MBA Career Insights: 7 Famous Companies that Went Bankrupt in 2023

Last Updated on December 25, 2023 by Robert C. Hoopes

Title: Major US Retailers and Businesses File for Bankruptcy in 2023, Reflecting Post-Pandemic Challenges

In 2023, the US retail industry witnessed several well-known retailers and businesses filing for bankruptcy due to a combination of factors, including high costs, supply shortages, and increased competition. These bankruptcy filings underscore the challenges faced by businesses in the post-pandemic economy, highlighting the struggles with debt, competition, and supply chain issues.

One of the most notable casualties of the challenging economic climate was WeWork, a once-valuable start-up that filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in November. WeWork cited difficulties in paying back debt, exacerbated by the ongoing impact of the pandemic and internal leadership issues.

Rite Aid, the drug store chain, faced a similar fate and filed for bankruptcy in October. The company failed to recover financially and succumbed to mounting debt. Additionally, increased competition from alternative pharmacy chains added to the challenges Rite Aid encountered.

In April, Bed Bath & Beyond, a well-known home goods retailer, closed all of its physical stores and filed for bankruptcy. However, the brand was given a lifeline when Overstock.com acquired it. Under the new ownership, Bed Bath & Beyond was relaunched as BedBathandBeyond.com, combining an online business model with popular branded products.

Another casualty in the retail industry was Tuesday Morning, a home goods store. The company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in February and later announced that it would be going out of business, resulting in the closure of all its 200 stores.

Party City, America’s largest party supplier, also faced financial troubles and filed for bankruptcy in 2023. However, after canceling nearly $1 billion of its debt, the company successfully exited bankruptcy in September.

The impact of the pandemic was not limited to traditional retail. Orthodontic company SmileDirectClub, which aimed to provide affordable access to orthodontics through telehealth services, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in December. Financial difficulties hampered the company’s ability to serve its customers effectively, ultimately leading to its closure.

In the automotive industry, Lordstown Motors, an electric vehicle maker, succumbed to financial strain and filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in June. The company accused its former partner, Foxconn, of fraud, and struggled to stay afloat following the collapse of their partnership.

These bankruptcy filings serve as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by businesses in the post-pandemic economy. With debt, competition, and supply chain issues intensifying, even established companies have struggled to navigate the uncertain economic landscape. As the business world continues to adapt, it is crucial for businesses to prioritize financial stability and resilience to mitigate future risks.