Barrier’s files Chapter 11; future uncertain

WICHITA — Barrier’s, the longtime jewelry store at Douglas and Oliver, has filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy with $938,788 in liabilities and $2,815,582 in assets.

“We have made a Chapter 11 filing, and now we’re in the process of planning our next steps,” says Mary Ellen Barrier.

Barrier says she can’t say whether the bankruptcy means the store will close or sell.

“I just do not know yet,” she says. “All these final decisions have not been made.”

Barrier doesn’t want to say much more until her attorney, Ed Nazar, comments on the filing. He was not immediately available.

Barrier says Barrier’s is getting ready for an in-store sale.

“We look forward to seeing all our friends and customers at that time,” she says.

And as for the bankruptcy, she says, “We regret doing it very much.”

Look for more information on this story later today.

  • cwsloanjr

    Just for the record, are you sure that Mary Ellen Barrier is the widow of the store’s founder? I may be wrong, but I believe she is at least the widow of the second generation.

  • LLTJHT

    I sure hope they don’t close. I really like shopping there.

  • Carrie Rengers

    Hey, cwsloanjr –

    Thanks for alerting me. I was working from home this morning and didn’t have the benefit of our archives. I thought Mrs. Barrier’s husband was the founder, but you’re right — it was his father.

    Thanks for your help.

    Carrie

  • mollydodd

    This makes me so sad. What a lovely store.

  • Carrie Rengers

    Hey, cwsloanjr:

    The funny thing is the bankruptcy filing has it wrong, too! It says John and his father founded it together.

    Oh, well.

    Carrie

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