I'd say the better performing stores would be good for Sterling to acquire to launch JB Robinson or at the very least get the top stores to reinforce their regional brands. Unfortunately, Sterling has already stated numerous times that an acquisition is less likely in this economic climate, and the regional brands are performing the worst out of all the brands (30 are being closed this year). However, looking at the malls in my area, there are already Kay and a regional brand in most of the malls Whitehall is in, and Whitehall's locations are much smaller.

There will not be a buyout of any kind, I think. The merchandise is similar to Friedman's and the stores are small, cramped, and in some cases, without toilet facilities. Neither zales or Sterling will touch this. You may have a bidding war between Great American and Gordon BRos. but the end result will be the same...liquidation 90 days from the "auction" date. Good luck to everyone out there. As one of the last Friedmans stores, I know how everyone out there feels.

I'm afraid I have to agree. It's hard to imagine any of the big boys wanting to pick up 300 (or even 78) stores in the current climate. Low-end jewelry is not a growth field right now. I think the most likely outcome is a pure liquidation.

There was a time when Whitehall served a large and growing public, but their rush to overexpansion along with greed and unethical behavior on the part of some corporate officers brought about the result that we are now seeing. It is unfortunate for the many good people that are still working for Whitehall, and that have been ther for many years, but the very best thing that they can do is apply with one of the many fine companies that are hiring even during tough economic times and get on with their lives. They must realize by now that the company for whom they have been working is not going to last for another Christmas.

Gone and Homer are right. There will be a total liquidation and Whitehall will no longer be with us in 2009. I can't imagine any other scenario. It may be a short while before the sale begins, but I am certain that it is coming. Jewelman, that is sage advice that you have for the employees. They need to realize that there is life after Whitehall. In fact, they may find that the demise of the company turns out to be one of the best things that could have happened to them. I know that no one who worked for Whitehall will miss the pressure and rumors. Good luck to everyone!

All the USA companies are out of the running to acquire Whithall, most likely. I would be looking overseas for the potential buyers -- remember Samuels and Rogers? India is making inroads by taking advantage of situations like this.

Well, all the pessimists -- which, I'll admit, included me -- may be proven wrong with the news today that Gitanjali, owner of the aforementioned Samuels and Rogers chains, may buy Whitehall's. There aren't many people who might purchase Whitehall, but Gitanjali is certainly top of the list. It is a welcome sign that at least one company still has faith in U.S. retail. And perhaps above commenter "nooneimportant" is someone important after all. I am a little curious, though, why Gitanjali is looking at Whitehall and didn't seem interested in Friedman's ...

The only reason I can think that Gitanjali would want Whitehall, and did not want Friedman's, is that Gitanjali does not want any low-end or credit jewelry chains. They shifted Samuel's quality and selection more upscale, reworked Samuel's in-store signage and advertising to be more "classy", and had commented they were more happy with Rogers type of clientele. It will be interesting to see if Gitanjali just wants the leases to the best Whitehall/Lundstrom/Friedman's/Crescent stores and will re-brand them Samuel's. Whitehall has a bigger national footprint, but there's a lot of baggage that comes with the Whitehall nameplate. Plus, Whitehall never even got around to changing the nameplates on the Friedman's and Crescent stores! But still, Gitanjali is in a position to get a really great bargain-basement price on the stores.

All of the comments above stand true. We at Whitehall are given little info. As tenured managers, you'd think the other great co.'s would be looking to grab us. Whitehall's jewelry (by the way)is not low end. The store's appearance IS!!! Help those really talented people.

A fine jewelry store is hiring a quality sales staff (GIA TRAINED) in Las Vegas @ the Vanishine, if you are interrested in relocating, let me know and I'll get a contact name and number.

has anyone heard anything recently? I know that their was a big court date yesterday, july 24th. I am sure that liquidation will happen also, especially now that diamond prices are going up and ther is a strike in africa. i heard that Gitanjali dropped out of the bidding. I also know when i am being lied to and that Absolute Brilliance recall by the 29th of July for "inventory" was a lie.

Been out of the country for a bit so i am a bit behind on info, but if the current management team headed by mike don does not come up with backing, it is over for all the stores. No one is interested anymore. Good luck at auction!

The current upper management squad was set up from the begining for this. All of these former Fred Meyer Jewelry employees are golden parachuted out the door. I feel bad for the average joe jewelry employee (me) at store level. Bail out now before your competition is full for the upcoming holidays.

IY, I couldn't agree more. So much so that I left early for the day (@w-hall)

Anyone know who will run the GOB sale?

Is this Gitanjali Gems thing for real or just a ruse to get our hopes up?

I just don't answer the phone. Use any vacation you have!

I will be so greatful when I can wake up in the morning without knots in my gut. Someone some where could give us an idea of what is going on and what our fate will be? God Help us all! Please let us know something, anything as soon as you you hear Rob. I appreciate you help. This is such a creul way to handle the employees...maybe, maybe not, on again off again hope...whats that? its criminal

For what it's worth, anyone researching Gitanjali and their acquisition history over the last 2 years can tell they're serious. Their chairman in an interview admits to a growth plan based on mergers and acquisitions. With Rob reporting that the process was going late into the evening, it tells me there is some serious bargaining and negotiating happening. It's what they do. The whole situation stinks for all WH associates, but hopefully there is reason for optimism.

What's the outcome from the auction Rob?

Unofficial, but word has the Gordon liquidation company as buying out the company. I hope this is not the case.

Board is immediatly dissolved as well. Of course I am hoping all of this is false. I will make a few more calls to confirm.

As part of 1stgroupcut, all I can say is I'm glad I don't have to wait until something happens. Mgmt told too many lies and Whji's name change will be a problem with vendors. Will be interesting to see how they handle this.