2025 Marks a Crisis Year for Iconic French Brands with Numerous Bankruptcies and Job Losses

In 2025, France witnessed a severe wave of corporate failures among its iconic brands, especially within the fashion and textile industry, leading to widespread job losses and market exits. January saw Brandt, a household appliances manufacturer, declare bankruptcy on December 11, 2025, leading to the loss of 700 jobs after entering judicial recovery without any acquisition interest. This event reflects a broader trend impacting various sectors.

Several notable fashion brands faced insolvency throughout the year. Jennyfer, a retailer targeting the 10-19 age group, officially shuttered on April 30 due to stiff competition from fast fashion and an outdated business model, resulting in over 700 job losses despite some store takeovers. Similarly, Kaporal was liquidated in March, affecting 280 employees, while Naf Naf failed following its third judicial recovery in five years, causing 400 job cuts. Other companies like Comptoir des Cotonniers and Princesse Tam Tam are currently in judicial recovery, and IDKids, with over 2,000 employees, is also grappling with financial difficulty.

The fashion and textile sectors have lost approximately 48,000 jobs since 2015, highlighting ongoing structural struggles. Beyond clothing, the UK fintech company Hokodo ceased operations in France, while furniture and retail businesses such as Alinéa, Claire’s, and Arc are also seeking new buyers through judicial recovery processes. Notably, IKKS has secured a buyer but anticipates cutting 548 jobs.

These developments underscore a difficult economic landscape for French companies in 2025, particularly impacting well-known domestic brands amid evolving market dynamics and consumer preferences.

"2025 has been a particularly black year for famous brands," reflecting the harsh realities facing traditional business models confronted with aggressive competition and changing market conditions, according to reports.

As companies navigate judicial recoveries and liquidation proceedings, the broader implications for employment and the French economy remain of significant concern. Stakeholders await potential new buyers and restructuring efforts to stabilize these historic companies moving forward.