So a liquidator comes out on top...it will be interesting to see what will happen now. I do feel that there is a very strong possibility that at the very least some stores with good real estate or turning a high profit can be saved. I can see Michael Hill grabbing the 17 they want (we NEED an infusion of new energy in chain jeweler world!), and Gitanjali picking up stores in Samuels' trading area where there's no overlap in a mall. There's almost no doubt that at least some stores will be liquidated...especially the very small locations and underperforming stores. We'll have to wait to see just how big of a liquidation will occur. I really do think we need to have some hope though, as obviously buyers are interested if they stay up until 4AM (anyone know what time/how long the Friedman's auction took?).

I guess that since you say that the company may not accept the bid, that means that the whitehall presidents group could have more money than the highest bid? i didnt know that Whitehall had a choice to not accept the biggest offer. So what that other blogger who calls themselves IY may be true and this person says they are keeping the Friedmans locations and possibly some whitehall and ludstrom.

Hey, Peace out ... well, first off, as you may remember, Friedman's didn't take its high bid (from Whitehall). Secondly, the person I spoke to hadn't heard of any Whitehall president's group that was bidding ... I guess it's still possible that one exists, but this person was pretty clear on that. Finally, I can certainly understand why you would speculate, given all that's at stake here, but everyone I spoke to said things are very much in flux, and we really don't know how things are going to shake out until an official announcement comes. Unfortunately, things don't seem that much clearer than they were a few days ago, and we're all going to have to sit tight and see what happens.

just wondering how long before an official announcement could be made. its the waiting game that is so hard on everyone.

Man, how ironic that they may be keeping the Friedmans stores. Someone must have known what they were doing when they purchased those 78 stores. I wish the best of luck to all involved.

This is far from over. Yes, many stores, mainly the small whitehall locations probably will close. Its funny that management is telling everyone in the stores they will get at least 60 days notice if they are going to close their location. NOT! Breaking up the company wasn't originally the plan I heard, but look at this mess, I guess anything is possible. Mari, yes, your management team had a plan way back then to unload the bad and keep the good, just got too messed up! The group that would be bidding would just be an investors group, probably not named whitehall or such, but would include one or more top whitehall people. Will be interesting to say the least. Michael Hill is going to want top of the line locations (woodfield mall, downtown chicago). Like I said on other blog, hopefully gordon company doesn't get it.

I can speculate all i want..but in a dead economy we will be lucky if any stores get bought. i think we should all prepare for the worst..so when the time comes.. we wont be dissappointed or may even be pleasantly surprised. what is hard is playing the game the upper management wants. telling people they have a lifetime guarantee is very hard for some of us. we dont want to be made a liar.

So are they really just considering keep the 78 former freidmans stores?

I know of one person, in charge of a lot of people(read between the lines)in a certain area of the country (not chicago)that they should tell customers whatever they feel is right. Needless to say, this area is not doing too well and will definitely be one that is closed. But that is the attitude out there. I feel right now that a lot of wind has been taken out of the sails of the current management group. Things are not going according to their master plan. So if anyone needs buyers or office help, I am sure a lot of people downtown are looking for a position. Some good people down there, along with maybe some not so good.

Rob -Are there any other liquidators in the running? Is Gitanjali tied in with Gordon liquidators. I read that online someplace. Hey IY...are you referring to the lands west of Chicago/mid-West??? LOL!!!

Rob said Gordon Brothers had the highest bid, so I'm supposing that's not a tie...Hopefully more information will come out on Monday. Whitehall has been losing salespeople and especially managers for years, and now I'm seeing even more people jump ship at local stores. I'm curious as to what Whitehall's management is telling their employees.

WAY,WAY West! Although, I think I know where and who your talking about. That area is a mess. Lots of open to close shifts going on there with many more to come. Listen guys, management no longer cares about you, they will do whatever it takes and tell you whatever they have to to keep stores doors open til a final resolution comes. So get ready to put in a ton of hours with everyone leaving. Plenty of positions right now for the good salespeople of whitehall. Sterling has made so many moves they had a bigger than usual turnover these past few months. Same at Rogers and Holland. Upper management there has lost its mind and is putting a ton of pressure on its managers. So if you don't mind a little pressure, they have openings!!! Zales. Well, I guess if your desperate.

Whitehall employees who are not in malls are gonna have a hard time finding work. there arent any other jewelers in more "country locations." I'm gonna ride it out with liquidation because unemployment is better than no paycheck at all. i understand the managers compensation and bonuses are so good it may be worth staying for most of us.

Has any one heard any scoop on florida

Peace out what did you hear about managers comp and bonuses who ride it till the end?

there is usually a bonus of $500 (350) fter taxes to stay a couple of weeks after announcement and another of the same amount if your last stock balance is at about 97% complete. Forget promises of big $4000 bonus at end of liquidation if ALL stores make their sales goal. According to our liquidators at the last closing, we had all made bonus-guess what? no bonus! Whitehall said we didn't make goal-somebody lied and i am inclined to believe liquidators who said whitehall didn't pay up! Stay for the unemployment but DON'T believe the big bonus. You will not get 60 days notice-how can they? Everyone would jump ship,no one to run stores! Good luck to all but maintain perspective and common sense.

Been there is right! A bunch of us managers called each other to check productivity and percentages and the liquidators told us we had qualified for the big bonus however, Whitehall denies this and would not pay. In the end the home office said they felt bad for us so we got like 350.00. An insult to our intelligence! I have seen whitehall close a store by having the d.m. meet manager at gate at open and say it was closed! Everyone, please cover yourselves and have a backup plan. Rumor has it that home office is emptying out-people are leaving when they find something else.

The big question here is do we go or stay? I mean... big business aside...we have bills to pay, this is why we work in the first place. I am with who ever said the company would give us a 90 day notice LMAO,, yeah right even if they could.. how many would stay to the end? and we would have 2 or 3 working o to c 7 days a week ..and in the end all we would have is tired feet..i could just hear our DM yelling to sell sell sell when we have nothing in our cases to sell.

The company that did the liquidation a few years ago was The Gordon Co - out of Fla. someplace. The current liquidatiors Gordon Brothers is from Boston. They did the Bombay sale. My friend got a very big bonus....around $4K! Hey IY ---are we talking about the same dude - ZG...the Teflon Don! Is he still around??? LOL! Loser!

The sad thing is when you have good salespeople that are being told lies by the management in order to keep them. When the time comes that they're out of a job, they're going to be in a tougher position.

Hey 60 -90 days with a paycheck and benefits is better than unemployment! Either we stop bitching and go to another place..or shut up...a collect whatever we can! Xmas is a bitch wherever we work! Lots of hrs! I'll take the OT. COBRA costs a fortune.

I worked at exec. office and for a top dog. I was in first group laid off. No severance OR 60 day notice. All top dogs are still in dog house. Corp will find out Monday what their future holds. Glad to be outta there! Note - unemployment now pays 9 months instead of the basic 6.

Any news about the RVPs and DMs still out there?

Interesting note...it appears not all merchandise is being pulled on the consignment recall...i bet the creditors/vendors would be interested to know...also the RVPs and RMs are talking the same old crap....Do they think we are that naive or are they being that naive...

There is no doubt that the non-productive stores will be closing and you know who you are. There still seems to be interest in the other stores. Whitehall will change as we know it today but I have no doubt that it will continue and be successful.

Correction - Michael Hill is a Kiwi company. They have done very well and seem to be able to handle expansion and already have multi country experiance and have done a few take overs already. They may be able to do well in USA

Hey, WH, I wasn't bitching in reference to myself. I work for one of the competitors. I've seen a Whitehall manager in my area that is wholly ignorant of what's going on in the company and would tell the employees whatever it takes to keep them. The sad thing is, the person I was recruiting, who didn't come on board, is going to be in a much worse position when they come on board later, whether it's in two monrths or fourth months, however long it takes.

hey florida jeweler (maybe @floida mall) don't worry WH managers are definitely not ignorant as to what is really happening and if associates don't see writing on the wall.. kidding themselves ..people DON'T like change. Maybe you should try and refine you recruiting tactics.

No, I'm not who you think I am because I'm not over at Florida Mall. In regards to the particular manager I'm referring to, yes...this person is either ignorant or just refuses to see the writing on the wall. As far as my recruiting tactics are concerned, the person came to me first, then was talked into staying by the manager, so don't presume.

I think its great that the bankruptcy judge is finally "getting it" and the ruling about the UCCs either being or not being perfected.......one L versus 2 Ls is an insult to anyone following this case not to mention outright fraud. The bankruptcy judge is probably crying in his beer knowing the trustee he appointed will not be able to sell the memo goods and kick something good back to him. What should happen is the bankruptcy judge and his total list of his friends who are the appointed trustees in many cases should be arrested and jailed for all the money they have stolen from creditors over the years. The system really sucks ...Rob-if you and I were appointed trustees we wouldnt have to work for a real living! I think by delaying the auction decisions and not accepting the highest bid this just gives the trustee more billing hours to steal even more from the pot, which will provide the money necessary to give to the judge for his summer vacation. Just the thought that this idiotic judge would rule and state the companies with UCCs and memo goods would be better served by litigation is a horrific fraud which he is not only initiating but also participating in .....after all, once all the companies holding UCCs for memo goods start lawsuits against Whitehall, the trustee will defend these lawsuits and just keep billing ....great for the dishonest judge.....isnt this a total scam and shame, doesnt this just make your blood boil to know our system is so corruct but all the people involved (judge & trustee) all wear suits and ties!!!!!! you do the math

I do think a desision will happen this month.I also think if Gitanjali don't take the majority of the stores,Gordon Bros.will buy then turn them for a profit.

I expect it will likely be made official today. Gordon Brothers bid will be accepted and the company liquidated. Gitanjali has pulled out.

You seem pretty sure about that CrankyDave. Are you speculating or do you know?

Stuart - you are soooooooooo right about the corruption!!! I think we are sinking...ala Titanic. It's over buds! Hey CrankyDave - where did you find out that Gitanjali has pulled out???

@ Still Hopeful... Unfortunately, not speculating. @ WH... My wife works in Chicago... for the moment anyway. I truly wish I'm wrong but as I said, I would expect something "official" today.

Just heard from corp - Whji to be liquidated.

I work for WH too, why wouldn't I know as well????? RB has not made it official....Are you 100% sure?

Unfortunately yes Still Hopeful.

Thanks Cranky. Yes, it's true. Rc'd 2nd email fm exc stff-2wks.

Thanks for the update. Wished I could have heard it from my own people. What a very sad time for WH employees. Not so hopeful any more.

1st Group...what do you mean "2 wks?" Anybody have a copy of the email that we can post here?

When is the sale going to start????

WH-all I can confirm is some staff hve told whn last work date. One said today, another said 2wks. Apparently a mtg took place this am.

Are you referring to people at the HO? It's not 2 weeks for us in the field, is it?

Separation notices have been served to the folks at corporate and the dates (subject to change) are anywhere from today until late December. Another caveat here is let's not forget that this still needs to be approved by the judge.

Hey, everyone. I'm working on a story for the main site right now, but the company head just sent out an email saying the "chances of continuing as a going concern" ended on Friday and the company will not "function as a standalone entity." I think the question now is how many stores are bought, and that's a pretty open question that may get negotiated down to the deadline. The details are still in flux, but the overarching picture is pretty clear. Anyway, we're all reading your messages and wish everyone the best, and hope to keep you appraised of any new twists and turns ...

Hey 1stgroup, did you see a lot of "scrap" being sent out of your area to someone other than a refiner? Right upto now, could even be some "broken" memo goods considered SCRAP AND UNSELLABLE. Don't know who you worked for.

Thanks for the article Rob! Is there a court date this week to decide the final deals?

Court date looks like Friday August 8 ... again, good luck to everyone ...

I saw someone said two wks. we were told in fl. 6wks business as normal or is that a buch of crap too!!!!!!!

I'm confused too! Some stores liquidating; some sold; some open thru Xmas??? Huh Someone please explain to me!!! Are the DMs/VPs getting pink slips?

Beyond frustration, if you've ever seen this happen before, which I have several times (although not been a part of it), you know that you don't trust what you're told. At this point, they're going to tell you what they want to keep you as long as it benefits them.

If the store is under 600,000 and not making money, it will more than likely close. Bigger volume stores will stay open, liquidators will love filling them up with more crap of theirs to sell at 70 off. More than likely the liquidator will not need all DM's, maybe a few, but most go. I would tend to believe there is little need for VP's. Funasaki is running company til the end.

IY-are you at HQ? Yes, MD left and MF & RN incharge. HQ rcd papers. Some left today other by 8/15 and a few till year end. Although that too could change. Don't know details about stores.

In the end-All you can do is all you can do! All you can do sometimes is show up to your cute little or big beautiful stores and take care of each customer the best you can. Like you would want to be treated. The economy - the biz - your company - your stock mix quite often there's nothing you can do about it. What you can do is make sure that bride has the ring she's always dreamt of - that gift will light up their eyes - the gift your customer is buying for themselves to brighten up their day will do the trick. If you don't love it and it's still not fun everyday maybe your in the wrong biz. Of course, I work for a Gitanjali company and truthfully I love it! It's the best thing that has happened to my cute little store! It's still not easy it's retail!

So basically, Gitanjigirl, you just wanted to rub it in because they're not being bought by Gitanji. Realistically, everything you said is true, but it really didn't have anything to do with what's going on. It's a great statement to make and I love your positive attitude, but all it did was rub it in to those who currently work for Whitehall.

IY Any word yet on the fate of the RVPs...(esp. our friend in the Far West)?

florida jeweler, I could not have said it better myself. While Gitanjali girl is so happy and the bride she sold the "perfect ring" we still need to feed, clothe, and shelter our children. I am SOOOO!! glad Gitanjali girl is happy happy joy joy. Walk on our side for a day!

Anything new? I am not see anything on the internet. This blog is the only info.

Are we supposed to continue to sell our "lifetime diamond guarantee"? I feel like we are misleading our customers, well, we are. We've been told business as usual until the liquidators take over. Here's a question, how can the dm's make the announcement of total liquidation and not know what company is doing the liquidating?

Choking on pearls - nice meeting you today. Store looked great and I'll be back if a "biggest sale ever" develops. Good luck to all Whji sales staff!

Rob, if there is a possibility of some us us being sold in groups...who would the future owner buy from?? Gordon bros.??? Have you heard anything on that rumor. As you can see WH empls. have a lot of driving spirit.

Hey fla .. Well I guess it's still up in the air if the company will be turned over to Gordon Brothers or whether this will all be handled by the company itself ... I am not 100% sure on this, but I think all purchases have to be approved by the court, which means the store's fates could be decided pretty quickly ... But I have no extra info right now, and I like to think that you guys at the store level would be better informed than me at this point ...

I for 1 would like to know what is being done with the people who's business practices are less than ethical and definately not in the best practices of our industry, ie "

Well said hang me, even if it did take you a while to get it all out. Someone profited off of this deal and it was not the store personel. "it was not my choice" yeah right Mr Donn, your greed made you do it. It was definitely not our choice and neither were you.

This mess started back when the Patinkins owned the company. I think that the brother(s) lined their pockets with stupid business decisions and rode the rail to oblivion. I also think that when Hugh, a really nice person from all accounts, realized that the house of cards was shaking the stress got him. Then a laundry list of mental midgets came and went taking the company from it's middle class niche to "high end" hell which didn't sell to mid-mediocre. The smart one was the chick who looked at the books and ran home to Penney's.(beryl Raff). The books were not cooked they were nuked! Mike Don was just the last loser standing! p.s. gitanjjaliallthway-SHUT THE F--K UP!

I just want to thank you for letting us express our freedom of speech in America...Not

WHY do you think Dayoob left before this. He saw it coming and didn't want anyone to say he destroyed a company. There is a big ego that took a ton of all your money!!!!!! Looks like everyone forgot him ,plan worked a little I guess.

Hey, hang me, we're pretty lenient here, but when people make serious charges against people by name, and do it anonymously ... well, it doesn't sit right by me. You could probably say the same thing without including specific names, and I welcome you to do so ... if you have any other further questions about this, you can write me at rbates@reedbusiness.com. In any case, I understand this is an emotional time, but please, people, keep it civil. - Rob

Lets just say I have a lot of personal connections there, now and before.

I apologize Rob. Frustration runs deep, especially when it affects many people you know.

Hey Rob, what does not sit well with me is that you sit behind a keyboard and do not live it. Do not pretend to know how those of us who live it feel. I am with hang me and quelching freedom of speech does not sit well and you should feel very much like a member of the book burning club right now!!!-jp

That chick from Gitanji, are you nuts? #1, all the cute little stores are going to be boarded up. They are cute but lose lots of money which your company nor others want. The ones that do make money have a chance at survival, but do not need your sappy comments right now. Go back to selling your $99 rings.

You are right about Gitanjaligirl going a little off subject,I rather have a salesperson like her working in my store than IY,hang em,sally or anyone else who want to be negitive to one of us.With comments like that,I wonder how you treat your customers!

Ha,ha.

Hey fellow Whji's. I agree, this all stinks. Certain execs profitted alot from this disaster. They should get what they deserve. And as for Ms. Gitanjahgirl, take it from me. Your wonderful company is not as innocent in all this as they seem. (Believe me, I am in the know). The games they played with us they'll play with you if it'll make them a buck. So stop your gloating! Rob, you were very informative when none of us had any information. Thanks for the info. Everyone is on pins and needles waiting for the court decision Friday. It will be good when this is all over. Everyone in the stores.... hang in there. Some of you will be affected soon. Only the strong will survive out there. Monday we should have more info. Taje care guys and be strong.

1stgroupcut, Thanks, Nice Meeting you also ! Yes our store is nice and our staff is great, We care a great deal about the store and our customers, and all are more than upset by the news, Its a sad, sad thing when we build our life around a business, and in one fail swoop....pooofff ( thats french for oopps) its gone. Now its just a waiting game to see how long we have, it was a hard evening there, many many calls and stop ins from coustomers wanting more info that we can give.

I am so happy for the wretched DMS and Managers who treated their employees with disrespect. They personally owned the company at the expence of the low paid employees. If you did not make your goal write ups were in order. Bye I am out of here and good luck to those who are all going to be searching for new jobs

We are all in Gods hands. I have to believe when one door closes another one opens. We will be alright. as for the ones who had a hand in our downfall....they will get theirs....whatever you do in life - good, bad, or ugly....comes back around to you. This is sooooooooooo sad. I grieved with and for the Friedman's associates and here we are again, barely got a deep breath and it's time for more grieving. The hardest part for me is working so hard for so many years to build a good business and take care of our customers (and there is no way to explain this mess to the customer) I feel like I have let my customers and my associates down. Although I know I had nothing to do with it, it still hurts. Thanks to everyone. It's been really great working with all of you. Thanks to Rob for keeping us informed, you care more than our so called Company does. WE WILL SURVIVE!

heard the most of the friedmans sotres are getting picked up by a company that starts with an "h". friedmans managers, just reward could possibly await. keep prayin.

Hey everyone ... not sure how much this means in the great scheme of things, but Gordon Brothers, the high bidder in last week's auction, just filed some court papers objecting to a proposed plan by Whitehall to enlist Great American (another liquidator) instead of Gordon Brothers ... Not sure how much that matters to the people here, and still not hearing anything solid regarding possible sales, other than what the (former) CEO said in his email ...

thanks for your comment back to me. NO the co. is not keeping any of us informed even the ones who were "well connected". Most info has come out of your website. Even my rm didn't know of this site. Pretty scary< I know. Please if you can keep up with us out here and keeping us informed. But don't worry I applied to labor pool yesterday...LOL

The commest abopve is for Rob!!!!!!!!!

Hey bench jeweler, I understand the way you are thinking. But, I am speaking in reality for those that are being spun and have no clue on whats going on. All of my employees are very happy, SECURE, and motivated daily. For you to think we talk this way outside of this forum is a bit crazy. But again, I understand where you are coming from. That girl from the G company has no idea where or what that company is planning. They are out to make a buck with or without her. Everything is always rosy when there isn't something like this going on. So,if I offended anyone by telling you what probably will happen, i apologize for destroying your hopes. But at least you can get a move on.

Anyone....will the remaining DMs and RVPs get pink slips? I understand that most liquidators don't want these types around to run interference with their BS and old and scumbag ways! Hope so....I'm tired of them - acting like its biz as usual!! Yeah - right!! What's going to happen with the JSPs?

Hey Rob - anything more on the Whitehall plan to use another liquidation company? (Who is Great American???)Why would they do this? This stuff is confusing. Glad you are here to interpret all this crap!

To stay or not to stay....that is the question!

Great American was one of the three liquidators (along with Silverman and...another one I am too lazy to look up) that liquidated Friedman's/Crescent.

Great American Hudson Capital and Silverman's liquidated Friedman's. All the Freidman's staff that I know were compensated quite nicely with fat incentive bonuses. Rock On Whitehall!! Good things to come....

@yes we can. Fat incentive? Do you mean separation pay?

my friend's sotre liquidated with great american and got 3500k in bonuses and incentives. her staff got 1.5% commission on everything they sold, but i understand this was determined by friedmans and not by the liquidation company.

The waiting is what is making my wife go nuts. Could the stores close after the 8th?

No, I think the stores will be liquidated w/a sale and not just closed.The liquidation sale will go on for at least 3 months...maybe longer, I guess. There is no point in just closing! Not sure what happens if your store is purchased by the Aussis or the Indians. Does anyone know what happens if this is the case?(A sale to one of these companies)

It is naive to assume that stores will close prior to the Dec. selling season. It sounds like an opportunity to bank some fat money then draw the unemployment while regrouping next year. Inventory is never in shortage during liquidation.

Thx yes we can. I like your attitude! I agree, go for the bucks and then take a little r&r with unemployment. Take time to find a good job etc.

Usually the sale of a bankrupt / liquidating store's location to another company includes inventory, so I would think there is a good chance there will be at the very least a clearance sale, especially if there is a disparity between the Whitehall merchandise and the buyer's merchandise (for example, if a guild store wanted a Whitehall location). If the new company does NOT include inventory, and just buys the lease (and fixtures?)...I'm not sure, but wouldn't Whitehall have to ship out all the product in the store and the buyer ship in all new product? I'm sure they can just buy the lease too, and remodel/refurnish the store and fill it with whatever they want. I have no idea what happens to the employees in that case...maybe train at another of the buyer's locations?

What happened to the Friedmans stores that WH bought? Did they liquidate? Or did WH ship in WH merch to them? Did the Friedmans associates become WH?

Just spoke to a source at the Gordon Bros the "jewelry merchandise" company who is in the know... Gordon Bros the "liquidation company"(2 separate entities)...Although Gordon Bros. had the highest bid at the auction, apparently the "stalking horse group" consisting of Great American,Hudson, and Silverman is trying to lay claim to the whole shooting match...The way I understand it, the Whitehall creditors will decide if they will accept the bid from Gordon or will they recoup more of the money owed them by doing the Great American deal...Heres the way it looks, if Gordon gets the deal some stores will close, some stores will be sold...If Great American gets the deal it is going to be a straight out liquidation...Keep in mind the judge has to give his stamp of approval on either outcome...Best of Luck

Rob: How do you interpret the above comment from DH? Does this seem a likely scenario? Do you have an opinion as what is a better case scenario - Gordon Bros or the other guys?

the Friedmans locations are still open operating under WH Jewelers, some with the Friedmans sign still on the front. They kept their merchandise and got sent some of the WH stuff too. The associates became WH employees

WH1 ... Haven't heard that, and there really hasn't been much coming over the transom for now other than what I'm hearing from you guys (remember, tips can be sent to rbates@reedbusiness.com).. According to Gordon Brothers' petition, Whitehall wants to go with Great American (the other names weren't mentioned); GB has filed an objection to that. I think Great American was thought to have done a pretty good job with the Friedman's liquidation, and their involvement didn't preclude those 78 stores being sold, so I'd say the jury is out. In any case, if you go to the "docket" at the Whitehall bankruptcy page (tinyurl.com/5a886y), GB's petition is #503.

So if Gordon Bros gets it - the stores that the Aussis and Indians want will be sold to them (and THEY run them w/or w/o a name change & with the current WH merch and some of their own merch)and the rest of us get liquidated... or if Great American gets it - they will just liquidate the whole chain - the good-the-bad-whatever??? And nothing is sold to the Aussis and Indians. Is this right???

WH1, again, that is what the above poster says, based on what someone told him. I have no idea if that's true ...

Thanks for the info Rob. Seems like anything may happen! Either way it's "see ya WH"!!! Who's Next????

The above scenerio is the opposite. Gordon Brother's is a liquidator and that is what they do along with valuing inventories for outside agencies and consulting. If GB gets the nod it is more likely that there will be some immediate store closings followed by a total liquidation of WH merchandise and other GB merchandise that they bring into the stores. The likelyhood that they sell individual or blocks of stores are not good. Liquidation is what they do. Again this smacks of glad handing by WH to wiggle out of an agreement that is in the best interest of the creditors and vendors.

@ whitehall hubby ... I understand the trepidation. The best think IMO opinion is for the both of you to try and relax as best you can given the situation. It's almost a certainty that stores will remain open as a means of selling the merchandise. Which ones and how many is a question that's yet to be answered. I wish your family the best of luck.

As far as the sale of stores is concerned, much has to do with the potential return for the creditors rather than the particular liquidator.

Someone pretty knowledgeable just told me it will make "no difference at all" which liquidator is chosen, as far as whether stores are sold or closed. So now we have three different opinions on that topic -- but I'm pretty inclined to believe the person I just talked to and that it won't much matter ...

Rob and all the rest of us... a hunch, knowledgeble inof, or a lead... nothing matters in the end because WE have no control over it. The only purpose all of these comments have made is for us whij's to vent. WHIJ doesn't give a rats ass. so I am signing off and going to try and get a night of sleep. Bye Whitehall!!!!!!

To Tim Murray-thank you for being the best supervisor I ever had! You always treated me with the utmost respect and professionalism, leading by example, supporting staff and making all feel like an integral part of the solution not the problem. (miss the dry humor) I wish you all the best...take some time to enjoy that big screen! denise from asheboro

does this mean Tim Murray has exited?

no! But since the company is liquidating I assume that he will be moving on as well at some point. I just wanted to use this forum to wish him well! I left in Dec. but have been keeping up w/ developments.

rob, by any chance do you know... after the court date, how long does it usually take for buyouts (if any) occur? You must really feel like the "whitehall guru" by now.

after friday meeting-winner is in charge and whitehall supervisors and up have no more authority right?

I have info for some of you or at least you can pass on info. A few mgr positions are open at Fred Meyer in Ohio. I was approached by a district mgr there. Although I am not leaving my company, someone might like the opportunity they have. Sounded decent, and they are fairly solid company. The gentlemans name was John, he was a district mgr and he had several stores he needed to fill.

For the person wondering when the liquidation will start, at Friedman's they had a conference call @ 5pm the day the sale was approved and said we start liquidation now and Great American was taking over from this point forward. They said a liquidation agent would be in touch. At 6pm we got on another call for the 78 stores for them to tell us we got bought and it would finalize after the inventory and to hang tight.

Just to vent a little, when we were bought by WH our DM basically came in and let us know that we had been working for a 3rd rate co. and they didn't think very much of FJ or it's training or it jewelry or anything else. Basically it was "We're your saviors and you guys know nothing". I couldn't break it to them that WH was 10 years behind on the training, merchandising, procedures, and communication. Working for FJ was way more professional than WH. And I also hate to break it to them, the WH jewelry in not any better than what I had w/ FJ. I was hoping another co. would come and do the same to them, but no one will probably be around above store level if there is a buy. FJ also trained assoc. how to sell merchandise - not lowest sales price. Good luck to everyone out there - deja vu all over again.

the bottom line is the employees. the everyday hard working men and women who face their customers time and time again trying to offer some kind of sense to all of this. whj employees hold your head up you have done what you were told to do. it's sad no matter how it comes out, maybe we are pointing our fingers at the wrong people, let's try the gov't.

Hey WHJ Employees. Give it up. Your ship is sinking. You are jewelry professionals that need to take a serious look at some of the other companies. Forget your loyalties and move on. Get out while you can before you get the "

Cont...."failure" brand attached to your resume for sticking around. There are plenty of stores looking for you. Open your eyes. You need to take care of you now!

Question for Rob: When you said earlier it won't make a difference which liquidator gets WH, did you mean whoever gets us will liquidate the entire company? I agree with Connie Connor. Chicago already knows this is a sinking ship but the stores need to wake up. Only a handful will be saved if any. The veeps had no loyalty to anyone. Why kill yourselves over the holidays to line the pockets of liquidators and help the RM's DVP's get huge bonuses while you get crumbs? Go find a company that gives you the respect you deserve.

Hey One of You...what makes you think the DMs and VPs are going to be around - especially as they will have no more power!??? I understand that they usually get the ax? Anybody know for sure what's going to become of them???

once the liquidation starts the dm's and up are out! They are no longer your supervisor because he liquidators own the stores. those who stay will never be branded a failure, how inane! The company failed and those who stay will probably be staying for bonus, insurance and a paycheck to feed their famiy until they find another job!

You guys need to focus on what you can change personally and forget about everything beyond your control. If you decide to stay do the best you can or start building bridges to your future.

OK ... This won't come as a surprise to anyone here, but last night Whitehall filed a motion to enlist Great American, along with Silverman and Hudson, to conduct store closing sales ... Here is the filing: tinyurl.com/6zjkqd (PDF) ... There was no mention of stores being sold (which would preserve jobs), but that might still happen, as it did in Friedman's case, which involved the same three companies. If I can try to find some good news in all this, in addition to the possible store sales, it's that the Friedmans' liquidation was considered an extremely successful one as far as sales. I'd be interested if any ex-Friedman's people can speak about experiences. I should note that there is one other twist and turn here: Gordon Brothers had the high bid at the last week's auction and has filed an objection asking the court to block the Great American deal. So it seems like there will be gamesmanship to the end. What a strange case. Again, my best to everyone here ... I'll probably write something up for the main site, but I wanted you guys to know first.

Rob: if you look at Exhibit A to that filing on the very last page it shows the 17 stores that are "Potential Going-Concern Sale Stores"

Didn't notice that at all, so thank you... That list can be seen on the last page here: tinyurl.com/6s7lkk. They are all in Illinois, with two in Missouri. Those seem to be the Michael Hill stores; I guess Gitanjali is still a question mark.

That's a pretty short list of "potential going concern" stores, BUT at least there is a list and some possibilities for a few employees, right?

Wife is saying they are sending back 12 faxed pages of stuff, almost all of their diamonds.

Hey Whitehall Hubby, Maybe you are going to have to get a job and let the wife stay home and blog for a while.

we be diamonds, keep it business. Personal attacks really aren't welcome.

Sorry that I love and support my wife WeBe. Job? Is that one of those 7Am to 3Pm things? I haven't seen a 40 hour work week in years.

Hey Rob- I'm confused! Gordon Bros "wins" the bid in auction (that went to 4 am) and now another liquidator is able to offer another type of deal to WH??? What is the point of winning the auction??? Can you explain this to us????

PS Rob- Isn't GB planning on running going out of business sale? I am perplexed by this latest turn. What do you think???

WH -- I was afraid someone was going to ask me that ... Apparently, Whitehall can ignore the auction results in the event of a "going concern bid" or a "fee bid." Whitehall says Great American et al submitted a "fee bid"; Gordon Brothers calls it an "equity bid," which would disqualify it. So, if this isn't worked out by Friday, the judge will have to decide whether the liquidation chores are handed to the GA-consortium or Gordon Brothers. Don't ask me to explain the difference between a "fee bid" and an "equity bid"; I don't know, and I'm not sure it's worth my while to find out. But there you have it. There might be other subtleties here that I'm missing, but that is my (limited) understanding of it. Perhaps some bright person out there can bring more clarity to this subject. Also, I have a new Whitehall article up on the main site -- and by the way, Floridajeweler, well said ...

[A] RVP ... had a conference call this morning with his district managers and told them to pick the store they would want to have and go in and either step-down the manager or terminate them and take over the store. People like [him] being around so long are a big part of why Whitehall is in the mess it is in! [He] has cost the company more quality people throughout the years. [Message edited by moderator.]

Southwest guy ... nothing personal, but before this goes any further, please remember that I work for a company too, and this blog is governed by Reed Elsevier's "terms of use," which can be seen at the bottom of this page. Those terms forbid, among other things, defamatory content (which, I will add, is not protected by the First Amendment.) So if you want to talk about specific people, go to blogger.com or something and set up your own forum to do that. But with all due respect, we can't have people doing that here. Sorry. I don't like to play Big Brother, but I would also like to this forum to continue. If you want to discuss this further, my email is rbates@reedbusiness.com ...

Hey Rob and WH, as you may remember, Whitehall won the Friedman's auction. The auction was for the whole chain. The Board of directors chose not to accept the bid as it was and instead went with Great American et al. The Lucky 78 that were bought were after the auction. It looks like this may be the same kind of situation here. The easiest way for me to equate it is an ebay reference. If I sell something, but I want to definitely make a certain dollar amount, I put a reserve on it. That way I know I make the $ I want. There may be some similar situation here. Personally speaking, the liquidation through Friedman's was, for me, a relatively smooth process. There was miscommunication at times, but at no point was my liquidator a jerk. There is a hierarchy to this liquidation trio. Great American is the administration and operations wing, Silverman supplies supplemental/ augmented goods to help keep the showcases stocked, and Hudson capital is the guys " in the field." Bottom line, if Whitehall wants Great American instead of Gordon Brothers, it is their prerogative to do so.

More ppl are being cut at the Corp Office...when will they be letting the RM'S &

Are there any other sources for communication out there? Would someone please direct me with a link?

Hey SW Boy.....you are so right about this guy!!! HE is the problem!!!! Where did you hear that the RVPs can boot SMs out??? That would surely constitute unwrongful termination and could open up lawsuits (can you sue after bankruptcy???) Do you have any more info on this???? Usually liquidators want the old management out out out!!!

Not to mention that the RVP rate of pay eats up any pr budget. My friend from Friedmans told me that they were on a short leash w/pr. So if the RVPs boot out SM...surely they would have to go down to a much lower pay rate. Can't imagine all the long hours and a bonus of a few thou would be worth it to them. Anyone else on this wrinkle. I'm from an area way away from you SW guy but I KNOW who you are talking about!!!!

My understanding is WH wants Great American because some exec has ties with them and they will keep the head honchos and some rvps and dms on longer than another liquidator. I guess they would rather keep paying themselves than try to make any good with their creditors. Hopefully the judge will be wise to their blatant disregard of the law. How many underhanded games are they going to be allowed to play and how long are they going to keep getting all their dollars while everyone else struggles? If Chicago is any indication, someone else will be running the show soon since no one will be left in Chicago. Hopefully, they could baby sit these guys until they're out on their ear where they belong. This is getting way out of hand..enough games already. just pay your creditors and take the Fred Meyer posse to another company to destroy.

I'm sure the liquidators, once in charge, will keep tabs on store payroll. They're not going to have regional/district manager's salary leaching money from the stores. I'd imagine even if a DM demotes himself/herself into one of his store's management positions (which sounds SO fishy!) that she's/he's going to be forced to take a pay cut. I'd reccomend everyone take all the comments with a grain of salt. Rob's doing an excellent job here. At least this isn't as hush-hush as the Friedman's debacle.

TO:2sad , Yes you can sue someone after,or during a bankruptcy as long as you are not a creditor,however you can not "

SORRY continued due to computer error : Can not " sue" your employer , you can however file charges of wrongful termation, Is what you heard the truth? or was this person kidding? Its getting hard to keep up with truth VS rumors. I have seen the list of the 17 stors in IL and MO that were going up for sale? can someone please tell me what they will be selling? Whitehall does not own the property nor the merchandise in the cases, so whats to sell? our customers? who now are all shopping across the hall due to the chapter 11 news? ummmmmm can someone enlighten me on the selling of the 17 stores?

I think that these are the stores that the Aussi Co Michael Hill want to buy. My understanding is that if they are sold- Hill will take ownership...maybe change the name....sell off the WH merch and then add their own. One of the Friedmans-who-became-WH should be able to illuminate. Think the employees in good standing will stay employed. But that's it. The rest of us are on borrowed time...till the end of the year. I have a hunch that the liquidators wil be much better to deal with than the current WH losers.

Mall Jewelry Boy: I agree with you, Rob is doing a wonderful job, I have gotten more info from this site than from any other sorce. THANKS ROB! you are my new hero

Let's hope that the judge rules 2-morrow and we all know who we will be dealing with!!! Think positive! Change is very very hard. But we have no choice. Get your resume ready. Only you/me will know if we should: 1. stay through Xmas 2. Leave as soon as we get a new job We are professionals and we should all be able to get a good job!!!! It can't get worse than this!!! Look what we have had to deal with over these past 3 years!!!! So many CEOs...so many mistakes!!!! Tell me why WH should have survived??? We had no real reason to be! Zales and Kays's have the brand recognition. WH never did! Especially when Hugh died and the parade of goof-balls took control!!!! Trying to be high end!!! What a joke!!! Who was that girl from Donna Karen who was VP Merch??? Matthew P had no idea what to do when Hugh died. Poor guy (Fredo)!!!! And these guys from Fred Meyer!!!! Hey - we were dead before any of us knew it.

WH: i agree on all points

jewelry mall boy... there is nothing "fishy" about what the RVP's told DM's to do. My DM turned the offer down or so they said.. I just hope my DM doesn't have a change of heart... my store is probably the most appealing (sales wise) and I have children to feed. I will say that after today I hate Wh the most... doing that million piece stock recall ... no benifit to me , my store, or the co. just a lot of aggrevation and them giving us the screw one more time.

I'm glad I stayed with the liquidators of FRDM. They were really a great bunch no quota's and guaranteed comm. Told up front only the productive stores would stay til the end. (set by the Judge) June 30th all stores would be closed by then. We did not get a severance package, we did receive a chose to stay bonus. Also received a very nice shrinkage bonus. no pressure to sell lol But sell we did. Liquidators did all the hard work we just had to show up for work and sell our hearts out. We did great we were one of the last stores Closed. I would do it again in a heartbeat. Now I'm taking a long paid vacation til after Christmas. (unemployment) Do your best stay professional the best is yet to come.

I JUST WANT TO KNOW WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO PEOPLES VACATION PAY WHEN ALL OF THIS IS SAID AND DO ALL IS THERE ANY SEVERANCE PAY? LET ME GUESS PEOPLE WHO HAVE BEEN WITH WHITEHALL FOR MANY YEAR HAVE NO LEG TO STAND ON RIGHT?

Unused vacation is paid in your last paycheck, frdm employees did not get a severance package. I'm guessing WH will be the same. And after many yrs. w/FRDM I get to spend this Christmas Eve with my FAMILY. Look at the brightside there is life after Whitehall!!!!!

Yes, indeed there is life after Whji! After one month of unemployment, a new job w/better pay and unbelievable benefits. Better jobs are out there! Good luck to my fellow Whji HQ friends!

I guess today at 10AM the judge starts.

hubby, where are you getting you info on court date etc...

see earlier blog to find the court docket website it has all petiitions,pleadings and orders from judge gross.

Scroll up. You will have to cut and paste the tiny url links to get them to work. It's all there.

Anyone heard any info about what is going on yet? Any more news of more stores being purchased?

worried1...they are all in court now someplace in the East where it is now 1:30pm. The worst has already happened. Now you have to decide what YOU want to do! WH as we knew it is over! Door has slammed shut....and a new one is opening. I bet it is better! Just figure you are in a lifeboat rowing away from the sinking Titanic!!!! You've survived!!!

Rob: any news???

any news on who won or what is going on yet?

rumor has it that Friedmans is complaining they were never paid for the 78 stores. Is this true? If so, how could this effect the outcome of things.

Hey guys -- I posted something on my "Diamond Shavings," but the upshot is: No news -- at least, that I've heard. If I do hear something, I will get it here as soon as possible, I promise. (Regarding Friedman's: If you go to the court docket, you can see there was a filing about a few days ago.)

All you people need to stop lying and get back to work. You should be grateful that you still have a job!

The problem is that anyone can enter any name and make any comment. I doubt seriously that you are a VP of anything and I suspect that you wish to yield some negative influences here. I think we all need to see this thing through and make our decisions carefully. I for one don't want to walk away with nothing and I know that all the Friedman's people did well in an off season. December liquidation is going to yield some fat pay checks regardless of who gets the thing.

What would you be considering a lie? I would say there are people on here worried about their lively hood!!!

Hey CA VP, who are all the people that are 'lying'??? And who says WE aren't grateful to have jobs???

re ca vp...must have forgotten your meds again!

Right on Yes We Can! I've heard that the "real" CA VP is one treacherous dog who helped bury this company!!! One serious viper creep. Hope they toss his butt out asap!!!

Another good point for all of us to remember is that the Company falls first from the top on Day 1. See Ya... Rock On People!!!!

Yippeeeeee. Couldn't happen to a better group of rats! Sayonara!!! We should all hang in during the liquidation. Do a great job...make some great $$ and then move on!

Rob...Its 5 pm est - will the court adjourn until Mon? Or do they keep on going until this is resolved???

has anyone considered the recall isnt due until monday? they would not put us in liquidation until that merchandise is at the support office. i suspect this thing will drag on thru the weekend.

OK ... I've been listening to this court hearing all day .. and they are STILL talking about who the liquidator will be. Eesh! They mentioned this morning they would get to the going concern bids, but so far, they haven't. It's quite dull and seems to be going in circles. So yes, I agree with my friend Peaceout, this could really drag on, and I don't know if they will go on through the night or adjourn to Monday. And so far, sorry, no news. Anyway, I only plan to subject myself to a half hour more of this, and then I have to get to other things. For those who care ...I really don't know the law here -- but it seems that Gordon Brothers has the better case. I mean, the GB guy on the stand was practically sputtering -- he was so mad about the whole thing. But the Great American deal has the support of everyone, including the creditors, and the guy from Great American was certainly a good witness, so who knows? The WH lawyers seem like people who just push everything to th