Express and Limited Stores on the Block?

WWD is reporting that Limited Brands Inc. is deep in the process of shedding its apparel chains including its namesake Limited stores and the once powerful, now faded Express. It has been a long time since The Limited was an influential store. (Remember the endless supply of shaker sweaters in the 80's? Well, maybe you weren't born yet.) Express has had more success recently, but hasn't done well against the onslaught of fast fashion chains like H&M, Zara and even Forever 21, but maybe they haven't been putting up much of a fight. Perhaps being based in Ohio has kept them too far from fashion's leading edge. Chairman, founder, CEO and all around Emperor of Limited Brands, Leslie H. Wexner has stated that his company's future is in beauty products (Bath & Body Works, C.O. Bigelow) and innerwear (Victoria's Secret), and apparently has no sentimental attachment to the chain that gave birth to his company. Schottenstein Stores and Gordon Brothers Group are reportedly the leading suitors for the chains as well as a possible management buyout led by Limited Apparel Group president, Jay Margolis. It's too early to say what anyone's plans might be for the chains, and there are 260 Limited and 658 Express locations to dispose of. Some analysts believe that it would be wiser to attempt to turn the stores fortunes around a bit before selling them. With all its locations, wouldn't Express be a perfect candidate for a Topshop-style makeover? We're just saying...
Evolving Limited Brands: Group Said Nearing Sale Of Two Apparel Chains (WWD)