Loehmann's Returns in a New Format

The future of discount designer fashion may be safe! Markdown chain Loehmann's is relaunching as an online retailer after shutting down earlier this year.

Loehmann's struggled with bankruptcy and eventually shuttered all brick-and-mortar locations in February of 2014. But this won't be the last we see of the brand. Loehmann's name and intellectual properties were acquired by Esopus Creek Value Series Fund LP, according to Fashionista, and the hedge fund apparently has big plans for the business. Espopus brought on a brand development and advisory firm called CAK Entertainment to help breathe new life into Loehmann's, WWD reported.

The crux of this plan is to re-launch Loehmann's as an online-only retailer in May with a (hopefully) a fresher image. As cool as discount designer fashion might be, Loehmann's store locations always had a dated feel. Charles Koppleman, founder of CAK Entertainment, assures customers that Loehmann's e-commerce store will carry the same brands that the brick-and-mortar locations did. He told WWD:

“Research tells us the younger customer shops online. They want to have a dialogue with brands about what they want to see and what brands they want. We are going to talk to them, helping with the product and brand selection. They will tell us what they want and help us with our buying.”

This is a promising step for Loehmann's. Hopefully the brand will deliver on Koppleman's promise and reach a wider (and younger) customer base that can revitalize the stale image of outlet shopping.

Image: Loehmann's/Intagram