Liz Claiborne Shutting Sigrid Olsen Chain

NEW YORK CITY-Liz Claiborne is closing all of its 54 Sigrid Olsen women’s apparel stores after reviewing various brands in its portfolio. The stores are located in major malls across the country.

The closures are to take place by the middle of the year, and management expects they will cost the company between $17 million and $22 million. The concept, which Liz Claiborne acquired in 1999, has posted losses for years, says William McComb, the company’s chief executive officer.

About a dozen of the closed Sigrid Olsen stores could become home to one of Liz Claiborne’s “direct brand” concepts, which are Juicy Couture, Kate Spade, Lucky Brand Jeans and Mexx. The company is focusing on the expansion of those concepts while it reviews its other operations, referred to as “partnered brands.”