Jennyfer: French court to review employee fate amid partial buyout offers
Jennyfer, primarily targeting a teenage audience, has faced financial difficulties for several seasons. The company entered receivership in 2023 and was sold in the summer of 2024 to two of its executives, Yann Pasco and Jean-Charles Gaume, with backing from their Chinese supplier, Shanghai Pure Fashion Garments Co. Ltd. Despite efforts to modernize its image and expand its customer base; the relaunch failed to deliver.
As employees await the court's decision, uncertainty looms. On May 21, stores across the network closed for the day in protest, allowing staff to voice their concerns and push for fair severance arrangements. Signs displayed in store windows read:
'We, the employees, continue to work to the end, with courage, loyalty, and professionalism, despite the uncertainty, moral pressure, and lack of prospects. And today, no recognition. NONE. No bonuses, no compensation, no acknowledgment of our efforts.'
Following the protest, employees reportedly secured a modest gain. Myriam Boumendjel, a representative from the CFE -CGC union, told FashionNetwork.com:
'A value-sharing bonus and a performance bonus tied to work done since the liquidation—about 1,800 euros per employee—were granted. We're working like crazy under difficult conditions, so it's only fair that we receive recognition. The administrators and receivers shouldn't be the only ones benefitting.'
According to reporting by Le Monde, an internal survey by employee representatives revealed that two-thirds of the workforce would prefer to be laid off rather than join a new company under a new owner. A final decision on the bids is not expected this Wednesday but is anticipated in two weeks.
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