Latest news with #FreeBird
Miami Herald
18-06-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
Popular footwear chain closes most stores, no bankruptcy
The retail market has always been challenging, but the current situation has made simply existing a struggle for many retailers. Labor costs have increased at the same time that economic uncertainty has made it difficult to raise prices. That means that many companies have been forced to eat the higher costs of goods needed to manufacture their merchandise. Related: Beloved American toy company sends harsh message to workers Add in the looming uncertainty of President Donald Trump's tariffs, along with the supply-chain chaos they have caused, and it makes a daunting business sometimes an impossible one. When retailers see their margins cut, a dip in sales can be fatal. In addition, some businesses, including footwear, have had trouble figuring out what model works. Even huge players like Nike have struggled to find the right mix of retail, wholesale, and direct-to-consumer (DTC). Big players, however, can afford to experiment. If Nike tilts its balance a little to much to a DTC model, it has the resources to shift back or try something else. Smaller players don't have that luxury, and bad bets, small strategic mistakes, and other little errors can pile up. That's what has happened to one well-loved footwear company, which has closed most of its stores, abandoned its headquarters, and entered a fight for survival. Devoting your business to a niche product requires being very good at what you do. Selling boots is a very specialized business, and Freebird succeeded in that space for a very long time. The company described its journey on its website: "Our company was born out of a love for boots. We set out to create an original design to make your boots as unique as you are. Producing each pair using the time-honored goodyear welt craftmanship, combining quality with fashion. So once you put on a pair of Freebird boots you feel like you can conquer anything. You are unique and should always stand out from the crowd," it posted. More closings: Popular local Dairy Queen rival suddenly closing, no bankruptcyAnother big Mexican chain closing down restaurant, no bankruptcyUPS suddenly closing more stores amid chaotic new change, layoffsPopular fast-food burger chain closes all restaurants in key area Using the name Freebird was obviously a conscious choice to evoke the emotions that come when hearing Lynyrd Skynyrd song "Free Bird." That's one of the most popular songs of all time, and it means different things to different people, but it's an anthem for making your own choices. Embracing that name tells consumers a lot about what the company hopes to achieve. Freebird unexpectedly closed 14 of its 20 stores and abandoned its Colorado headquarters. The company has been run since May by court-appointed caretaker Ampleo, since being sued by KeyBank for allegedly not repaying $15.4 million. "The receiver learned in the first few days that the company remains in a precarious financial situation" and "a severe liquidity crisis," Ampleo's Doug Charboneau wrote June 9. "That includes owing $6 million to a manufacturer in Mexico that supplies 85% of its shoes," the Denver Post reported. That supplier has ceased its operations due to the unpaid invoices, leaving Freebird in an even more precarious position. "Ampleo works with, or in place of, existing management in urgent and high-impact situations. Our skilled team works with you through the entire insolvency continuum including turnaround management, out-of-court restructurings, receiverships, and bankruptcy court proceedings. We represent both debtors and creditors and often act as court-appointed fiduciaries," the company shared on its website. The process of closing 14 stores has already begun. If a buyer is not found quickly, four more stores will be closed, leaving the chain with two locations and limited options to supply those stores. Related: Huge retail chain suddenly closing 100s of stores, no bankruptcy Ampleo currently has two companies in active negotiations to buy the brand. If those efforts fail, it will move toward full liquidation and perhaps a bankruptcy filing (although one may not be needed, as the current management is working with Key Bank, the key debtor). All sales made at Freebird stores or on its website are final with no returns. The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
CNN
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CNN
Hollywood Minute: Jennifer Lopez to launch a new Vegas residency
returns to Las Vegas, 'Captain America: Brave New World' hits streaming, and Lynyrd Skynyrd finally releases an official 'Free Bird' music video. Rick Damigella contributed to this story by David Daniel.
CNN
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CNN
Hollywood Minute: Jennifer Lopez to launch a new Vegas residency
returns to Las Vegas, 'Captain America: Brave New World' hits streaming, and Lynyrd Skynyrd finally releases an official 'Free Bird' music video. Rick Damigella contributed to this story by David Daniel.
Time of India
24-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Clayton Keller shines as Team USA reaches gold medal final after huge win at World Championships
Clayton Keller shines as Team USA reaches gold medal final after huge win at World Championships (Image Source: Getty Images) Stockholm fans heard Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Free Bird" repeatedly on Thursday, but it was Team USA who stole the spotlight at Avicii Arena. With a convincing 6–2 victory over Sweden, the Americans punched their ticket to the gold medal game at the 2025 IIHF Men's World Championship. Four of the NHL's newest franchise, the Utah Mammoths, players were big contributors to the big win. Logan Cooley and Clayton Keller power USA over Sweden From the opening puck drop, the United States dominated the game. Having won a tight one against Finland in the quarterfinals, Team USA seemed quicker, more crisp, and more powerful against the host country. They took an early 4–0 lead in two periods and fended off Sweden's third-period push with two additional goals to seal the 6–2 victory. Logan Cooley kept on impressing. Utah Mammoth sensation now boasts 11 points in nine games, four of them goals and seven assists, second-most on Team USA. His Utah Mammoth teammate Clayton Keller is closely behind him with 10 points (three goals, seven assists). 'I liked our start. We were simple. We knew how we had to start the game and how we had to play. So, I thought everyone chipped in and made an impact on the game today. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like How three Filipino cardinals eligible to be the next pope remember Pope Francis CNA Read More Undo We stuck to our game plan," Clayton Keller said after the victory. Michael Kesselring, Utah Mammoth defenseman and another key player contributed four points throughout the tournament. Forward Josh Doan contributed a single point. These impressive performances indicate just how much Utah's younger talent is contributing to the U.S. on the world stage. Also Read: Team USA's Trevor Zegras Eyes Redemption At The 2025 IIHF World Championship Gold medal game up next and put all eyes on Utah's draft Team USA will now face the winner of Switzerland vs. Denmark in Sunday's gold medal game. The last time the U.S. won gold at the Men's World Championship was in 1933 nearly 100 years ago. A win this weekend would be historic. It's a good feeling. There's one more game to win. We're going to focus on tomorrow,' Keller said. When the tournament is over, eyes will shift back to Utah Mammoth's next big time June 27–28's 2025 NHL Draft. Utah gets fourth overall and their newest draft pick will be the first in franchise history to lace up the Mammoth home sweater on stage. In the meantime, Utah fans will be cheering loudly this Sunday, praying their players take home gold. Get IPL 2025 match schedules , squads , points table , and live scores for CSK , MI , RCB , KKR , SRH , LSG , DC , GT , PBKS , and RR . Check the latest IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings.
Yahoo
07-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Lynyrd Skynyrd to rock Huber Heights in June
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) — An iconic rock band is coming to the Miami Valley in June. Lynyrd Skynyrd is scheduled to perform at Rose Music Center at 8 p.m. on Sunday, June 15. The band is known for many songs like 'Sweet Home Alabama,' 'Free Bird,' Simple Man' and more. Presale tickets will become available at 10 a.m. on April 8. General tickets go on-sale at the same time on April 11. Tickets can be purchased here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
