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

Aerial image of the Lungwebungu River
SourcingOct 02, 2026
De Beers, National Geographic Society Renew Okavango Eternal Partnership

The partnership, a pledge to protect Africa’s Okavango River Basin, has been extended for an additional five years.

Pandora facility Vietnam front view
MajorsOct 02, 2026
Pandora Opens New $150M Manufacturing Facility in Vietnam

The new facility, its first outside of Thailand, will boost its manufacturing capacity by 50 percent.

Hearts On Fire Dream Heart Pendant
TrendsOct 02, 2026
Hearts On Fire Celebrates 30th Anniversary With Heart Pendant

The special-edition “Dream” pendant, our Piece of the Week, was created to mark Hearts On Fire’s 30-year milestone with 30 diamonds.

1872 x 1052 Gemolite.jpg
Brought to you by
Meet Gemology’s Next Generation Microscope: GIA® Gemolite® NXT Professional Edition

Experience gemstones with greater precision and comfort than ever before.

Surveillance images of robbery suspects
CrimeOct 01, 2026
Police Looking for 4 Suspects in $600K Smash-and-Grab Robbery

Dubai Jewelers in Springfield, Virginia, was once again the target of an armed robbery.

Weekly QuizOct 01, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date 40 in 18-karat Jubilee gold with aventurine dial
SurveysOct 01, 2026
Rolex Ranks Among Most Recommended Brands in US, Survey Says

YouGov’s 2026 U.S. Most Recommended Brands report’s out, and a fast-fashion giant is sitting at No. 1 while Rolex is just shy of the top 5.

Peoples Training & Research Centre Gujarat India
SourcingOct 01, 2026
Columbia Gem House Opens ‘Cutting Toward Change’ Fundraiser

Proceeds from its jewelry raffle will benefit an organization working in India to combat silicosis, a lung disease affecting stone cutters.

Cover.jpg
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk About

Submit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.

Jason of Beverly Hills Stanley Cup Championship Ring for Carolina Hurricanes
TrendsOct 01, 2026
Carolina Hurricanes’ Championship Ring Reveals Hidden Hockey Puck Pendant

The rings, crafted by Jason of Beverly Hills, celebrate the hockey team’s Stanley Cup win with design elements that honor its traditions.

Meredith Young Nebula ring
TrendsOct 01, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: October’s Color Range

This roundup of birthstone jewelry for October features vibrant tourmalines and opals with personality.

Time CEO Jessica Sibley, Botswana President Duma Boko, and Botswana Minster of Minerals and Energy Bogolo Joy Kenewendo in New York
SourcingSep 30, 2026
Botswana’s President, De Beers CEO Say Diamond Demand Is Recovering

President Duma Boko spoke at back-to-back events in the city last week, touting Botswana’s stability and the diamond “bounceback.”

Oscar Heyman A Living Archive Holiday Book
CollectionsSep 30, 2026
Oscar Heyman’s Holiday Book Is ‘A Living Archive’

The catalog showcases 112 new, one-of-a-kind pieces amid highlights from the jeweler’s historic archive.

Gemfields rubies
SourcingSep 30, 2026
Gemfields Posts $98.5M Loss, Writes Down Value of Ruby Mine

Its Montepuez Ruby Mining operation in Mozambique, which is not yielding enough high-quality rubies, has taken a $125 million hit.

Hand holding a gas pump
SurveysSep 30, 2026
Consumer Confidence Falls to 12-Year Low in September

Those surveyed were worried about the present and the future, with write-in responses mentioning high oil and gas prices.

JA New York sign
Events & AwardsSep 30, 2026
Jewelers of America, JA New York to Host Networking Event

The event will take place on the evening of Oct. 26 in New York City.

Christy Bromberg
IndependentsSep 29, 2026
Christy Bromberg, Longtime Gift Buyer for Underwood Jewelers, Dies at 68

She is remembered for her joie de vivre, upbeat personality, genuine interest in other people, and love of the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Dionne Warwick brown diamond ring from Sultan of Brunei
AuctionsSep 29, 2026
Dionne Warwick’s Jewelry Goes Up for Auction

Online bidding is open now for Julien’s sale of items owned by the “Walk On By” singer, whose final album comes out this fall.

Matt Stuller
Events & AwardsSep 29, 2026
Matt Stuller to Receive 2027 Gem Award for Lifetime Achievement

The founder and executive chairman of Stuller Inc. is being honored for his impact on the jewelry industry at the 25th annual Gem Awards.

Emmanuel Raheb, CEO of Smart Age Solutions
ColumnistsSep 29, 2026
Your Holiday Marketing Has a Bridal Blind Spot

December is the most popular month to propose, and jewelers need to keep that in mind when planning their holiday marketing.

Sandy Lerner’s 18-karat gold and diamond cat brooch
AuctionsSep 29, 2026
If You Love Cats, This Jewelry Auction Is for You

Cat ladies of the jewelry world, unite. Sandy Lerner’s collection of cat jewelry and other objects is going up for auction Wednesday.

De Beers London Vibrations high jewelry Echo transformable necklace
CollectionsSep 28, 2026
De Beers London Drops Water-Inspired High Jewelry Collection

“Vibrations” features several firsts for De Beers’ high jewelry, including the use of chalcedony and diamonds sourced from artisanal miners.

Zoë Kravitz Wearing Jessica McCormack’s Bows Collection
CollectionsSep 28, 2026
Jessica McCormack Turns to Classic Motif for New Collection

The “Bows” collection features three interpretations of the bow motif designed with Georgian and Victorian influences.

Amanda Coleman-Phelps and Guy Borenstein
Events & AwardsSep 28, 2026
Guy Borenstein, Troy Underwood Among the Professionals Honored at AGS Conclave 2026

The American Gem Society recognized industry members, one Guild, and a law enforcement official for their contributions to jewelry.

Rolex Datejust 31 ref. 6827 and Rolex Lady Datejust ref. 6917
WatchesSep 25, 2026
Smaller Rolex Watches Showing Strength on Secondary Market, Data Shows

Five of the 10 fastest-appreciating Rolex models on Bob’s Watches were Datejust 31 or Lady Datejust watches.

Daniel’s Jewelers storefront
MajorsSep 25, 2026
Sherwood Family Buys Back Daniel’s Jewelers from Private Equity

The Sherwood family and AJS Creations CEO Tejas Shah purchased the jewelry chain back from Palladium Equity Partners.

Brilliant Earth The Elizabeth Taylor Collection Campaign Imagery
Lab-GrownSep 25, 2026
Brilliant Earth Collabs with Elizabeth Taylor Estate on Jewelry Collection

“The Elizabeth Taylor Collection” uses lab-grown diamonds and gemstones in contemporary designs inspired by the icon.

Dana Rebecca Alexa Jordyn Marquise Marge hoops
TrendsSep 25, 2026
A Peek at Taylor Swift’s Game-Day Diamonds

The artist wore Dana Rebecca Designs’ marquise diamond-set gold hoops at the Chiefs game last Sunday. Now they’re our Piece of the Week.

×

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