Hamilton Place mall's Charming Charlie store, which sells fashion jewelry and accessories, is expected to remain open even as the Houston-based chain is reportedly closing some other units nationally.
"Charming Charlie at Hamilton Place is not closing and will continue to operate as normal," said Stacey Keating, a spokeswoman for mall operator CBL Properties.
She said Friday that at this time, there are no plans for any Charming Charlie store in the CBL portfolio to close.
According to Reuters, Charming Charlie LLC has started to shut down about 100 of its some 360 stores nationally and could file for bankruptcy as early as this month.
A source told the news outlet that in an attempt to avert bankruptcy proceedings, Charming Charlie is continuing negotiations with its creditors in the hope of reaching a debt restructuring settlement.
The Houston Chronicle reported this week the company is overhauling operations and management to stem financial losses and restructure a heavy debt load. The retailer announced plans to close stores as well as cut jobs at its Houston headquarters and distribution center and shutter its Los Angeles office.
"By reducing the size and scale of our operations, we have the opportunity to stabilize the business," interim CEO Lana Krauter said in a statement. "We also will be better equipped to read and react to trends and what our customers want."
The company, which debuted in 2004, expanded quickly under the leadership of Houston multimillionaire and entrepreneur Charlie Chanaratsopon. It had opened nearly 280 stores by 2013 and added almost 100 since then, according to its website.
Chattanooga-based CBL owns, holds interests in or manages 125 properties, including 82 regional malls and open-air centers in 27 states. In Chattanooga, CBL operates Hamilton Place and Northgate malls.
Contact Mike Pare at mpare@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6318.