Women’s fashion store emerges from bankruptcy to reopen at Outlets at Wind Creek Bethlehem
A women’s fashion and accessory store, that initially filed for bankruptcy and closed all of its locations in 2019, has planned a comeback at the Outlets at Wind Creek Bethlehem.
The Wind Creek location was one of 261 Charming Charlie stores across 38 states that reportedly shuttered two years ago. It’s planning a grand reopening at its original space across from the General Store on the lower level. Wind Creek spokeswoman Julia Corwin said Wednesday there’s no specific opening date scheduled yet.
Founded in 2004 by entrepreneur Charles Chanaratsopon, the chain says its newly reopened stores will include Charming Charlie’s usual, color-grouping model and vast catalog, according to a news release. The store is known for its apparel, handbags, fashion jewelry, gifts, beauty items, shoes, scarves, tech gadgets, travel, pets and kid merchandise, as well as RSVP and special occasion pieces.
The company announced a national expansion this past March. The move comes after Charming Charlie filed two Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection cases in 2018 and 2019, respectively, qualifying as what restructuring industry professionals call a “Chapter 22″ bankruptcy, according to USA Today.
The company then stated in its court filing it faced “unsustainable operating expenses, including onerous leases” at a time when so many brick-and-mortar stores were facing immense online competition.
Also coming soon to the outlet center will be Angry Jack’s Axe Throwing Club. It’s moving into space vacated by fashion retailer Van Heusen | IZOD Golf.
The site, owned by husband-and-wife team AJ and Nikki Mitchell of Downingtown, Chester County, in July initially announced plans to open at the outlet center. It’s unclear if there were any delays in plans; Corwin referred comment to the Mitchells, who couldn’t immediately be reached for more information. The concept at Angry Jack’s is for guests to experience lots of friendly competition in a causal atmosphere, according to the business’ website.
Wind Creek will be the fourth location for Angry Jack’s, which already has three other locations in Chester County, Pennsylvania, and Elkton, Maryland.
Angry Jack’s Axe Throwing Club plans to soon move into space vacated by longtime fashion retailer Van Heusen | IZOD Golf. The site is owned by husband-and-wife team AJ and Nikki Mitchell of Downingtown, Chester County.
Charming Charlie and Angry Jack’s Axe Throwing Club will join Bonworth, another women’s fashion and accessories shop that opened this past August. It moved in the lower level space left vacant by G.H. Bass & Co. The retailer has been in existence for about four decades with retail stores in 14 states, according to the business’ website.
At least eight vacancies remain at the outlet center. Here’s where shoppers will find empty spaces: one between Hartstrings and Famous Footwear; two next to the space that will house Charming Charlie; one between the General Store and Corningware Corelle & More; two between Talbots and Kay Jewelers; and two next to Coach.
The outlet center, 77 Wind Creek Boulevard, offers its two levels of high-end brands at affordable prices. The site is popular for shoppers, connecting the casino and hotel.
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Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at [email protected].
