Judge a Bookstore By Its Owner

Brian Bolke says it's time for Chapter Two in Highland Park Village

To simply call Brian Bolke a retailer is a total undersell. He is an entrepreneur, philanthropist and a man with an impeccable ability to make great things happen in Dallas.

And he's at it again. He recently announced plans to open Chapter Two, the latest store under his fabulous retail umbrella. The bookstore, located in Highland Park Village, is set to open November 22.

The store will have its own storefront, but it will also open into Number One, Bolke's organic cafe and retail concept store.

Chapter Two will carry a range of upscale titles from Assouline, Rizzoli and Taschen publishing houses. With approximately 180 tomes in stock, you will find the best of the best when it comes to interior design, architecture, fashion or cooking — and those are just a few of the subjects at Bolke's new spot.

Chapter Two will also feature a variety of specialty and hard-to-find magazines, including international editions.

"I have felt the Village has been missing a bookstore ever since the Rizzoli store left a decade ago," Bolke said. "They really are the perfect gift, especially to yourself. We are thrilled to expand Number One's retail footprint to incorporate the bookshop."

Chapter Two is the latest in Bolke's luxury retail empire. He also owns McKinney Avenue house of haute Forty Five Ten and Five and Ten, also in Highland Park Village.

Brian Bolke is opening a luxury bookstore in Highland Park Village called Chapter Two.

Photo by Sylvia Elzafon

Brian Bolke is opening a luxury bookstore in Highland Park Village called Chapter Two.

unspecified

Plastic Container News

Dallas-based Container Store joins wave of stores filing bankruptcy

Container Store

Another seemingly popular retailer has filed for bankruptcy: According to a release, the Container Store has filed for protection under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, effective December 22.

The company is not closing down, says president and CEO Satish Malhotra in a statement.

“The Container Store is here to stay," Malhotra says. "Our strategy is sound, and we believe the steps we are taking today will allow us to continue to advance our business, deepen customer relationships, expand our reach, and strengthen our capabilities."

The Company has filed a motion with the Bankruptcy Court that will allow it to make timely payments to vendors, suppliers, and other trade creditors in full.

The stores and website will continue to operate as normal; all customer deposits and orders will be honored and delivered as normal.

At least 90 percent of the company’s loan lenders have pledged their support. A recapitalization will provide millions in new financing as well as debt service relief. This will strengthen their balance sheet and liquidity position, so they can meet commitments to partners and vendors.

Founded in 1978 and headquartered in Coppell, the Container Store offers organizing solutions and in-home services, with more than 10,000 products to complete any space, sold at more than 100 locations nationwide and a flagship online store.

When they first debuted, they were an utter revelation with all of their various plastic containers and tubs — a market that is now also filled by cheaper knockoffs sold at a much lower price at places like Target.

“We are particularly excited about the future of our custom space offerings, which continue to demonstrate strength," Malhotra says. "We intend to maintain our strong workforce and remain committed to delivering an exceptional experience for our customers while we execute this recapitalization and for many years to come.”

The Chapter 11 process does not include the Company’s Elfa business in Sweden, which continues to operate as usual.

There is starting to be a wave of bankruptcy filings of retailers that include Big Lots, which is holding going-out-of-business sales in anticipation of a company-wide closure; and Party City, which is closing its stores at the end of February.

The Container Store has created a dedicated website for stakeholders to get information about the Chapter 11 case at www.futureforcontainerstore.com.

holidays