34-year-old well-known U.S. retail clothing company files Chapter 11 bankruptcy

​Ashley Stewart, Inc., a longtime plus size women’s clothing company from New Jersey, files for Chapter 11.

Written By Twinkle Jha
News Writer
​Ashley Stewart, Inc. filed a bankruptcy petition on December 17 (Source: Created on Canva)

​Ashley Stewart, Inc. has filed for bankruptcy. The 34-year-old plus-size women’s clothing brand is pursuing Chapter 11 restructuring while continuing to operate as usual.

Ashley Stewart, Inc. Seeks Bankruptcy Protection

​Ashley Stewart, Inc. made its voluntary filing in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for New Jersey for a Chapter 11 process. The Secaucus, New Jersey-based fashion and clothing retailer submitted the petition on December 17, according to PACER records.

​Attorney Sari Blair Placona of McManimon Scotland & Baumann, LLC, is representing Ashley Stewart, Inc. in the bankruptcy proceedings.

The latest bankruptcy marks the fashion retailer’s first filing in the last eight years. None of the company’s affiliates or partners currently has a pending bankruptcy case on record.

About the Clothing Company

Over the years, the brand has expanded its offerings to include holiday wear, bridal collections, casual dresses, fashion jackets, and more for plus-size shoppers. Ashley Stewart Inc. currently operates approximately 89 stores nationwide.

​The New Jersey based clothing retail brand is also known for its commitment to society through associations with names like ‘The Juneteenth Foundation,’ ‘The Marsha P. Johnson Institute,’ and ‘Living Beyond Breast Cancer.’

Proceedings So Far

​On December 17, Ram Ajjarapu submitted a Declaration in support of the Chapter 11 filing submitted by Sari Blair Placona on behalf of the retailer. Kinbow LLC, acquired a majority stake in the plus-size women’s clothing brand in April 2024.

​While representing Ashley Stewart, Inc., Anthony Sodono III submitted a Notice of Appearance and Request with the court on December 17.

​Further information related to the case is given here:

  • ​Filing Date: December 17, 2025
  • Court and Jurisdiction: U.S. Bankruptcy Court for New Jersey
  • Type of Filing: Active, Voluntary Petition
  • Chapter: 11
  • Case Number: 2:25-bk-23314
  • Estimated Assets: $10,000,001 – $50 million
  • Estimated Liabilities: $50,000,001 – $100 million
  • Reason for Filing: Reorganization of debts through a court-supervised process

The filing lists between 200 and 999 creditors. ​Attorney Sari Blair Placona, on behalf of the fashion retailer, submitted a list of creditors with 20 largest unsecured claims on December 17.

With assets up to $50 million and liabilities reaching $100 million, the bankruptcy filing of Ashley Stewart, Inc. marks a crucial restructuring moment for the longtime plus-size fashion brand.

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Twinkle Jha is a content writer passionate about crafting engaging and informative pieces for diverse audiences. She holds a degree in Journalism & Mass Communication that helps her create news-based articles related to restaurants, retail, and real estate in the US. With five years of writing experience, Twinkle has a strong base for her research, allowing her to create compelling content. Her keen eye for detail and creative approach make her writing stand out. When not working, she loves to watch movies.
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