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This year, several retailers have spent time in Chapter 11. For a few – including Joann, Forever 21, Rite Aid and Claire’s – it was the second trip, in some cases within two years or less, a phenomenon nicknamed “Chapter 22.”
In combing through the legal documents filed to the dockets of these cases, Retail Dive reporters often turn to Debtwire analysts for help in deciphering what the companies say are the reasons for their move, and what they plan to do next. Sarah Foss, Debtwire’s global head of legal and a bankruptcy attorney, joins Retail Dive Senior Reporter Daphne Howland to talk about what is sending retailers to bankruptcy court, why it’s been difficult for some to stay out of it and what this says about the industry more widely.
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Editor’s note: This episode was produced and edited by Caroline Jansen.