanaratsopon placed the winning bid for the bankrupt retailer’s intellectual property.
Accessories retailer Charming Charlie’s New York City flagship on Fifth Avenue. The retailer filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in July, announcing plans to close all 261 locations.
Wilmington, Del.—Accessories chain Charming Charlie may be opening new stores as soon as next year after its founder placed the winning bid for its intellectual property earlier this month.
The assets sold for $1.12 million at auction to CJS Group LP, a Houston-based real estate firm where Charming Charlie’s founder and former CEO Charles Chanaratsopon is the managing partner.
Chanaratsopon told the Houston Chronicle he plans to relaunch the company following its Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in July, which led to the closure of all 261 of its stores.
Charming Charlie would return as an online-focused retailer, said Chanaratsopon, with a few pop-up shops and permanent locations.
“Charlie has over 10 million passionate and brand-loyal customers,” he told the Chronicle. “In this age of retail, we still see an opportunity for the brand to thrive in the online ecosystem.”
The new stores are expected to open in early 2020 and will be 3,000 to 4,000 square feet, about half the size of its previous stores.
The assets up for sale were Charming Charlie’s trademarks and domain names, including those of brands Charlie Girl and Belle & Bumble, as well as its social media assets.
Customer data was also part of the deal, including a mailing list of 7 million email and 3 million physical addresses, according to data from Hilco Streambank, which assisted with the sale.
The company’s former CEO wasn’t the only one bidding for the brand’s intellectual property.
Nearly 500 interested parties reached out to Hilco Streambank via phone or email about the asset sale, but only five submitted bids ahead of the auction, according to a court statement by Hilco Executive Vice President David Peress.
Three bidders made the final cut for the auction, which lasted 35 rounds with bidding starting at $200,000.
The second-highest bid was $1.1 million from the Cato Corp., a North Carolina-based fashion and accessories retailer.
Peress said Hilco Streambank had tried to establish a “stalking horse” bid—which occurs when a bankrupt company chooses a bidder to make the first bid in order to set a minimum—but was unsuccessful in finding a bidder to do so.
Prolonging the sale process, he said, could have had a negative impact on the value of the assets.
He noted with the retailer’s stores and e-commerce site closed, customer engagement is decreasing, and shoppers soon will turn to other retailers to find what they used to buy from Charming Charlie.
“To reverse this trend, a buyer of
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
the assets will need to invest more in marketing and customer re-acquisition, thereby reducing the amount such buyer can pay for the assets,” Peress said.
The sale requires approval from the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware.
The sale requires approval from the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware.
More on Majors
The Latest
SourcingMay 08, 2026
Ronnie VanderLinden Takes Over as WDC President The diamantaire and industry leader succeeds Feriel Zerouki and said he will focus on being a “champion” for natural diamonds.
TrendsMay 08, 2026
Rihanna Chooses ‘Desert Diamonds’ for 2026 Met GalaShe wore our Piece of the Week, Glenn Spiro’s “Old Moghul Golconda” earrings, featuring fancy brown-yellow diamonds totaling 51.90 carats.
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las VegasGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
Events & AwardsMay 08, 2026
JA Announces 2026 CASE Award WinnersTwo pieces were named “Best in Show,” one from the retail category and one from the supplier category.
Weekly QuizMay 07, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
FinancialsMay 07, 2026
Brilliant Earth Appeals to Higher-Income Shoppers in Q1The jewelry retailer noted resilience among its higher-end customers while demand softened for its lower-priced offerings.
AuctionsMay 07, 2026
‘Spectacular’ Kashmir Sapphire Headlines Heritage Spring Jewelry SaleLed by the 6.59-carat sapphire, the sale garnered $9.7 million, a record total for a Heritage jewelry auction.
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the GlobeGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
WatchesMay 07, 2026
Chrono24 Names New CEOJosé Gaztelu has been promoted to the role, which has been vacant since last year.
Events & AwardsMay 07, 2026
JA Accepting Applications for 2026 Scholarship ProgramIt has also opened the application period for the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship through June 30.
SourcingMay 06, 2026
Canada’s Oldest Diamond Mine Faces Uncertain FutureThe owner of the Ekati mine, which opened in 1998, has filed for insolvency protection amid the significant decline in diamond prices.
FinancialsMay 06, 2026
Pandora to Add Carbon Footprint Info to Lab-Grown DiamondsThe company announced the change alongside its Q1 results, which showed that the jewelry brand’s year is off to a shaky start.
AuctionsMay 06, 2026
Steve McQueen’s Heuer Monaco Watch Heads to Sotheby'sOf the many examples used in the filming of “Le Mans,” this one is believed to have spent the most time on Steve McQueen’s wrist.
EditorsMay 05, 2026
This Ohio Designer’s Jewelry Made It to the Met GalaMegan Piccione dressed Lauren Wasser in layers of diamond jewelry, making her stand out in a crowd that included celebrities like Beyoncé.
SourcingMay 05, 2026
Doug Hucker Returns to His RootsFollowing decades of association leadership, the “semi-retired” colored gemstone expert is turning his focus to gemstone education.
Events & AwardsMay 05, 2026
AMNH to Showcase Famous Jewelry, Trophies in Sports HistoryThe museum’s new exhibition will feature one of Jesse Owen’s Olympic medals, Yogi Berra’s crown, Super Bowl rings, and more.
Events & AwardsMay 05, 2026
JIS Launches Brand Exposure ProgramThe new program provides access to media exposure and editorial opportunities for exhibitors and retailers.
CollectionsMay 04, 2026
Melanie Georgacopoulos Turns Pearls Into Light for ‘Eclipse’ CollectionThe “Eclipse” jewelry collection captures the fleeting moment where light and shadow align though onyx, diamonds, and freshwater pearls.
ColumnistsMay 04, 2026
The Key Mindset for Better Trade Show BuyingBuying discipline at trade shows starts with clarity about your inventory levels, Smith writes.
CrimeMay 04, 2026
Pawn Shop Manager Shot, Killed in FloridaLazaro Rodriguez Vega was murdered inside Cash Out Gold and Silver in Fort Pierce. A 20-year-old man has been charged in the case.
IndependentsMay 04, 2026
Zadok Jewelers, Austin Parks Foundation Support Wildflower PreservationA portion of every engagement ring sold in its Austin showroom will support the care and preservation of Austin’s wildflowers and green spaces.
TechnologyMay 01, 2026
Gemist, Saban Onyx Partner on Retailer-Focused Customization OfferingTheir partnership combines Gemist’s customization technology with Saban Onyx’s U.S.-based manufacturing capabilities.
SurveysMay 01, 2026
Consumer Confidence Inches Up in April Despite Rising Gas PricesRespondents were concerned about the Middle East conflict and how it will impact their finances.
CollectionsMay 01, 2026
A ‘Hidden Garden’ Emerges in Tiffany & Co.’s 2026 Blue BookOur Piece of the Week, the “Butterfly” necklace, showcases a 7.02-carat oval diamond set between diamond, platinum, and 18-karat gold wings.
ColumnistsApr 30, 2026
Peter Smith: A Sleazy Salesman and the Case for Regret Avoidance Smith uses a comment he overheard in the grocery store to remind retailers that their job is to inspire buying behavior, not just sell.
MajorsApr 30, 2026
Claire’s New Summer Campaign Is a Sensory Wonderland for Gen Alpha“A Girl SMR at Claire’s” celebrates girlhood through the five senses with stacked jewelry, slime toys, scented accessories, and ASMR.
AuctionsApr 30, 2026
Vintage Cartier Watch Crashes Through Records, Selling for $2MBelieved to be one of three made in 1987, the Cartier London Crash was hot at the “Shapes of Cartier” sale at Sotheby’s Hong Kong.
