Christopher & Banks May Close All Stores In Wisconsin

BROOKFIELD, WI — The Christopher & Banks Corporation Thursday became the latest brick-and-mortar retailer to file for bankruptcy amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The Minneapolis-based women's apparel retailer says it expects to close most, if not all of its physical stores.

There are currently 449 Christopher & Banks stores in 44 states, including 23 in Wisconsin.

"Since the start of the COVID pandemic, we have taken aggressive steps to protect our business while continuing to serve our customers in a healthy and safe environment," Keri Jones, the company's president and CEO, said in a news release.

"Despite the tremendous advancements we have made in executing our strategic plan, due to the financial distress resulting from the pandemic and its ongoing impact, we elected to initiate this process and pursue a potential sale of the business in whole or in part to position the Company for the future. I want to extend my deepest gratitude to our dedicated associates, loyal customers and supportive partners for their commitment to Christopher & Banks throughout these challenging times."

Christopher & Banks has launched a store closing and liquidation process but did not reveal specific details or a timeline. The company says it will continue normal operations in the near term.

It's also in "active discussion" with potential buyers of its website.

Here are the 23 stores currently open in Wisconsin:

• Appleton
• Baraboo
• Brookfield
• Eau Claire
• Fond Du Lac
• Germantown
• Green Bay
• Janesville
• Johnson Creek
• La Crosse
• Madison
• Marshfield
• Middleton
• Oshkosh
• Pleasant Prairie
• Plover
• Rice Lake
• Wausau

William Bornhoft, Patch Staff, contributed to this report.