Financials

Judge Grants Barneys Access to Financing Offer

FinancialsAug 16, 2019

Judge Grants Barneys Access to Financing Offer

The retailer can now use the remainder of its $218 million in specialty financing to stay afloat while it searches for a buyer.

20190816_Barneys_Logo.jpg
Barneys New York received $218 million from Brigade Capital Management and B. Riley Financial to keep operations running after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection earlier this month. (Photo courtesy of Barneys New York’s Facebook page)

New York—Barneys New York Inc. was given the green light by a New York bankruptcy court judge Wednesday to utilize additional funding needed to keep it afloat while it searches for a buyer.

The retailer filed a motion earlier this month asking for permission to access debtor-in-possession financing, a type of financing extended to companies in distress that is overseen by the lender and subject to court approval.

Barneys initially received an offer of $75 million in debtor-in-possession financing from financial services companies Hilco Global and the Gordon Brothers Group to support its sale process.

But another last-minute offer materialized the day of its Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing. Brigade Capital Management and B. Riley Financial came in with an offer of $218 million in DIP financing.

The court previously had granted interim approval for immediate access to $75 million of the $218 million; the judge’s decision this week gave the retailer access to the remaining amount, $143 million.

Barneys filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection Aug. 6 in New York amid soaring costs and declining sales. When it filed, the retailer announced that it would close 15 of its 22 locations, including the Barneys stores in Chicago, Las Vegas and Seattle.

It said it will use the DIP financing to support its operations, including continuing to pay employee wages and benefits as well as honoring customer payments and orders.

The company said in a statement following its filing that trade vendors, manufacturing partners and suppliers would be paid in full on or after the filing date.

Barneys owes unsecured claims totaling seven figures to creditors such as Celine, Yves Saint Laurent, Balenciaga, Givenchy, Gucci and Prada, according to court documents.

There were no jewelry brands included on the list of Barneys top 30 creditors, though the retailer is a major seller of fine jewelry and carries some of the most well-known names in the industry.

“This significantly enhanced financing commitment demonstrates the belief of Brigade Capital and B. Riley Financial in the value of the Barneys New York brand and business,” Barneys CEO Daniella Vitale said in a statement following news of the offer.

The capital injection provided Barneys with both more money and more time to find a buyer to save the business.

The retailer has until Oct. 24 to find a buyer and avoid liquidation, according to court documents, about a month-long extension from the previously set deadline of Sept. 25.

If a buyer is
found by that date, Barneys must close the sale by Nov. 2, just one week later.
Lenore Fedowis the senior editor, news at National Jeweler, covering the retail beat and the business side of jewelry.

The Latest

Image from PGI USA Platinum Born campaign
MajorsOct 23, 2026
PGI USA Set to Close at Year’s End

The closure is part of a global restructuring that also includes PGI winding down its operations in Japan, South Korea, and Hong Kong.

Rachel Chalchinsky of Color Source Gems Survivor Tribute Ring
SourcingOct 23, 2026
Rachel Chalchinsky’s ‘Survivor Tribute’ Ring

The ring, our Piece of the Week, was designed by eight-year breast cancer survivor Rachel Chalchinsky of Color Source Gems.

Jewelers of America new logo
TechnologyOct 23, 2026
JA Unveils New Website, Logo

The website offers enhanced member benefit access, industry directories, educational resources, a job board, and access to the MJSA Journal.

DeBeersICONS_TITLE1_CUSTOMCONTENT_1872x1052 (1).jpg
Brought to you by
A Diamond Is Forever Launches 2026 Holiday Campaign Championing Natural Diamonds

A Diamond Is Forever's holiday campaign reimagines natural diamond icons for a new generation celebrating individuality.

Stock image of crime scene tape and police cars
CrimeOct 22, 2026
Jeweler Shot and Killed in His Suburban Cincinnati Store

Tara Sinchuri was the owner of Everest Jewels in Fairfield, Ohio, and a father of three. He was found dead in his store on Tuesday.

Weekly QuizOct 22, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Verdura cuffs
MajorsOct 22, 2026
Neiman Marcus Has Gifts for the Jewelry Lover Who Has Everything

Bespoke experiences from Buccellati and Verdura are on the retailer’s 2026 “Fantasy Gifts” list.

JIS Fall 2026 jewelry
Events & AwardsOct 22, 2026
JIS Fall 2026 Reports Record-Breaking Attendance

The number of participants at the fall show was up 12 percent.

lab channel btyb 0926.png
Brought to you by
Open an Account, Get $50 Off Your First Order. No Code Needed.

Built on Relationships. Refined by Craft.

John Hardy Billie Eilish & Finneas Collection Campaign Imagery
CollectionsOct 22, 2026
Billie Eilish, Finneas Co-Design Collection for John Hardy

The Academy and Grammy award-winning siblings have collaborated with John Hardy on a new jewelry line inspired by their personal style.

Graphic for episode 10 of the My Next Question podcast
PodcastsOct 21, 2026
Episode 10: This Episode Is Haunted 

Diana Singer shared the stories of two “cursed” diamonds on this month’s podcast, which was inexplicably riddled with technical issues.

Gardner Collier Jewelry store in Kirksville Missouri
IndependentsOct 21, 2026
Gardner-Collier Jewelry to Close After 9 Decades in Business

The family-owned jeweler has three locations across Missouri and Iowa.

Underground shaft at the Venetia diamond mine
SourcingOct 21, 2026
Venetia Mines Final Carats Ahead of 2-Year Shutdown

The De Beers-owned diamond mine in South Africa is being put on ice as part of a round of previously announced cost-cutting measures.

Off-White Jewelry Collection Imagery
CollectionsOct 21, 2026
Helzberg, Nordstrom Carrying New Jewelry Collection From Off-White

The collection centers designs with clean geometric lines, chunky sculptural pieces, and recognizable details from the luxury fashion brand.

Gemfields rubies
SourcingOct 21, 2026
Gemfields’ Mixed-Quality Ruby Auction Earns $52M

The miner said it saw particularly strong prices for larger, fine-quality rubies at the sale.

Stock image of police cars with lights on
CrimeOct 20, 2026
Security Guard Charged With Murder in Shooting at Texas Mall

The guard opened fire on a man who was smashing a jewelry display case at La Gran Plaza in Fort Worth last week, police said.

David Gardner’s Jewelers interior
IndependentsOct 20, 2026
David Gardner’s Jewelers Unveils Newly Expanded, Revamped Showroom

The Texas jeweler added 2,000 square feet to its reimagined showroom, complete with a new design studio and an event space.

Kylie Jenner Fantasy Bra Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show
SourcingOct 20, 2026
The $50M Victoria’s Secret ‘Fantasy Bra’ By The Numbers

Jacob & Co.'s diamond masterpiece is the most expensive Fantasy Bra ever worn on the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show runway.

Mignon Faget Atelier Collection Campaign Imagery
CollectionsOct 20, 2026
Mignon Faget’s Collection Chooses Handmade Over AI

The “Atelier” collection was inspired by the tools, rituals, and objects in an artist’s studio as a quiet rebuttal to an automated world.

 Rio Grande engagement ring and band
MajorsOct 19, 2026
The Knot to Acquire Rival Wedding Planning Platform Zola

The pending acquisition is an “exciting opportunity” for wedding vendors to grow their business, said The Knot Worldwide’s CEO.

The Secret Gems Thailand
SourcingOct 19, 2026
Jewelry Design Competition Show Airs in Thailand

"The Secret Gems" features eight Thai jewelry brands paired with a team of young craftspeople who create jewelry together to win challenges.

John Hardy Modern Talisman Collection Campaign Imagery
CollectionsOct 19, 2026
John Hardy Enters the Medallion Chat With Talisman Collection

The brand’s “Modern Talisman” capsule collection introduces pendants inspired by the mythology, natural world, and spiritual ethos of Bali.

Collage of independent jewelers celebrating their 100th anniversary in 2026
IndependentsOct 19, 2026
The Stories of 5 Jewelers Celebrating Their Centennials in 2026

Independent jewelers from New Mexico to New Jersey answer the question: What has kept your store in business for 100 years?

Hand holding shopping bags
SurveysOct 16, 2026
How Inflation, Gas Prices Will Affect Holiday Sales

The NRF is expecting holiday sales to increase this year, but consumers and retailers alike are facing Grinch-like headwinds.

Christina Puchi Gemstone Earrings
CollectionsOct 16, 2026
Christina Puchi’s Earrings Hold the Universe

Our Piece of the Week gathers the planets, represented by a variety of colored gemstones, in a pair of 14-karat yellow gold earrings.

Reeds Jewelers Fayetteville
IndependentsOct 16, 2026
Reeds Jewelers Expands, Relocates Flagship

The New York-based jeweler is moving its Amherst flagship store to a larger location in nearby Snyder.

Graff USA Executive Vice President Katy Chen
MajorsOct 16, 2026
Katy Chen Appointed Executive Vice President of Graff USA

Chen, who worked at Cartier and Tiffany & Co., will lead retail sales and operations for the luxury jeweler’s 11 U.S. stores.

Elise & Amy Greenberg
IndependentsOct 15, 2026
Retailer Hall of Fame 2026: Amy and Elise Greenberg

For 40 years, sisters Amy and Elise Greenberg have helmed their 126-year-old family business, leading with appreciation and integrity.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy