In case you haven't heard

[MinUph]

https://businessofhome.com/articles/robert-allen-duralee-group-files-for-bankruptcy

[sofadoc]

Robert Allen stopped servicing my books years ago, so my account went dormant. In the 80's and 90's, I probably bought $500-$1000 a month from them. They gradually began ferreting out all the small shops. I guess we see now how that worked out for them.

[gene]

Retailpocolypse.

On their official web site:

Q: Why did the Robert Allen Duralee Group file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection?

A: Our inability to timely eliminate certain redundant expenses following our merger and realize other anticipated synergies, along with systemic changes in our industry, have created an exceptionally challenging time for our company.  In response, we decided to take proactive steps to reduce costs, enhance efficiency and streamline our operations.  We are confident that this court-supervised bankruptcy process is the best way to solidify and enhance our financial position.


If they were honest they would say they were greedy bastards who tried to stick too much money in their pockets without properly understanding the risks. Upper management will be making the big bucks throughout the bankruptcy procedure and will have enough for the rest of their lives if the company goes under. The hourly workers are the ones who are getting screwed. As usual.

[kodydog]

You left out overpriced wholesale for a mediocre product. 

[sofadoc]

I never understood why the top execs get their money in a corporate bankruptcy.

At some point, it behooves them to steer the company into giving up.

[sofadoc]

You left out overpriced wholesale for a mediocre product.

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I went sideways with a Robert Allen rep many years ago.
She began strongly urging me to sell RA fabrics to the customer at my wholesale cost. I informed her that I wasn't interested in becoming a free intern for them. Then on subsequent visits, she kept "accidentally" leaving the wholesale prices in the back of the books. I complained to the head office. They fixed the problem by just no longer calling on my shop.

[kodydog]

You left out overpriced wholesale for a mediocre product.

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I went sideways with a Robert Allen rep many years ago.
She began strongly urging me to sell RA fabrics to the customer at my wholesale cost.

Rose had a similar experience with the owner of Greenhouse Fabrics. He threatened to pull his books if more volume was not achieved through our shop. Rose asked him how his company was going to help? Price points? Advertising? Sales? Our volume stayed the same, he never pulled the books.