Revitalized Legend: The iconic Loehmann's department store breathes new life after a decade-long hiatus post-closure.
Century 21 Revives Iconic Loehmann's Brand with Pop-Up Stores
After a seven-year hiatus, the Loehmann's brand, a century-old department store known for its off-price luxury fashion, is set to make a comeback. Century 21, a rival discount store, has acquired the Loehmann's brand and is relaunching it in a series of pop-up stores.
The initial pop-up store will be a two-week warehouse sale at the Tanger Outlets at Deer Park, Long Island, starting from August 21, 2021. Another pop-up store is planned for Florida this year, with a third one scheduled for the Big Apple next year.
Century 21's chief operating officer, Larry Mentzer, discussed the relaunch in an exclusive interview with The Post. He highlighted that off-price retail is currently the hottest sector in retail.
The Back Room of the Loehmann’s pop-up stores will feature a handpicked selection of unique, luxury pieces from top-tier designer houses, beloved brands, and emerging labels. The offering includes premium men's and women's designer apparel, shoes, and accessories with discounts up to 70% off original retail prices.
While specific brand names have not been detailed, the emphasis is on high-end designer goods consistent with Loehmann's historic reputation for off-price luxury fashion in its "Back Room" section. The pop-ups are designed to provide a "treasure-hunt experience" with new merchandise arriving regularly to keep the assortment fresh.
The Back Room will offer a mix of well-known European designer labels, household names, and emerging brands. Century 21, one of the last discount department stores focusing on designer labels, has outlasted Filine's Basement, Daffy's, and Syms, which all closed more than a decade ago.
Century 21 acquired the Loehmann's brand for approximately $300,000 after its third bankruptcy filing. The Gindi family, owners of Century 21, believe there is real value in the Loehmann's brand moving forward.
Century 21 currently operates just one store, at its flagship location in lower Manhattan. However, with the successful relaunch of Loehmann's, it could pave the way for further expansion. Mentzer declined to reveal which brands will be available in the Back Room due to designers not wanting to be associated with discounting.
The hope is that there is some nostalgia for the Loehmann's brand after its bankruptcy in 2013. Century 21, a rival discount store that acquired the Loehmann's brand in 2020, is ready to bring back the iconic brand for a brief period, offering a unique shopping experience for fashion enthusiasts.
The relaunch of Loehmann's brand by Century 21 targets the off-price retail sector, a hot spot within the industry. The Back Room of the pop-up stores will offer high-end fashion items, featuring a mix of European designer labels, household names, and emerging brands, with discounts up to 70% off original retail prices. This revival could potentially lead to further expansion for Century 21 in the finance-intensive retail and fashion-and-beauty sectors.
