French Fashion Duo in Financial Straits: Princesse tam tam and Comptoir des Cotonniers Struggle to Survive
Parijs, donderdag, 3 juli 2025.
Two renowned French fashion brands, Princesse tam tam and Comptoir des cotonniers, were placed under judicial administration by the Paris Commercial Court on Tuesday. The brands, owned by Fast Retailing France, are facing serious financial challenges caused by the rise of ultra-fast fashion and second-hand clothing. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, inflation, and rising costs, these mid-market brands are confronting merciless market competition. The company had previously announced plans to close 55 of its 136 stores and cut 304 jobs, underlining the severity of the situation.
Financial Crisis for French Fashion Duo
The Paris Commercial Court has placed the brands Princesse tam tam and Comptoir des cotonniers under judicial administration on Tuesday, a decision that exposes the serious financial problems of these renowned French fashion brands [1]. Fast Retailing France, the owner of these brands, has taken this step following continued financial deterioration in a challenging fashion market [1].
Scale of Challenges
The company had already announced drastic measures in June 2023, including the closure of 40.441% of their stores in France and the reduction of 304 jobs [1]. These radical steps underscore the significant difficulties faced by the brands [2].
Market Challenges
The brands are confronting ruthless competition from ‘ultra-fast fashion’ and the rise of second-hand clothing [1]. Moreover, multiple factors have exacerbated the situation, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, ongoing inflation, rising energy costs, raw material prices, rental charges, and wage costs [1].
Future Perspectives
Frédéric Biousse, the former president of Comptoir des cotonniers, has even offered to collaborate with Fast Retailing to revive the brands [1]. The parent company emphasises that their goal is to adapt the brands to changing market conditions and ensure their survival [1].