Express
WHP Global, Simon Property Group and Brookfield Properties (PHOENIX joint venture) · United States
Express is a US apparel brand launched in 1980 by Limited Brands as Limited Express. After Chapter 11 in April 2024, its assets were acquired on 25 June 2024 by PHOENIX, a joint venture led by WHP Global, Simon Property Group and Brookfield Properties.
| Founded | 1980 (as Limited Express) |
|---|---|
| Original owner | Limited Brands |
| Chapter 11 filing | 22 April 2024 |
| Owner since June 2024 | PHOENIX joint venture (WHP Global, Simon, Brookfield) |
| Country of origin | United States |
| Segment | Mass market and fast fashion |
| Website | express.com |
What is Express?
Express is an American apparel brand for women and men. Wikipedia reports that Limited Brands opened the first store in 1980 as Limited Express in Water Tower Place, Chicago. It dropped Limited from its name in 1982.
History
By 1986 the chain had 250 stores, and by 1991 it had 600. The men's line became its own brand, Structure, in 1989; Structure stores were reintegrated as Express Men in 2001 and Structure was sold to Sears in 2003. Golden Gate Capital Partners acquired a stake in 2007, the company held its IPO in 2010, and Limited Brands and Golden Gate sold their remaining holdings in 2011 and 2012. Sycamore Partners took a 10 per cent stake in 2014 and 2015 and ended a bid to buy the whole company in January 2015. The company launched UpWest in 2019 and in 2023 agreed with WHP Global to acquire Bonobos from Walmart for 75 million US dollars.
Bankruptcy and new ownership
Express and its subsidiaries filed for Chapter 11 on 22 April 2024. After court approval, its assets were acquired on 25 June 2024 by PHOENIX, a joint venture led by WHP Global, Simon Property Group and Brookfield Properties.
Business model and distribution
Express historically relied on mall stores and its own e-commerce site. Current store counts and the status of the Bonobos plan after the bankruptcy were not verified in the source reviewed.
Why it matters
Express is among the best-known US mall apparel brands to move to a brand-licensing owner after bankruptcy, and its path mirrors that of Rue21. It competes with PacSun and other mall chains.
Frequently asked questions
Who owns Express?
Express's assets were acquired on 25 June 2024 by PHOENIX, a joint venture led by WHP Global, Simon Property Group and Brookfield Properties, according to Wikipedia.
Where is Express from?
Express is American. Limited Brands opened the first store in Chicago's Water Tower Place in 1980.
