Bebe to exit 2b business & focus on retail & outlet stores

Bebe stores, inc. announced the exit of its 2b business and a comprehensive cost reduction program as part of the Company's on-going turnaround plan. Following a strategic business review, the Company has identified key initiatives it estimates will generate approximately $9-10 million in annualized pre-tax savings, beginning in fiscal 2015.

 

Bebe stores, inc. announced the exit of its 2b business and a comprehensive cost reduction program as part of the Company's on-going turnaround plan. #

Following careful evaluation, the Company has made the determination to exit the 2b business by the end of fiscal 2014, July 5, 2014, enabling it to increase its focus on the core bebe brand’s retail and outlet stores, e-commerce and international licensing business. The 16 2b mall-based stores including e-commerce business are expected to generate pre-tax losses of approximately $5-6 million in fiscal 2014, excluding impairment charges. 

 

Bebe stores, inc. announced the exit of its 2b business and a comprehensive cost reduction program as part of the Company's on-going turnaround plan. #

The Company estimates that it will record pre-tax restructuring charges of approximately $5-6 million in relation to lease termination, asset write-off, inventory liquidation write downs and employee termination costs to close the remaining 16 2b mall stores including the e-commerce business.

 

Bebe stores, inc. announced the exit of its 2b business and a comprehensive cost reduction program as part of the Company's on-going turnaround plan. #

The Company has also begun the implementation of a cost reduction program following a thorough review of the Company’s current cost structure that will target both direct and indirect spending across the organization. This includes the Company's plans to reduce corporate and field management positions to align with current business strategies, in addition to the workforce reductions from the Company's store closure program. 

 

Bebe stores, inc. announced the exit of its 2b business and a comprehensive cost reduction program as part of the Company's on-going turnaround plan. #

The workforce reduction impacted approximately 9% of the Company's non-store employees, excluding the distribution center, and less than 1% of its store operations team. Employees affected by the workforce reduction have been provided financial assistance in the form of severance. As part of this cost reduction program, the Company expects to achieve approximately $4 million in cost savings in fiscal 2015. Pre-tax severance costs are approximately $3 million during fiscal 2014. Additional details regarding the impact of these decisions will be provided as part of the Company's earnings call scheduled for August 28, 2014.

 

Bebe stores, inc. announced the exit of its 2b business and a comprehensive cost reduction program as part of the Company's on-going turnaround plan. #

"The steps we are announcing build on our turnaround efforts from the past year," said Jim Wiggett, Interim Chief Executive Officer. "Through the closing of our unprofitable 2b brand, and the cost reduction program, we will be better positioned financially and structurally to focus on our core bebe brand. Our objective is to drive long term growth and sustainable profitability.