Century-old André shoe chain enters liquidation after ownership transitions fail
Legacy French shoe chain André liquidated after 130 years despite multiple ownership rescue attempts.
Event / Economy
André Shoe Retailer Liquidation
French shoe retailer André, founded in 1896 and operating for 130 years, was placed in judicial liquidation by the Paris Economic Activities Court on September 9, 2026. The company faced mounting challenges from COVID-19 closures, rising material costs, and competition from fast fashion and secondhand platforms. Multiple rescue attempts failed due to landlord disputes and negotiations with shopping center operators.
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2026-09-29 to 2026-11-01 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 29 Sept, 14:49 UTC
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What happened
André shoe chain operated 500 stores at its 1983 peak
At the height of its success in the early 1980s, André shoe retailer operated a network of 500 stores, with the 500th store officially celebrated in 1983. The company employed thousands of employees across France during this period, including manufacturing facilities, logistics operations, and growing subsidiaries.
French shoe retailer André placed in judicial liquidation after 130 years
The Paris Economic Activities Court opened a judicial liquidation procedure for André on September 9, 2026. The shoe retailer, founded in 1896, has ceased payments and employs only 30 employees. The court determined the company cannot be restructured due to problems with its landlord and failed negotiations with shopping center operator Westfield.
André acquired by online retailer Spartoo in 2018
André shoe brand, formerly part of French textile conglomerate Vivarte, was acquired by online sales platform Spartoo in 2018 as the company faced financial challenges in the mid-market footwear retail sector.
Belgian company Optakare takes over André in 2023
Following André's second judicial reorganization, Belgian company Optakare, led by businessman Karim Redjal, acquired the shoe retailer in 2023. The acquisition preserved 119 employment contracts out of 250 and retained 21 boutiques out of 50 remaining stores.
Ukraine war drives up raw material costs for fashion retailers
The war in Ukraine caused a spike in raw material prices, significantly impacting mid-market clothing and footwear retailers like André. Rising material costs combined with other market pressures contributed to the financial difficulties of traditional fashion retailers.
François Feijoo's company acquires André in 2020 restructuring
In 2020, during André's first judicial reorganization, the company was acquired by 1Monde9, headed by François Feijoo, a former CEO of André. Feijoo reduced the store network from 180 locations to approximately 50 stores and 13 affiliates.
Fast fashion and secondhand markets intensify competition for traditional retailers
Mid-market fashion retailers like André faced fierce competition from ultra-fast fashion brands like Shein and secondhand platforms like Vinted. This competitive pressure from both new business models significantly weakened traditional retail chains in the clothing and footwear sectors.
Karim Redjal attempts second rescue of André in 2026
In early 2026, after Optakare ceased payments in April 2025, businessman Karim Redjal acquired André again through his company Héritage 1896, after the Paris Economic Activities Court approved his restructuring offer. He committed to retaining 43 employees (33 permanent contracts), 7 boutiques, and 2 corners, but the company was unable to survive.
COVID-19 pandemic forces André store closures
André was among the first retail distribution companies placed in judicial reorganization due to the COVID-19 crisis, forced to close its stores for extended periods. The pandemic significantly impacted the mid-market clothing and footwear sector.
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