Thursday, February 2, 2012

Esprit Closing: It's Not "Goodbye," It's "Hope to See You Later"

Word hit the streets yesterday that Esprit is planning to close all of its North American stores. I read the news this afternoon while shopping Esprit on 34th Street. Seriously, I'm not joking. I was in the store checking my iPhone and got an email from Intern Craig. Really, he should be on the payroll, he's always keeping me in touch.

Esprit flagship on 34th Street

Oddly I had just been thinking that the current sale (50% off the entire store) felt a little sad (see signage above). But I like to look on the good side: Esprit is regrouping, hiring new designers in Europe, and is rediscovering its "soul." I'm kind of freelancing on the latter, as that's what I want Esprit to do. Perhaps it'll be back in the future with its awesome, old-school-Esprit image intact. Good luck, Esprit, you'll always have a special place in my heart thanks to years spent pouring over your catalogs.


Esprit 21 W. 34th Street 

4 comments :

Elizabeth said...

Esprit was a big part of my early teens. I hope they get it together and re-open stores. I'd like to see them succeed in whatever market they choose.

Lipstick said...

I'll always be nostalgic about Esprit. There was a mini "Esprit Shoppe" in the main department store of my youth. I spent much time there. I hope the company thrives.

Tricia said...

It's funny, we all want to see them do well! Such a big brand for those of us who knew them as teens.

Anonymous said...

Went to Esprit yesterday and found out all stores in the USA are closing . I'm am so sad to see them go because I have been buying their clothes since I was a teenager. It's funny many things have changed since I was a teenager, but my love for esprit has not. It is sad that a company that actually has quality design and materials cannot succeed in the US market, instead companies like H&M and forever 21 that are cheap and cheaply made are thriving. I can't imagine finding another store I will love so much, and I will just remain hopeful that esprit will one day come back to the US market after getting the company back to what it used to be.