Loehmann’s eyes comeback after disappearing nearly a decade ago — under a surprise retail owner

New York Post - Apr 30th, 2025

Loehmann’s, a storied retail brand, is preparing for an online relaunch nearly a decade after its closure, supported by former rival Century 21. The brand's name was quietly acquired by Century 21 in 2020, after Loehmann's liquidated following its third bankruptcy filing. A teaser website hints at the brand's return, inviting potential customers to subscribe for updates, although it currently conceals Century 21's involvement. Discussions are also underway regarding the possibility of opening physical Loehmann's stores, although no concrete plans have been confirmed. Century 21's COO, Larry Mentzer, indicated that the brand’s return will offer a re-imagined shopping experience that resonates with Loehmann’s loyal customer base.

The revival of Loehmann's, known for its 'Back Room' of discounted designer apparel, comes as Century 21 aims to leverage Loehmann’s broader brand recognition across the US, including on the West Coast. As retail competition intensifies, Century 21 sees this as an opportune moment to bring back the beloved brand. Despite Century 21's own challenges, including a bankruptcy filing in 2020 and store closures due to a dispute with their insurance provider during the pandemic, the company reopened its flagship store in 2022. The effort to digitize Loehmann's contrasts with Century 21's focus on physical retail, highlighting a strategic pivot in response to evolving market demands and consumer nostalgia.

E Commerce Bankruptcy Retail Industry Loehmann's Century 21 Raymond Gindi Larry Mentzer

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

6.6

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article provides a clear and timely account of Loehmann's potential comeback, backed by former rival Century 21. It effectively outlines the historical context and acquisition details, making it accessible to readers interested in retail trends. However, the story could benefit from more balanced perspectives and verification of certain claims, such as the acquisition price and future plans for physical stores. While the article engages readers with its narrative of brand revival, its impact is limited to those with a specific interest in the retail sector. Overall, the article is well-written and informative but could enhance its depth and credibility with additional sources and transparency.

Accuracy

The story provides a largely accurate account of Loehmann's potential comeback and its acquisition by Century 21. It accurately reports the timeline of Loehmann's liquidation and subsequent acquisition by Century 21 in 2020. However, there are some areas needing verification, such as the exact price paid for the Loehmann's brand and details about the company that owned the brand before Century 21. The article mentions a purchase price of approximately $300,000, but this is not confirmed by the executives quoted. Additionally, while the story mentions future plans for brick-and-mortar stores, these are described as unconfirmed, which leaves some uncertainty about the veracity of these claims.

Balance

The article primarily presents the perspective of Century 21 executives, particularly Raymond Gindi and Larry Mentzer, which could lead to a somewhat unbalanced view favoring the company's narrative. The story lacks perspectives from other stakeholders, such as former Loehmann's customers, retail analysts, or competitors, which could provide a more rounded view of the retail landscape and the potential impact of Loehmann's comeback. While the article does mention historical competitors like Filene's Basement and Daffy's, it doesn't explore current market conditions or competitive challenges in detail.

Clarity

The article is written in a clear and straightforward manner, with a logical flow that makes it easy to follow. It effectively outlines the history of Loehmann's, the details of its acquisition, and the plans for its relaunch. The language is accessible and free of jargon, making it suitable for a general audience. However, the article could improve clarity by providing more detailed explanations of certain terms, such as 'treasure hunt' shopping, for readers unfamiliar with retail industry jargon.

Source quality

The primary sources for the article are executives from Century 21, which provides direct insights into the company's plans and motivations. However, the reliance on these sources without corroboration from independent experts or industry analysts may limit the depth of analysis. The article does not cite external sources or data to support claims about consumer interest in Loehmann's or the broader retail market, which would enhance the credibility and reliability of the information presented.

Transparency

The article lacks transparency regarding the methodology used to gather information, particularly in terms of verifying claims about consumer interest and the competitive landscape. While it clearly states the sources of its quotes, it does not provide information on any potential conflicts of interest or biases of the sources. Additionally, the article could benefit from more explicit disclosure of how information was obtained and any limitations or uncertainties in the data presented.