Express filed for bankruptcy this week. These Iowa stores are closing.

Kate Kealey, Des Moines Register

Express will be closing stores in Iowa and across the country as part of a bankruptcy plan announced by the company.

The Columbus, Ohio-based retailer currently operates around 530 Express, Express Edit and Express Factory Outlet stores in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. There are also seven stores in Mexico and Central America, according to the Express store locator. It also owns Bonobos and UpWest.

It filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on Monday. The company received a $35 million commitment in new financing from certain existing lenders, subject to court approval. Express also received $49 million from the IRS on April 15 from the pandemic-era CARES Act, according to USA TODAY.

The company plans to sell its retail stores to an investor group, which includes WHP Global, Simon Property Group and Brookfield Properties. Jordan Creek Town Center in West Des Moines and Coral Ridge Mall in Coralville are both owned by Brookfield.

Here is what to know about the Express closures and how Iowa stores will be affected.

How many Express stores are closing?

There will be 95 Express locations closing. The closures are spread across 29 states and Washington D.C., according to Market Watch. The closures will consist of 75 typical retail locations closing and 20 factory-outlet stores. All of the UpWest stores will also close.

When will Express start closing stores?

The company will start liquidation sales at closing stores on April 23. All of Express' brands are still fulfilling orders and processing returns. Its merchandise policies remain unchanged, and gift cards and store credits can still be used in stores that remain open.

How many Express locations are closing in Iowa?

Only three Express locations are closing in Iowa. They are all factory outlet stores.

These include:

  • Cedar Rapids: Lindale Mall, 4444 1st Ave. NE

  • Davenport: Northpark Mall, 320 W. Kimberly Road

  • Williamsburg: Outlets & Marketplace Williamsburg, 150 Tanger Drive

Iowa's remaining stores in West Des Moines, Coral Ridge and Altoona will keep operating.

Reporting contributed by Emily DeLetter.

Kate Kealey is a general assignment reporter for the Register. Reach her at kkealey@registermedia.com or follow her on Twitter at @Kkealey17.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Express filed for bankruptcy this week. These Iowa stores are closing.

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