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all sales final

Houston-based clothing chain Francesca's shuttering all stores nationwide

Brandon Watson
Jan 20, 2026 | 1:00 pm
Francesca's

Francesca's is known for its boho-chic dresses and tops.

Francesca's/ Facebook

After a decade of falling fortunes, Houston-based women’s clothing chain Francesca’s is clearing out all its racks. The once-mighty retailer is closing all of its nationwide stores, including its 15 Houston-area locations.

Although the company has not made any official pronouncement, Women’s Wear Daily reports that the brand is currently in the process of liquidating all of its inventory. According to the fashion industry trade journal, some employees are reporting that they were let go without warning, while vendors are allegedly seeking payment on hundreds of millions of dollars in unpaid invoices.

Francesca’s was founded in Houston in 1999, becoming sought out for its boho-chic offerings that occupied a similar lane to Anthropologie. Over roughly 15 years, it quickly ramped up its footprint, peaking at over 600 locations by 2016.

That explosive growth did not prove to be popular with shareholders. That same year, the Wall Street Journal reported that its stock prices had plunged to their lowest price since Francesca’s went public in 2011. Despite leadership changes, the chain has been on a downward slope since.

In 2020, Francesca’s filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection while it sought a buyer for its online operation and brick-and-mortar stores. The chain closed almost 250 of its storefronts by early 2021.

After completing reorganization and being bought out of bankruptcy by an affiliate of TerraMar Capital and Tiger Capital Group, Francesca’s attempted a revival by launching a tween line, Franki by Francesca’s, and gobbling up celebrity-endorsed lifestyle brand Richer Poorer.

It’s unclear exactly when the Houston stores will shutter, but the company recently changed its return policy to state all sales are final after January 14. A request to Francesca’s corporate headquarters for comment was not immediately returned.

clothing womenswear retail shopping closings
news/fashion

Spring into Shopping

Spring edition of Houston Ballet's shopping fundraiser returns in April

Brianna McClane
Jan 20, 2026 | 9:15 am
Nutcracker Market SPRING
Photo courtesy of Houston Ballet
Houston Ballet has brought back Nutcracker Market SPRING after a four-year hiatus.

Shopping enthusiasts are dancing with joy over the latest announcement from the Houston Ballet. After a four-year hiatus, the spring version of the ballet's popular Nutcracker Market is returning to Houston.

Nearly 150 merchants will offer warm-weather wares at Nutcracker Market Spring, taking place April 17 through April 19 at NRG Center.

“The impact of Nutcracker Market Spring is immense, and we are thrilled to bring this spring tradition back to Houston,” Houston Ballet executive director Sonja Kostich said in a statement. “The funds raised allow us to share the art of ballet with more people, including the talented dance students in our scholarship programs.”

Familiar vendors like Apples Gone Wild, Dog Collar World, and Will Hill Soap Company are returning, alongside more than 40 new merchants. Shoppers will discover brands such as Beaded Blondes, a Texas-based company known for its hand-strung, 14-karat gold beaded jewelry.

Like its sister event, 11 percent of all merchandise sales and admissions will benefit the Houston Ballet, its Academy, and scholarship programs. The Nutcracker Market has raised more than $100 million for the Houston Ballet since its inception.

General admission tickets are $20 and valid for one day. Early bird tickets are $40 and include access to all three days of the market, along with 8:30 am early admission on Friday, April 17. Tickets can be purchased at nutcrackermarket.com or at NRG ticket windows during market days. Early bird tickets can also be purchased by calling 713-535-3231 by April 9.

Nutcracker Market Spring runs Friday, April 17 from 10 am to 7 pm; Saturday, April 18 from 10 am to 6 pm; and Sunday, April 19 from 10 am to 5 pm.

Nutcracker Market SPRING

Photo courtesy of Houston Ballet

Houston Ballet has brought back Nutcracker Market SPRING after a four-year hiatus.

fundraisers shopping houston ballet nutcracker market
news/fashion
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