Houston-based national retailer closing after years of ups and downs, report says

Francesca’s has 450 boutiques around the country, including 16 Houston locations.

HOUSTON — Francesca’s, a Houston-based women’s specialty chain that operates boutiques in malls and similar shopping centers across the U.S., appears to be closing down.

Women’s Wear Daily broke the news late last week after a customer service representative said in an email that the company is “liquidating our inventory and closing soon.” Other sources — including merchants and former buyers — also told WWD about Francesca’s plans. One vendor alleged it is owed $250 million in unpaid invoices.

Francesca’s could not be reached immediately by the Houston Business Journal.

Francesca’s website currently is promoting a “warehouse sale” with all clearance priced at $15 and under, but no liquidation information is available.

Francesca’s has 16 locations in the Houston area alone, according to its store locator. The company’s website says it has more than 450 boutiques in 45 states and more than 3,400 associates.

Francesca’s opened its first boutique in Houston in 1999.

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