Swiss fashion house Bally has closed at Phipps Plaza in Buckhead. The store closed as of December 28th according to a now former employee of the boutique. Located in the Nordstrom wing on the mall's first floor, Bally has been in the Atlanta market for over 50 years, according to signage at the store.
173 year old Bally was sold in August by JAB holding, a private equity firm that counts Krispy Kreme, Panera, Einstein Bros., and Peet's Coffee as current holdings, to Regent, a Beverly Hills-based firm that also owns Escada and in 2021 purchased Club Monaco from Ralph Lauren.
Less than two months after the acquisition, Bally and CEO Nicolas Girotto parted ways. Girotto, who joined the fashion house in 2015, announced his departure on LinkedIn, saying he is ready for new professional challenges “after an incredible and fulfilling journey” with the Swiss brand.
Simone Bellotti, a 16-year Gucci veteran, joined Bally as its Creative Director last May. Bally in September showed at Milan Fashion Week, presenting Belotti's Spring/Summer 2025 collection. In August, Vogue profiled Belotti's "Punk-Chic" transformation of Bally.
The Atlanta boutique was reportedly one of several the brand closed this month, with boutiques in South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa, California, Tysons Galleria in Washington D.C., and on Gansevoort Street in New York City's Meatpacking District the only full-line stores remaining open.
Bally's outlet store in Orlando's Vineland Premium Outlets is closed permanently, while another at Woodbury Common in Central Valley, New York is reportedly closed temporarily with plans to reopen "in a few weeks," according to a store employee. A Bally outlet at Citadel Outlets in Los Angeles will also reportedly remain open.
Are you surprised to see Bally closing so many stores? What is your favorite designer label? If you could describe Phipps Plaza with one word, what would it be?
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