Business owner, André, seeks legal remedy: Probable store closures identified
Catch Up with André: The French Shoe Brands Rocky Road Through Judicial Reorganization
Troubles continue for André, the French footwear brand, as they face yet another judicial reorganization by the Paris Commercial Court on April 30, 2025 - their third time in five years. But fear not, the brand assures, "the story of André is being rewritten, and we are more committed than ever to the future."
Acquired by the Belgian company Optakare in 2023, Andre, which once boasted numerous outlets, now only maintains 16 stores across France. From the bustling streets of Paris to the tranquil towns of Bordeaux, the brand has been scaling back, closing underperforming stores and focusing on key locations. The affected stores include:
- Ulis, 91
- Lieusaint, 77
- Vélizy-Villacoublay, 78
- Le Chesnay, 78
- Paris 6, 16
- Paris 1, 1
- Courbevoie, 92
- Bay, 77
- Tours, 37
- Rennes, 35
- La Rochelle, 17
- Lyon, 69
- Bordeaux, 33
- Bordeaux Remparts, 33
- Toulouse, 31
- Nice, 06
Despite the hardship, the company is showing resilience. "Our collaborators, suppliers, and all partners can trust us," the company declares. Although the brand is embracing a more upmarket branding with its Maison André concept, focusing on 100% leather shoes, it's also partnering with third-party companies for ethical collaborations, like LWG (Leather Working Group).
In their press release, André provides an optimistic outlook: "This step aims to present a continuation plan once the restructuring is completed." They hope to navigate these challenging times and continue to cater to their loyal patrons with the same level of style and service. Stay tuned for updates on this evolving story. After all, as the saying goes, "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger."
- In the restructuring process, André, the French shoe brand, has requested the financial industry to support their continuation plan, aimed for completion by April 30, 2025, as they navigate through judicial reorganization.
- Despite closing stores in Ulis, Lieusaint, Vélizy-Villacoublay, Le Chesnay, Paris 6, Paris 1, Courbevoie, Bay, Tours, Rennes, La Rochelle, Lyon, Bordeaux, Bordeaux Remparts, Toulouse, Nice, the company has been restructuring its retail business, focusing on key locations across France.
- Following its acquisition by Optakare in 2023, the shoe brand has been repositioning itself in the market, with a focus on the upmarket Maison André concept, which emphasizes 100% leather shoes, as well as ethical collaborations like with the Leather Working Group (LWG).
- The French label, André, which once had numerous outlets, now maintains only 16 stores across France, including Bordeaux, and continues to assure its collaborators, suppliers, and partners of its commitment to the future of its business.
- In these challenging times, André remains optimistic, hoping to continue serving their loyal patrons with the same style and service they are known for, true to the saying, "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger."
