Financials

Judge Grants Barneys Access to Financing Offer

FinancialsAug 16, 2019

Judge Grants Barneys Access to Financing Offer

The retailer can now use the remainder of its $218 million in specialty financing to stay afloat while it searches for a buyer.

20190816_Barneys_Logo.jpg
Barneys New York received $218 million from Brigade Capital Management and B. Riley Financial to keep operations running after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection earlier this month. (Photo courtesy of Barneys New York’s Facebook page)

New York—Barneys New York Inc. was given the green light by a New York bankruptcy court judge Wednesday to utilize additional funding needed to keep it afloat while it searches for a buyer.

The retailer filed a motion earlier this month asking for permission to access debtor-in-possession financing, a type of financing extended to companies in distress that is overseen by the lender and subject to court approval.

Barneys initially received an offer of $75 million in debtor-in-possession financing from financial services companies Hilco Global and the Gordon Brothers Group to support its sale process.

But another last-minute offer materialized the day of its Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing. Brigade Capital Management and B. Riley Financial came in with an offer of $218 million in DIP financing.

The court previously had granted interim approval for immediate access to $75 million of the $218 million; the judge’s decision this week gave the retailer access to the remaining amount, $143 million.

Barneys filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection Aug. 6 in New York amid soaring costs and declining sales. When it filed, the retailer announced that it would close 15 of its 22 locations, including the Barneys stores in Chicago, Las Vegas and Seattle.

It said it will use the DIP financing to support its operations, including continuing to pay employee wages and benefits as well as honoring customer payments and orders.

The company said in a statement following its filing that trade vendors, manufacturing partners and suppliers would be paid in full on or after the filing date.

Barneys owes unsecured claims totaling seven figures to creditors such as Celine, Yves Saint Laurent, Balenciaga, Givenchy, Gucci and Prada, according to court documents.

There were no jewelry brands included on the list of Barneys top 30 creditors, though the retailer is a major seller of fine jewelry and carries some of the most well-known names in the industry.

“This significantly enhanced financing commitment demonstrates the belief of Brigade Capital and B. Riley Financial in the value of the Barneys New York brand and business,” Barneys CEO Daniella Vitale said in a statement following news of the offer.

The capital injection provided Barneys with both more money and more time to find a buyer to save the business.

The retailer has until Oct. 24 to find a buyer and avoid liquidation, according to court documents, about a month-long extension from the previously set deadline of Sept. 25.

If a buyer is
found by that date, Barneys must close the sale by Nov. 2, just one week later.
Lenore Fedowis the senior editor, news at National Jeweler, covering the retail beat and the business side of jewelry.

The Latest

Two of the three suspects in burglary at Queens jeweler’s home
CrimeNov 03, 2025
Men Dressed as Construction Workers Burglarize Jeweler’s Home

The NYPD is looking for three men who stole a safe and jewelry valued at $3.2 million from the home of a jeweler in Jamaica Hills, Queens.

Matthew Rosenheim
MajorsNov 03, 2025
Matthew Rosenheim Takes Over as JA Board Chair

The trade organization also announced its executive committee and five new directors.

Muse’s Have a Heart x Diamonds Do Good Collection on Flaviana Matata
CollectionsNov 03, 2025
Muse’s ‘Have a Heart’ Collab Returns, Now With DDG

The “Have a Heart x Diamonds Do Good” collection is championed by model and humanitarian Flaviana Matata and will benefit her foundation.

20-Under-40-2025-LV.png
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America Aligns New Mission to Create Meaningful Impact for Members

From educational programs, advocacy, and recent MJSA affiliation, Jewelers of America drives progress that elevates businesses of all sizes.

Christies Kashmir sapphire ring
AuctionsNov 03, 2025
Kashmir Sapphire Ring Tops Christie's Online Auction

The ring, set with a nearly 17-carat Kashmir cabochon sapphire, sold for $1 million.

Weekly QuizOct 30, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Heavenly Vices Mother Father Spinner Necklace
TrendsOct 31, 2025
Piece of the Week: A Spinner Fit for ‘Frankenstein’

This “Mother Father” spinner necklace from Heavenly Vices Fine Jewelry draws inspiration from Victorian Era jewelry.

Interpol Stolen Works of Art Database, The Louvre Museum Graphic
CrimeOct 31, 2025
5 More Arrested in Louvre Heist, Jewelry Still Missing

The suspects were rounded up in Paris and its suburbs on Wednesday night, but none of the stolen jewels were recovered with them.

Supplier Spotlight -Recorded-Webinar.png
Brought to you by
Watch: Introducing GIA Jewelry Services

Supplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA

My Next Question webinar graphic
Recorded WebinarsOct 31, 2025
Watch: How to Master Google Reviews for Your Business

Experts share top tips on how to encourage positive reviews and handle negative feedback.

GIA iD100® Technology
Supplier BulletinOct 30, 2025
Protect Your Customers and Your Business

Sponsored by the Gemological Institute of America

Seattle PD image of Menashe & Sons Jewelers following Aug. 14 smash-and-grab robbery
CrimeOct 30, 2025
29-Year-Old Man Charged in Multiple Seattle-Area Smash and Grabs

The suspect faces charges in the August robbery of Menashe & Sons Jewelers and is accused of committing smash and grabs at two pawn shops.

Alison Lou Lumière Fine Collection On-Model
Lab-GrownOct 30, 2025
Alison Lou’s New Collection Uses Lab-Grown Diamonds and Resin

The “Lumière Fine” collection was born from designer Alison Chemla’s interest in the transformative power of light.

Buddha Mama gold skull pave huggies
TrendsOct 30, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: A Haunted Halloween

Show off your spooky side with these 12 festive jewels.

Is This Love That I’m Feeling event imagery
Events & AwardsOct 30, 2025
Jewelers Mutual to Host Jewelry Panel at Frazier History Museum

The “Brilliant & Beyond” panel coincides with the “Love & Marriage” exhibition curated by Davis Jewelers in Louisville, Kentucky.

Stock image of person holding shopping bags
Events & AwardsOct 29, 2025
October Brings Little Change to Consumer Confidence

Consumers are feeling more optimistic about their present situation while the short-term future remains a little scary.

Couture show
Events & AwardsOct 29, 2025
Couture Partners With Time to Watches

The company, which organizes a watch show in Geneva every spring, will bring a selection of watch brands to the 2026 Couture show in Vegas.

The Modern Guide to Vintage Jewelry by Beth Bernstein
TrendsOct 29, 2025
Beth Bernstein Releases Vintage Jewelry Guide

“The Modern Guide to Vintage Jewellery” follows the evolution of jewelry design from the ‘30s to the ‘80s with buying and styling advice.

Collage of bug jewelry
EditorsOct 29, 2025
Why Creepy, Crawly Bugs Inspire Beautiful Jewelry

For her annual Halloween story, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow explores the symbolism behind spiders, beetles, and other eerie insects.

Gem Awards 2025 at Cipriani New York
Events & AwardsOct 28, 2025
Meet the 2026 Gem Award Nominees

Notable jewelry designers, members of the press, and retailers are up for an award at next year’s gala.

Graphic for Jewelers of America’s 2025 State of the Industry webinar
Recorded WebinarsOct 28, 2025
Watch: The State of the Jewelry Industry

Leaders from Jewelers of America and National Jeweler discuss the gold price, tariffs, and more in this one-hour webinar.

Eriness One of One Collection Rings and Necklace
CollectionsOct 28, 2025
Eriness Reflects on Life in ‘One of One’ Collection

After experiencing motherhood, growth, and loss, founder and designer Erin Sachse has created 10 irreplaceable jewels.

Napoleon’s diamond brooch and a pearl and diamond hair ornament
AuctionsOct 27, 2025
Napoleon Left This Brooch Behind, And Now It’s Up For Auction

It is part of Sotheby’s “Royal & Noble Jewels” sale along with an ornate hair ornament and an old mine-cut light pink diamond ring.

Marie Louise’s emerald necklace and earrings stolen in the heist at the Louvre Museum
CrimeOct 27, 2025
Arrests Made in Louvre Jewel Heist

One of the individuals was apprehended at the airport as he was trying to flee the country.

Holiday shoppers in Target
MajorsOct 27, 2025
Target to Cut 1,800 Corporate Jobs

The retailer, which has faced struggling sales in recent quarters, is looking to streamline its operations.

Hill Management Group
Events & AwardsOct 27, 2025
Hill Management Group Hired to Help Atlanta Jewelry Show

Hill Management Group will oversee, market, and produce next year’s spring show.

Bonhams New Bond Street London flagship
AuctionsOct 24, 2025
Bonhams Under New Ownership, Top Executives Replaced

London-based investment firm Pemberton Asset Management acquired the auction house for an undisclosed amount.

De Beers Diamond View Zoom machine with monitor
GradingOct 24, 2025
DMIA to Hold Diamond Testing Instrument Demo

The workshop will give attendees the chance to try out and ask questions about three different diamond verification instruments.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy