Rock & Republic Files for Bankruptcy Protection

Rock & Republic – Hits Difficult Financial Times

The Los Angeles Times reports that another player in the supercompetitive and cut-throat premium denim industry, this time pricey designer denim and jeans brand Rock & Republic, has hit tough financial times (see: Rock & Republic files for bankruptcy protection). The report states that Rock & Republic, one of the most recognizable names in the premium denim industry, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in order to ease financial pressure:

"The Culver City company, whose products are sold in upscale department stores such as Bloomingdale's, Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom as well as specialty retailers and its own free-standing stores, said the filing would ease pressure on its balance sheet. Day-to-day operations are expected to continue."

Rock & Republic – Lower Cost Recession Collection

While Rock & Republic operated at the more pricey, premium denim end of the market, like many other fashion brands feeling the pinch of the troubled economy, in March 2009 introduced a limited edition lower cost designer jeans collection, priced in the range $128 to $132, to appeal to recession-weary shoppers. Rock and Republic’s aptly named “Recession Collection” was available at Bloomingdale’s, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom and Saks Fifth Avenue. The image above left shows the Berlin Skinny Rock & Republic jeans in Reconcile Brown available at $132 from Rock & Republic.

Although a little harder to find now, if you’re a recessionista or cash-strapped at the moment then if you hunt around you can still find great deals on the Rock & Republic “Recession Collection.” I recently saw the Rock & Republic Stella Recession Collection low rise jeans, a really chic and casual designer jeans, reduced down from $132 to $105 at Piperlime and Zappos. In fact, not so long ago Piperlime had a 40% OFF sale with the Rock & Republic Recession Collection Berlin Skinny in Stimulus reduced down to $79.

Rock & Republic – Refocus

I love designer jeans from brands like True Religion but have to say that I love my rocks for just chilling out!! So if you too are amongst the many Rock & Republic devotees then don't worry for now as operating under Chapter 11 protection, that is under court protection from creditors, will allow Rock & Republic to keep operating while it tries to trade out of its financial position. Rock & Republic plans to refocus on its shoe and core apparel businesses.

It will be interesting to see whether now with the financial pressures that it is under and the need to refocus, Rock & Republic will do more at the lower priced end of the market. My only issue with this will be if this is at the price of quality then Rock & Republic may well hit the rocks.

Latest News - Rock & Republic Sample Sale

The latest news from Rock & Republic is that they are putting on a warehouse sale for womens, mens, kids, denim, tops, outwear and accessories this weekend all at 50% to 80% OFF with all denim at $80, kid's denim $40, all shoes $75 and sunglasses at $50!!! Here are the deets:

What: Rock & Republic Sample Sale

Where: The Metropolitan Pavilion, 4th Floor Gallery, 123 West 18th Street, NYC 10011.

When: April 16th, 4pm-9pm and April 17th-18th, 9am-7pm

Payment: Cash or Credit Card only, no checks

Note: No handbags or bags allowed in the sale.

Latest Update: Doors opening an hour early, 3:00pm instead of 4:00pm