C. Wonder, the store we have all come to love for monogrammed gifts, stylish trinkets and affordable but luxe fashion is suddenly closing.According to news sources, C. Wonder, the clothing and gift chain founded by billionaire Chris Burch, ex-husband to famous designer Tory Burch, is “closing all its stores, having failed to find a market for its kitschy mid-priced womenswear, home goods and knick-knacks.”
Rumours of a downfall began in November when Buzzfeed revealed the company would be closing 20 of its 32 stores. Finally, spokesperson Daniela Maron said: “Due to the highly competitive nature of the current retail environment, C. Wonder will be closing its remaining stores. The company continues to evaluate its best alternative to maintain the C. Wonder experience for its customers.”
Buzzfeed‘s Sapna Maheshwari reported that the company held a meeting yesterday in New York informing its shocked employers of the sudden closures. Around 100 workers will be left unemployed and 11 stores in the US will be shut down in coming weeks.
In the meantime the social media sites have been terminated… except the C. Wonder Middle East account. Fans in the UAE needn’t panic, just yet at least. When Emirates Woman called the flagship C. Wonder store in Mall Of The Emirates we were informed “C. Wonder in Dubai is still open, we have not heard or been told any different.” We certainly hope she is correct.
While the C. Wonder website is still operational (it currently has a massive 50 per cent promotional sale) it is slated to close soon.
Since it’s launch in 2011 C. Wonder has been shrouded by controversy with Chris Burch’s ex-wife, Tory Burch, accusing him of copying her designs and aesthetics. In fact, products from the two brands did bear striking resembles, with C. Wonder just boasting a cheaper price tag.
As the situation unfolds, we cant help but wonder, whether Tory is looking on with a not too subtle grin.
