Francesca's Boutique Chain to Cease All Operations, Close Stores Nationwide

The women's fashion retailer files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and begins liquidation sales across its 45-state footprint.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Francesca's, a popular women's boutique chain that was once a staple in malls across the country, has announced it will cease all operations and close all of its stores nationwide. The Houston-based retailer filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on Friday and has begun court-approved liquidation sales at its entire fleet of boutiques and outlet stores across 45 states.

Why it matters

Francesca's rise and fall reflects the broader challenges facing traditional brick-and-mortar retailers, especially mall-based chains, as consumer shopping habits have shifted dramatically toward e-commerce in recent years. The company's bankruptcy and store closures will leave many malls with vacant retail space to fill.

The details

According to the announcement, major discounts of 25-40% off will be offered on all remaining merchandise at Francesca's stores, including sweaters, cardigans, blouses, skirts, loungewear, denim, dresses, rompers, jumpsuits, jewelry, gifts, and accessories. The liquidation sales are being overseen by advisors Tiger Group, SB360 Capital Partners, and GA Group.

  • Francesca's filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on February 10, 2026.
  • Court-approved store closing sales across Francesca's entire fleet of boutiques and outlet stores have begun.

The players

Francesca's

A women's boutique and specialty retail brand founded in 1999 that was once a popular mall store staple, but is now ceasing all operations and closing all of its stores nationwide.

Tiger Group

One of the advisory firms overseeing the liquidation sales for Francesca's.

SB360 Capital Partners

One of the advisory firms overseeing the liquidation sales for Francesca's.

GA Group

One of the advisory firms overseeing the liquidation sales for Francesca's.

Curt Kroll

The CFO of Francesca's.

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What they’re saying

“Major discounts will be offered at all Francesca's boutiques and outlet stores across 45 states. Shoppers will find discounts of 25 to 40 percent off across all product categories, and new merchandise will continue to arrive at stores.”

— Michael McGrail, Member, Tiger Group

“This process provides a structured path to pursue the best outcome for all stakeholders. We remain focused on operating responsibly and supporting our teams, partners, and guests throughout this process.”

— Curt Kroll, CFO, Francesca's

What’s next

The judge overseeing Francesca's bankruptcy case will need to approve the company's plans to liquidate its remaining inventory and wind down operations.

The takeaway

Francesca's downfall is a cautionary tale about the challenges facing traditional brick-and-mortar retailers, especially mall-based chains, in the face of the rise of e-commerce. The company's bankruptcy and store closures highlight the broader shifts in consumer shopping habits and the need for retailers to adapt to changing market conditions.